Uterine Artery Embolization for Pure Adenomyosis: Predictive Factors Affecting Outcomes

To identify factors associated with postprocedural necrosis after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for pure adenomyosis.

This study included patients who underwent UAE for pure symptomatic adenomyosis between January 2011 and May 2025. Adenomyosis characteristics, including T2-weighted signal intensity, adenomyosis morphology (Types I and II), and focal versus diffuse location, were evaluated using preprocedural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Contrast-enhanced MR imaging was used to assess adenomyosis necrosis 3 months after UAE. Symptom severity scores (SSSs) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were evaluated before and 3 months after the procedure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with incomplete necrosis of the adenomyotic tissue.

Of the 147 patients (mean age, 42.7 years [SD ± 4.2]) who underwent UAE for adenomyosis, 116 (78.9%) exhibited complete necrosis. In multivariate analysis, Type II adenomyosis (odds ratio [OR], 10.492; 95% CI, 3.492-31.523; P < .001) and heterogeneous T2 signal intensity (OR, 4.003; 95% CI, 1.565-10.242; P = .003) were significant predictive factors for incomplete necrosis. The rates of incomplete necrosis were 13.6% (17/125) for Type I adenomyosis and 63.6% (14/22) for Type II adenomyosis. The postprocedural SSS and HRQOL scores were significantly improved in patients with complete necrosis compared with those with incomplete necrosis.

Type II morphology arising from the subserosa and a heterogeneous T2 signal are associated with an increased risk of incomplete necrosis after UAE. Incorporating these features into preprocedural counseling may help improve clinical outcomes.