Abstract:
Objective This study aimed to determine the outcome of the residual tissue measured by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) after ultrasound ablation for uterine fibroids.
Methods A total of 77 patients with uterine fibroids subjected to high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation were enrolled in this study undertaken in the First Affiliated Hospital of the Chongqing Medical University.The patients were grouped into three based on the different non-perfused volume(NPV) rates measured by MRI within 1 month after ultrasound ablation.Group A comprised 24 patients whose NPV ratios were more than 90%.Group B comprised 28 patients whose NPV ratios were from 70% to 90%.Group C comprised 22 patients whose NPV ratios were less than 70%.MRI was used to monitor the change in residual tumor volume of the three groups 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.All re-treated cases were recorded.
Results The mean residual tumor volumes of group A were 3.18 ± 1.70, 1.88 ± 0.99, 1.00 ± 0.54, 0.44 ± 0.20 cm3at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, respectively.These results indicated a significant decrease with time(P < 0.01).The mean residual tumor volumes of group B were 6.72 ± 3.06, 7.41 ± 4.67, 5.19 ± 3.91, 4.75 ± 3.17 cm3 at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, respectively.These results indicated a decrease with time(P < 0.05).The mean residual tumor volumes of group C were 17.95 ± 8.85, 22.10 ± 13.30, 23.31 ± 13.37, 23.93 ± 12.85 cm3 at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, respectively.No significant change was found(P > 0.05).No case in group A required re-intervention.The re-intervention rates in groups B and C were 10.7% and 54.5%, respectively, within 12 months after treatment.
Conclusion In cases where the ablation rate was equal to or more than 70%, the volume of residual tumor significantly decreased within 12 months after treatment, and the re-intervention rate was less than cases of less than 70%.Fewer incidences of re-treatment resulted in a higher ablation rates.