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Why is parity protective for uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors, the etiology of which is not understood. Symptoms can be debilitating, and the primary treatment is surgery, usually hysterectomy. Epidemiologic data show that pregnancy is associated with reduced risk of fibroids. We hypothesize that this association is attributable to a protective effect of postpartum involution of the uterus. After each pregnancy the uterus rapidly returns to prepregnancy size by dramatic remodeling of the tissue. We hypothesize that small fibroids are eliminated during this process. We present preliminary epidemiologic evidence that is consistent with this hypothesis. If the hypothesis is supported by more direct evidence, it may have broader implications, supporting the idea that tissue remodeling may be a general mechanism for limiting tumor development.

Disease Susceptibility↗

Recent advances in uterine fibroid embolization.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the literature on uterine embolization for fibroids published in 2004 and 2005. RECENT FINDINGS: During the last two years, our understanding of the outcome of uterine fibroid embolization has increased. The outcomes are comparable to those that occur after hysterectomy. Health-related quality-of-life studies have confirmed the positive impact of the procedure. Improvement in menorrhagia has been quantified using the alkaline hematin method, objectively confirming the outcome. Recovery is also better understood and quantified, with most patients experiencing only moderate pain over the first few days after embolization. In two pregnancy-outcome studies, an increased frequency of cesarean section occurred and possibly a greater likelihood of abnormal placentation, although the data are too few to draw conclusions at this time. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the primary tool for assessing the potential of complications following the procedure, and our understanding of vaginal discharge and uterine infarction has been increased as a result of its use. SUMMARY: Within the last few years, uterine embolization has become an accepted therapy for uterine fibroids. The increase in understanding gained in recent years has helped to confirm the effectiveness and relative tolerability of this therapy.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗

Surgical and radiological management of uterine fibroids in the UK.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Uterine fibroids remain the most common benign gynaecological pathology and a frequent reason for gynaecological referral and treatment. The range of available treatments is currently undergoing a minor revolution with the introduction of nonsurgical therapies, but their role remains to be established. RECENT FINDINGS: Arguably the most significant change in recent years has been the availability of uterine artery embolization as a form of nonsurgical management. A survey of UK gynaecologists, however, has shown that the option of embolization is only utilized by just over half the respondents. Instead, conventional surgery such as hysterectomy and myomectomy remain the mainstay of nonsymptomatic treatment. In the absence of gross uterine enlargement, vaginal hysterectomy is feasible and safe. Fewer hysterectomies, however, are being done and more women are undergoing myomectomy, with almost 50% of UK consultant gynaecologists carrying out hysteroscopic myomectomy and just over 10% laparoscopic myomectomy. SUMMARY: Greater utilization of less invasive endoscopic or vaginal procedures for the management of uterine fibroids seems a reasonable target. In the longer term, it is likely that the various nonsurgical techniques which shrink fibroids and thereby reduce symptoms will have an increasingly important role in the treatment of this common condition.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗

Assessment of response of uterine fibroids and myometrium to embolization using diffusion-weighted echoplanar MR imaging.

Our objective was to evaluate the role of echoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in the assessment of response of uterine fibroids and myometrium to uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). We evaluated 32 fibroids in 11 patients treated with UFE. Treated lesions had low ADC values compared to untreated lesions. Furthermore, ADC values of the myometrium did not significantly change after embolization, suggesting maintained myometrial viability after embolization. DWI and ADC maps, by providing functional information at a cellular level, may serve as imaging tools for assessing treatment response after UFE.

Adult↗

Treatment with the gonadotrophin releasing hormone-agonist goserelin before hysterectomy for uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist goserelin, given by monthly subcutaneous injection for three months prior to total abdominal hysterectomy for uterine leiomyomata, on the pre-operative symptoms, difficulty of operation and operative blood loss. DESIGN: Randomised placebo-controlled study. SETTING: Patients were recruited from the gynaecological outpatient departments from hospitals in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle. SUBJECTS: Seventy-one premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomata who were on the waiting list for hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: After the presence of leiomyomata was confirmed using ultrasonography, the women were randomised to receive either the GnRH-agonist goserelin by monthly subcutaneous injection or a sham injection for three months prior to operation. At the monthly visits, patients were asked about treatment related symptoms, fibroid related symptoms, and their bleeding patterns. Blood was taken for haematological assessment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Haemoglobin concentrations at recruitment, at operation and post-operatively, pre-operative symptoms, operative difficulty and blood loss and post-operative complications. RESULTS: Treatment with goserelin induced amenorrhoea in over 80% of the women, and this was associated with a significant rise in haemoglobin level. At the time of operation, fibroid related symptoms were less in the goserelin group than in the placebo group. The hysterectomy was technically easier and the median (range) operative blood loss was significantly lower in the goserelin group compared with the placebo group (187 (60-600) ml vs 308 (118-1000) ml respectively; P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). There was no difference between the two groups in the duration of hospital stay or the frequency of post-operative complications. The fibroids were smaller at the time of operation in the goserelin group, and more women treated with goserelin were able to have their operations through a transverse incision. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the benefits of goserelin in women having total abdominal hysterectomy for uterine leiomyomata.

Adult↗

Fibroid embolisation: a technique not without significant complications.

Uterine artery embolisation is a new minimally invasive technique used for the treatment of fibroids. Twenty-one women underwent bilateral uterine artery embolisation at our unit, and we assessed the efficacy, morbidity and patient satisfaction with the procedure. Mixed outcomes were found. Reduction in fibroid volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging was impressive, and the majority of women felt their symptoms had improved. One woman achieved a full term pregnancy following the procedure. However, the procedure involved a significant inpatient stay, analgesia requirement, and a slower recovery time than anticipated. One woman died following overwhelming sepsis occurring 10 days after the procedure. Further studies are required to assess the role this technique may play in the management of uterine fibroids.

Adult↗

Sarcomas and the conservative management of uterine fibroids: a cause for concern?

The introduction of conservative management options has further increased the choices available to clinicians treating women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. However, in the absence of a tissue diagnosis, the possibility of mismanaging an underlying uterine sarcoma is still present, placing these patients at potential risk of a delayed diagnosis of this serious pathology. Evidence suggests that 1 in 250-400 women presenting with what are thought to be symptomatic fibroids, will in fact have an underlying sarcoma, making this an important clinical issue. This paper therefore reviews the methods currently available for the assessment of women in whom conservative management of symptomatic fibroids is contemplated.

Adult↗

An image-guided high intensity focused ultrasound device for uterine fibroids treatment.

A high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device was developed for treating uterine fibroid tumors. This prototype device enables image-guided therapy by aligning a commercially available abdominal ultrasound image probe to a vaginal HIFU transducer so the HIFU focus is in the image plane. The device was designed based on anatomical constraints of the female pelvic structures. HIFU was generated using a 3.5 MHz PZT-8 crystal, 25.4 mm in diameter, bonded to an aluminum lens. Computer simulations were performed to ensure that effective focusing was achievable at a fixed focal depth of 40 mm. Transducer efficiency was empirically determined to be 58%, and the half pressure maximum focal dimensions were 11 mm in length and 1.2 mm in width. A water-filled latex condom surrounding the transducer provided acoustic coupling, a stand-off, and allowed water circulation for transducer cooling. In vitro experiments in a tissue-mimicking gel phantom and in turkey breast demonstrated ultrasound image-guided lesion formation, or tissue necrosis, at the focus due to HIFU induced thermal and cavitation effects. The HIFU treatment site appeared as a hyperechoic spot on the ultrasound image at intensities above 1250 W/cm2. The results of in vitro experiments and in vivo ergonomic testing in six human volunteers indicated that the device has the potential of providing a nonsurgical approach for uterine fibroid treatment. Future in vivo studies in large animal models and fibroids patients are planned.

Adult↗

Toward removing uterine fibroids without surgery: subcutaneous infusion of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist commencing in the luteal phase.

Intermittent sc injection of a LHRH agonist reduced uterine fibroid size in 5 women. Commencement of the LHRH agonist buserelin on day 21 of the menstrual cycle induced a marked increase in plasma LH and FSH concentrations, followed by rises in estradiol (E2) and progesterone. LH and FSH levels fell to within the normal range by 120 h after beginning buserelin, despite continuing administration of the agonist. After menstruation, marked sustained suppression of cyclical gonadotropin and steroid concentrations occurred: mean values of FSH, LH, and E2 were 4.9 +/- 0.5 (+/- SE) mIU/ml, 5.9 +/- 0.6 mIU/ml, and 47.9 +/- 10.8 pg/ml, respectively, during the 20 weeks of buserelin treatment. During treatment, E2 concentrations remained below 50 pg/ml in 98 of 116 weekly observations. Uterine fibroids shrank after 8 or 10 weeks of buserelin administration, as assessed by ultrasound or gynecological examination. Compared to their initial volume, mean uterine fibroid volume after 20 weeks of buserelin infusion decreased from 220 +/- 51 to 98 +/- 26 cm3, which was 39.4 +/- 6.9% of the pretreatment volume. We conclude that sc administration of a LHRH agonist beginning in the luteal phase markedly reduced the size of uterine leiomyomata, suppressed, but did not abolish, pituitary and ovarian function, and warrants further evaluation as an option or adjunctive therapy to uterine myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Adult↗

Management of submucous uterine fibroid with buserelin, gemeprost and hysteroscopic resection.

A 19-year-old virgin presented with severe menorrhagia and a haemoglobin level of 76 g/L as a problem of management. A 5 cm diameter submucous fibroid was identified at hysteroscopy and biopsied but was unable to be removed. The luteinising hormone releasing hormone agonist, buserelin, was used in an attempt to produce symptomatic relief. One week after commencing buserelin therapy, severe menorrhagia occurred and the patient was admitted to hospital with a haemoglobin concentration of 24 g/L. Buserelin treatment was continued and no further menstruation occurred over the following year. As the patient was now well, hysteroscopic submucous fibroid resection was contemplated. Due to cervical rigidity in this teenager, a 1 mg gemeprost pessary was inserted into the posterior vaginal fornix three hours before surgery. This allowed an operative hysteroscope to be inserted into the uterus and a fibroid resection to be performed. Menstrual blood loss has been normal for six months after hysteroscopy. A combined medical and surgical approach may avoid hysterectomy in such problem patients.

Adult↗

Color Doppler sonohysterography of endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the typical sonographic findings and clinical applications of color Doppler sono-hysterography and to correlate the vascularity of lesions seen on color Doppler sonohysterography to microvessel density and the presence of vessels greater than 0.5 mm. METHODS: Color Doppler sonohysterography was performed on 25 women with abnormal uterine bleeding. The vascularity (number of vessels > 0.5 mm) and their configuration seen on color Doppler sonohysterography were compared with those obtained on the excised specimen. Microvessel density and histologic features were correlated to the visualization of vessels greater than 0.5 mm and their arrangement on color Doppler sonography. RESULTS: The color Doppler sonographic findings in 18 polyps, 3 submucosal fibroids, and 1 clot showed distinct vascularity patterns. Polyps typically contained a single feeding vessel, whereas fibroids had several vessels, which arose from the inner myometrium. Lesions with higher microvessel density tended to have more vessels greater than 0.5 mm as depicted on color Doppler sonography. CONCLUSIONS: Color Doppler sonohysterography may be useful in distinguishing polyps from submucosal fibroids based on the vascularity of the lesions. The number of vessels seen on color Doppler sonography approximates microvessel density within the lesions.

Adult↗

[Inflammatory fibroid polyps of the colon].

Inflammatory fibroid polyp is an uncommon lesion involving the stomach, the small bowel and occasionally the colon. Inflammatory fibroid polyp is a large polypoid lesion arising from the submucosa. It has no malignant potential although extensive infiltration may occur. The main histological characteristics are diffuse inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophils and highly vascularized fibrocytic stroma. Immunohistochemistry is always positive for vimentine and negative for S 100 and desmin. We report four cases of inflammatory fibroid polyps, 3 of which mimicked carcinoma of the colon. Exploratory laparotomy and histopathological examination of the resected specimen were necessary to confirm definitive diagnosis. In the last case, diagnosis was established by histological examination of an endoscopically-removed colonic polyp.

Aged↗

Fibroids treated by uterine artery embolization. A review.

An increasing number of reports indicate that uterine fibroids can be successfully treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE). UAE seems to be a promising treatment for women who want to retain their uterus. This review summarizes the technical considerations and the results. UAE is a radiological procedure using angiography for visualization of the blood circulation. Subsequently, the flow through the uterine arteries is blocked resulting in infarction of fibroids. Success rates of 87% have been achieved with an average 57% reduction of fibroid volume. Complications have been few compared to hysterectomy and patient satisfaction is high. However, none of the reports include controls. Further studies are needed to optimize patient selection and to evaluate long-term results.

Adult↗

Successful enucleation of a necrotizing fibroid causing oligohydramnios and fetal postural deformity in the 25th week of gestation. A case report.

BACKGROUND: In approximately 2% of pregnancies, uterine fibroids are detected. In 10% of diagnosed cases some complications are to be expected during pregnancy and/or delivery. CASE: A 32-year-old woman presented in the 25th week of gestation with a fibroid causing oligohydramnios and fetal postural deformity. A laparotomy and conservative myomectomy were performed with the hope of preserving the pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations performed postoperatively showed that the fetal postural deformity had ended and that the pace of fetal development had returned to normal. A healthy, male newborn weighing 3,600 g was born in the 40th week of gestation via cesarean section. CONCLUSION: The medical literature generally agrees upon conservative therapy; however, there are indications for laparotomy performed during the course of pregnancy complicated by a fibroid. In this case the fetal postural deformity, retardation in development and oligohydramnios, recognized preoperatively, provided indications for laparotomy. The success of the operation was established by postoperative sonography, which showed cessation of the fetal postural deformity and registered a normal volume of amniotic fluid.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic myomectomy for fibroids penetrating the uterine cavity: is it a safe procedure?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the post-operative course and follow up of women who had undergone laparoscopic removal of intramural fibroids penetrating the uterine cavity. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Center for Reconstructive Pelvic Endosurgery, Italy. POPULATION: Thirty-four women with fibroids penetrating the uterine cavity. METHODS: Laparoscopic myomectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility and safety of surgical technique, length of operation, blood loss, intra- or post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, resolution of symptoms and future obstetric outcome. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 79 (SD 30) minutes; the mean reduction in haemoglobin was 1.1 +/- 0.9 g/dL. No intra- or post-operative complications were observed. The average post-operative stay in hospital was 54 (SD 22) hours. Nineteen (73%) out of 26 patients who had experienced symptoms prior to surgery reported resolution of these symptoms post-operatively. All patients resumed work within a mean time of 20 (SD 8) days. Among 23 of the 32 patients attempting pregnancy during the follow up period, nine (39%) conceived within one year. Seven pregnancies went to term without complications. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical results of this study suggest that laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural fibroids penetrating the uterine cavity is a safe procedure, providing well known advantages of minimal access surgery.

Adult↗

[Ileal inflammatory fibroid polyp: case report].

The inflammatory fibroid polyp is a rare, polypoid lesion in the gastrointestinal tract. It occurs in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine in descending order of frequency. This case report shows an ileal inflammatory fibroid polyp that causes ileoileal intussusception. So far, the histogenesis and pathogenesis of these kinds of polyps are still uncertain. Under the microscopic examination, the lesion appears to be made up of spindle-shaped or stellate cells that are morphologically identical to proliferating fibroblasts. Immunostaining results are strongly positive for vimentin and focally positive for S100 protein. However, epithelial membrane antigen, factor VIII R Ag, smooth muscle actin, and lysozyme test are all negative. This favors the view that the inflammatory fibroid polyp is fibroblastic in origin.

Aged↗

Uterine necrosis after laparoscopic uterine vessel dissection for symptomatic fibroid--a case report.

Laparoscopic dissection of uterine vessels is a new minimally invasive method to treat symptomatic fibroids. A potential complication of uterine artery dissection is uterine necrosis. A woman with a large intramural fibroid underwent laparoscopic dissection of the uterine vessels using ultrasonic activated shears and three months later developed focal uterine necrosis requiring exploratory laparotomy and supracervical hysterectomy. Although uterine artery coagulation and dissection are procedures with a low reported rate of complications, uterine fibroid or focal uterine necrosis can occur.

Adult↗