Scaled Signal Intensity of Uterine Fibroids on T2-Weighted MR Imaging as a Predictor of the Potential Response to Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

PURPOSE

To determine feasibility of scaled signal intensity (SSI) of uterine fibroids on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images to predict volume reduction rate (VRR) after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 66 premenopausal women underwent UFE. Patients underwent follow-up MR imaging 3 months after UFE. SSI of predominant fibroids was measured on T2-weighted MR images obtained before the procedure by standardizing the mean signal intensity to a 0-to-100 scale, with 0 representing rectus abdominis muscle and 100 representing subcutaneous fat (100) for reference values.

RESULTS

VRR of predominant fibroids was 12.3%-99.0% (mean 53.7%). SSI of predominant fibroids was 0.9-73.6 (mean 24.6). SSI was significantly related to VRR of fibroids (P < .01). The optimal SSI cutoff value to predict VRR > 50% was 18.16 with sensitivity of 78.8% and specificity of 66.7%. The optimal SSI cutoff value to predict VRR < 30% was 14.38 with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 70.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

SSI of fibroids was significantly related to fibroid VRR after UFE. SSI may be useful in the quantified prediction of volume reduction.