Nicole Aimee Volkers MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Wouter J.K. Hehenkamp MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Erwin Birnie, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Willem M. Ankum MD,PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jim A. Reekers MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ovarian failure following uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine fibroid disease has raised concerns about this treatment. We investigated the occurrence of ovarian damage in a randomized trial comparing UAE and hysterectomy by measuring FSH, anti müllerian hormone (AMH) and menopausal symptoms during 24 months follow up.

Pre-menopausal women with menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids were randomly assigned UAE and hysterectomy. At baseline and follow-up visits, FSH and AMH were measured while menopausal symptoms were assessed by validated questionnaires. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate factors associated with ovarian damage.

177 patients were allocated UAE (n=88) or hysterectomy (n=89). FSH increased significantly in both groups after 24 months follow up (UAE: +12.1 IU/L; p=0.001; hysterectomy: +16.3 IU/L; p 40 IU/L (RR= 0.75; 95%CI: 0.40-1.41; p=0.37). Age > 45 and baseline FSH level > 10 IU/L were predictive for high FSH levels at 24 months. At 24 months no significant differences in menopausal symptoms were observed between the groups. AMH was measured in 33 UAE patients and 30 hysterectomy patients. AMH significantly decreased in the first 12 months after both treatments, with no differences between the groups.

Both UAE and hysterectomy seem to reduce ovarian reserve. No differences between the groups were observed for all menopausal parameters.

To compare UAE and hysterectomy in a randomized trial with regard to ovarian reserve.

Volkers, N, Hehenkamp, W, Birnie, E, Ankum, W, Reekers, J, Loss of Ovarian Reserve after Uterine Artery Embolization: A Randomized Comparison with Hysterectomy.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4437277.html