Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Adenomyosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2017 Dec;28(12):1629-1642.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2017.07.034. Epub 2017 Oct 9.

Abstract

The effect of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on symptomatic adenomyosis was evaluated in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Four groups were evaluated: short-term (< 12 months) pure adenomyosis, short-term adenomyosis with fibroids (combined adenomyosis), long-term (> 12 months) pure adenomyosis, and long-term combined adenomyosis. Improvement of symptoms occurred in 83.1% (872/1,049) of patients. Reported symptom reduction was 4.8% greater in the short-term combined group (P = .169) and 11.4% greater in the long-term combined group (P = .003). Uterine volume was reduced in all patients at 3 months. The effects of UAE on symptom improvement and uterine volume reduction in patients with adenomyosis are encouraging.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenomyosis / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / therapy
  • Uterine Artery Embolization / methods*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / therapy