Timing of Uterine Artery Embolization for Leiomyoma during the Menstrual Cycle

To investigate differences in outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for leiomyoma when performed during different phases of the menstrual cycle.

In this single-institution retrospective analysis, 111 premenopausal patients (median [range] age, 44 [33-52] years) undergoing UAE for symptomatic leiomyoma between June 2014 and February 2020 were included. Twenty-one patients underwent UAE in the menstrual phase (the early follicular phase), 27 in the late follicular phase, and 63 in the luteal phase. Baseline characteristics and technical and peri-procedural outcomes were compared among groups. Leiomyoma infarction on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging 1 week after UAE and 4-month outcomes, including changes in the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire scores, the volume reduction rates of the uterus and largest leiomyoma, follicle stimulating hormone values, adverse events, and amenorrhea, were compared among groups.

A 4-month follow-up was completed for all patients. No significant differences were observed among groups in baseline characteristics or technical and peri-procedural outcomes. There were no significant differences in the multivariate-adjusted 1-week infarction rates of all leiomyoma volumes (P = .161) or multivariate-adjusted 4-month outcomes, including changes in the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire symptoms and total scores (P = .864 and P = .798, respectively), the volume reduction rates of the uterus and the largest leiomyoma (P = .865 and P = .965, respectively), and follicle stimulating hormone values (P = .186) among the groups. No significant differences were noted in the 4-month adverse events (P = .260) or amenorrhea (P = .793) among the groups.

The present study demonstrated no significant differences in the outcomes of UAE for leiomyoma when performed during different phases of the menstrual cycle.