Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
7-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
7-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Background: Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are the most prevalent benign tumors of the female reproductive system. While many women with fibroids do not experience any complications, some suffer severe pelvic pain, infertility, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an interventional radiology procedure that can be used for treatment. This involves deployment of an occlusion agent within the uterine artery or individual branch that supplies the fibroid. As a result, the fibroid will reduce in size and degrade over time. The uterus will receive accessory blood flow from other nearby arteries which prevents it from going into ischemic shock.
Objective: We report the case of a 40-year-old female patient who presented with 1 month of persistent lower abdominal pain and prolonged vaginal bleeding. She was worked up in the ED with a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Results showed a large lesion in the left uterus/adnexa. Lab work revealed a hemoglobin of 6.4 and a hematocrit of 22.8. She received a PRBC transfusion for treatment. The patient underwent an endometrial biopsy, and the results showed polypoid fragments of benign endometrium. No atypia, no hyperplasia, and negative for malignancy. Despite medical management, her symptoms persisted, significantly affecting her quality of life. After a thorough evaluation, she was deemed a suitable candidate for UAE.
Methods: The patient underwent UAE under conscious sedation. Vascular access was obtained via the right femoral artery, and selective catheterization of the uterine arteries was performed using fluoroscopic guidance. Embolization was achieved using tris-acryl gelatin microspheres. The procedure was completed without complications, achieving satisfactory stasis of blood flow to the fibroids.
Results: The patient experienced significant symptom relief within weeks of the procedure. Follow-up imaging at three months demonstrated a substantial reduction in fibroid size. She reported improved quality of life and resumed normal activities without further intervention.
Conclusion: This case highlights the effectiveness of UAE in managing symptomatic uterine fibroids, offering a viable alternative to surgical options. UAE should be considered in patients seeking uterine preservation and rapid recovery.
Embargo Period
6-3-2025
Included in
A Case Report: Uterine Artery Embolization for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
Moultrie, GA
Background: Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are the most prevalent benign tumors of the female reproductive system. While many women with fibroids do not experience any complications, some suffer severe pelvic pain, infertility, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an interventional radiology procedure that can be used for treatment. This involves deployment of an occlusion agent within the uterine artery or individual branch that supplies the fibroid. As a result, the fibroid will reduce in size and degrade over time. The uterus will receive accessory blood flow from other nearby arteries which prevents it from going into ischemic shock.
Objective: We report the case of a 40-year-old female patient who presented with 1 month of persistent lower abdominal pain and prolonged vaginal bleeding. She was worked up in the ED with a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Results showed a large lesion in the left uterus/adnexa. Lab work revealed a hemoglobin of 6.4 and a hematocrit of 22.8. She received a PRBC transfusion for treatment. The patient underwent an endometrial biopsy, and the results showed polypoid fragments of benign endometrium. No atypia, no hyperplasia, and negative for malignancy. Despite medical management, her symptoms persisted, significantly affecting her quality of life. After a thorough evaluation, she was deemed a suitable candidate for UAE.
Methods: The patient underwent UAE under conscious sedation. Vascular access was obtained via the right femoral artery, and selective catheterization of the uterine arteries was performed using fluoroscopic guidance. Embolization was achieved using tris-acryl gelatin microspheres. The procedure was completed without complications, achieving satisfactory stasis of blood flow to the fibroids.
Results: The patient experienced significant symptom relief within weeks of the procedure. Follow-up imaging at three months demonstrated a substantial reduction in fibroid size. She reported improved quality of life and resumed normal activities without further intervention.
Conclusion: This case highlights the effectiveness of UAE in managing symptomatic uterine fibroids, offering a viable alternative to surgical options. UAE should be considered in patients seeking uterine preservation and rapid recovery.
Comments
Awarded "Best Clinical Case Study" at PCOM South Georgia Research Day 2025.