Endovascular embolization as a treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis - results of preliminary study

To present preliminary results of minimally invasive endovascular embolization as a treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis or adenomyosis with fibroids and to assess the long-term clinical outcome.

Between 2015 and 2020 twelve patients with symptomatic adenomyosis or adenomyosis with fibroids underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE). All patients were evaluated in terms of patient's overall satisfaction, relief of clinical symptoms, reintervention and hysterectomy as well as menopause rates.

Mean age on admission was 48 years. Reported symptoms included: dysmenorrhea with the mean VAS score of 7.8, menorrhagia and problems with urination. Successful embolization was achieved in all patients (100%). A reduction in pelvic pain intensity assessed using VAS was observed in 11/12 (92%) of the patients - pain decreased by 6.2 points on average (from 7.8 to 1.6 pts). In one patient (8%) the recurrence of pain was observed. All patients reported decrease of menstrual bleeding and consequently improvement of everyday life quality. Avoidance of hysterectomy was achieved in 83% of the women. Five patients experience absence of menstrual periods for at least 12 months after the embolization resulting in menopause rate of 42%. Ten patients (83%) reported to be very or fairly satisfied with the results and would recommend this treatment to a friend.

Uterine artery embolization might be safe and effective method of treatment for patients with symptomatic adenomyosis with or without fibroids with very high rate of satisfied patients.