Elizabeth Arleo MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: To determine the relationship between MRI-determined fibroid location, largest fibroid volume (LFV) and total uterine volume (TUV), and fibroid-related symptoms in premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Methods and Materials: Eighty premenopausal women undergoing uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) received a pre-procedural pelvic MRI and self-report questionnaire investigating the frequency of fibroid-related symptoms, including pain, urinary, bowel, and bleeding symptoms. From MRIs, the presence of submucosal fibroids (SMF), intramural fibroids with a submucosal component (IMFSC), intramural fibroids (IMF), subserosal fibroids with an intramural component (SSFIC), and subserosal fibroids (SSF) were noted, and LFV and TUV were calculated. The frequencies of fibroids in the different locations defined above and the frequencies of fibroid-related symptoms in the month prior to UFE were calculated. Statistical analyses were then performed to determine whether there were relationships between fibroid location, LFV and TUV, and fibroid-related symptoms. Results: Ninety-two percent of patients had IMF, 56% had SSF, 26% had IMFSC, 26% had SMF, and 5% had SSFIC. Pain was associated with the presence of IMFSC (p=.013). Pain, urinary, bowel, and bleeding symptoms were not significantly associated with the presence of fibroids in any other locations. LFV and TUV were significantly correlated with urinary symptoms (p=.017 and p= .007, respectively). There was no correlation between LFV or TUV and pain, bowel, and bleeding symptoms. Conclusion: In premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids, there was a significant relationship between fibroids located intramurally with a submucosal component and pain symptoms, as well as between fibroid and uterine volume, and urinary symptoms. No other significant relationships were found.       Questions about this event email: Michael.tal@yale.edu

Arleo MD, E, Relationship between Fibroid Location and Volume, and Fibroid-Related Symptoms: Do Position or Size Matter?.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3105656.html