Sonographic features of uterine leiomyomas: analysis of 41 proven cases

Role of DNA damage and repair mechanisms in uterine fibroid/leiomyomas: a review

There has been a significant annual increase in the number of cases of uterine leiomyomas or fibroids (UF) among women of all races and ages across the world. A fortune is usually spent by the healthcare sector for fibroid-related treatments and management. Molecular studies have established the higher mutational heterogeneity in UF as compared to normal myometrial cells. The contribution of DNA damage and defects in repair responses further increases the mutational burden on the cells. This in turn leads to genetic instability, associated with cancer risk and other adverse reproductive health outcomes. Such and many more growing bodies of literature have highlighted the genetic/molecular, biochemical and clinical aspects of UF; none the less there appear to be a lacuna bridging the bench to bed gap in addressing and preventing this disease. Presented here is an exhaustive review of not only the molecular mechanisms underlying the predisposition to the disease but also possible strategies to effectively diagnose, prevent, manage, and treat this disease.

Sonographic assessment of pregnancy co-existing with uterine leiomyoma in Owerri, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy could cause obstetric complications.

OBJECTIVES

To assess sonographically the frequency of occurrence and effect of uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy.

METHODS

A longitudinal study was conducted during a period of 23 months. A convenience sample of 816 consecutive consenting pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria was evaluated during routine prenatal ultrasound scan. The women were referred for prenatal sonography. One hundred of the subjects who had myoma co-existing with pregnancy and another 100 subjects without myoma were selected for follow-up. These groups were followed up till delivery and obstetric complications and outcomes were documented. Any changes in size and growth rate of myoma were documented.

RESULTS

Subjects with myoma co-existing with pregnancy were 12.3%. This was commoner with increasing maternal age. An increase was observed in myoma mean size from 60mm to 63mm from the 1(st) scan sequence to the 2(nd) scan sequence and a reduction from 63mm to 59mm in the 3(rd) scan sequence. Myoma growth rate was 0.667mm per week. Myomas in pregnancy especially large ones caused more complications during delivery when compared to pregnancies without myomas.

CONCLUSION

Routine sonography is important in pregnancy management of uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy.

Is fibroid heterogeneity a significant issue for clinicians and researchers?

The clinical and scientific literature overwhelmingly deals with fibroids as a single entity or disease. This convenient assumption of homogeneity may be an important oversight given that substantial evidence exists for heterogeneity between fibroids at many levels. Failure to recognize and accommodate fibroid heterogeneity can have significant ramifications for both clinical treatment decisions and research protocol design. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge of fibroid heterogeneity and to identify key areas where fibroid heterogeneity should be taken into consideration both clinically and when designing research protocols. Uterine leiomyomata display significant and well-documented heterogeneity in symptoms, diagnostic imaging appearance, pathology, genetic background and therapeutic requirements. Additional research is needed to better understand fibroid heterogeneity as it relates to pathogenesis, molecular targets for potential new therapies, patient symptoms and, ultimately, treatment. To this list should also be added heterogeneity of genetics, lifestyle and individual clinical characteristics of the fibroid. Increasingly, an understanding of uterine leiomyoma heterogeneity will be of importance for clinicians who see patients with this common and costly disease.

Uterine fibroid embolization imaging: interventionalist's perspective

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive and well-accepted form of treatment for patients with symptoms from fibroids. Imaging is routinely performed before the procedure for various reasons and after the procedure in cases with either complications or incomplete response to UFE. The interventionalists performing the procedure require specific information from these imaging studies. This article describes the imaging workup of patients referred for UFE, specifically the information from these imaging examinations before the procedure that are necessary to the interventionalist and the complications seen after the procedure.

Magnetic resonance imaging of benign uterine pathology

Magnetic resonance imaging is commonly used for the identification and characterization of many pelvic abnormalities. Magnetic resonance provides the most comprehensive and detailed view of the uterus of any imaging modality. This article focuses on the magnetic resonance imaging features used to recognize and describe congenital uterine anomalies and benign conditions of the uterus.

Benign myometrial conditions: leiomyomas and adenomyosis

Leiomyomas and adenomyosis are common benign myometrial conditions. Although their symptoms overlap, traditional treatment of these two entities differs; thus, making the correct diagnosis is critical. Specifically, uterine-conserving therapy is well established for many women with symptomatic leiomyomas, whereas hysterectomy is the treatment for debilitating adenomyosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most accurate modality for identifying leiomyomas and adenomyosis. T2-weighted sequences often are diagnostic. For leiomyomas, MRI reliably identifies their number, size, and location. These features help triage patients to appropriate therapy. For adenomyosis, MRI establishes the diagnosis in cases of equivocal or nondiagnostic ultrasounds. MRI also has been used to confirm an ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis when curative surgery is being considered. Intravenous gadolinium chelates are not necessary to make the diagnosis of either adenomyosis or leiomyomas, but it provides useful information about vascularity of lesions, a factor that may impact the type of treatment undertaken.

"Ovarian vascular pedicle" sign revealing organ of origin of a pelvic mass lesion on helical CT

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the "ovarian vascular pedicle" sign as a way of differentiating ovarian from subserosal uterine lesions on single-detector helical CT.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 131 patients who had a pelvic mass suspected of originating in the ovary or subserosal zone of the uterus and had undergone helical CT before surgery. A total of 108 ovarian lesions and 23 subserosal uterine myomas were confirmed. CT images were analyzed prospectively by consensus of two radiologists who thoroughly evaluated the retrograde tracing of the gonadal veins to the ovary or pelvic mass. To assess the value of analyzing the ovarian vascular pedicle sign in identifying the organ of origin of a pelvic mass, we compared statistical proportions for the frequencies of the sign in ovarian tumors and subserosal uterine myomas by performing the chi-square test. The probabilities for the presence of the ovarian vascular pedicle sign as a positive finding for a pelvic mass of ovarian origin were calculated.

RESULTS

The presence of the ovarian vascular pedicle sign was identified in 92% (99/108) of ovarian masses and in 13% (3/23) of subserosal uterine myomas. The sign was statistically significant (p < 0.01) for differentiating a mass of ovarian origin from a mass of subserosal uterine origin. When the ovarian vascular pedicle sign on helical CT confirmed the ovarian origin, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were 92% (99/108), 87% (20/23), 97% (99/102), 69% (20/29), and 91% (119/131), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The presence of the ovarian vascular pedicle sign on helical CT is valuable for confirming the ovarian origin of a pelvic tumor and for differentiating an ovarian tumor from subserosal uterine myoma.

Uterine artery embolization: sonographic imaging findings

OBJECTIVE

To examine the sonographic and angiographic imaging findings before and after uterine fibroid embolization for symptomatic leiomyoma.

METHODS

This prospective study involved 14 premenopausal women who underwent uterine fibroid embolization for symptomatic leiomyoma. Preprocedure sonography with color Doppler imaging was performed. Bilateral uterine artery embolization was successfully performed with the use of polyvinyl alcohol. Follow-up sonographic examinations were performed between 1 and 3 months after the procedure. The correlation between the sonographic appearance before and after embolization and the degree of decrease in uterine size was evaluated by using the Jonckheere-Terpstra 2-sided P test.

RESULTS

Preprocedure sonographic imaging showed a varied appearance to the fibroids. Color Doppler imaging primarily showed the fibroids to be vascular with marked peripheral blood flow. Postprocedure sonographic imaging showed decreased uterine size and echogenicity. Color Doppler imaging showed a marked decrease in the blood flow to the leiomyoma. There was no statistical significance in the relationship between echogenicity and vascularity shown before the procedure and the percent decrease in the size of the uterus.

CONCLUSIONS

Although sonography is an efficient method for identifying leiomyomata and determining the reduction in size after uterine artery embolization, we were unable to identify any predictive characteristics of success for aiding the preprocedural assessment.

The added value of transvaginal sonohysterography over transvaginal sonography alone in women with known or suspected leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether sonohysterography provides added diagnostic value over transvaginal sonography in patients with suspected or known myomas by comparing diagnostic confidence, interobserver agreement, accuracy, and change in diagnoses when 2 independent observers interpreted transvaginal sonography alone and later interpreted transvaginal sonography and sonohysterography together.

METHODS

Hard copy images from 72 women were interpreted independently by 2 sonologists on separate occasions, rating parameters (abnormal uterus, myoma in any location, submucous myoma, classification of location of a submucous myoma with respect to the uterine cavity, myoma remote from the cavity, adenomyosis, and focal and diffuse endometrial lesions) on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 indicated definitely no; 2, probably no; 3, uncertain; 4, probably yes; and 5, definitely yes). Correlation was made with clinical and imaging follow-up, surgery, and pathologic examination.

RESULTS

The added information provided by sonohysterography resulted in improved diagnostic confidence for most parameters. Interobserver agreement was markedly improved for the diagnosis and location of submucous myomas and focal endometrial lesions. Sensitivity values for submucous myomas and focal endometrial lesions were 100% and 90% for transvaginal sonography and sonohysterography together and 100% and 70% for transvaginal sonography alone.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that sonohysterography does provide additional information over transvaginal sonography alone and is an important adjunct to transvaginal sonography in symptomatic women with known or suspected myomas, particularly before surgical or medical therapy.

Radiographic imaging techniques for the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding

The introduction of SIS has been a significant advance in TVUS evaluation of the endometrial cavity in the 1990s. SIS provides an unparalleled, clear, enhanced view of the endomyometrial complex that cannot be obtained with TVUS alone. Focal and global endometrial pathology can be differentiated with SIS. Saline infusion improves the sensitivity for the detection of endometrial abnormalities. The continuing challenge for gynecologists is to provide patients with cost-effective, minimally invasive evaluation and directed therapy for menstrual dysfunction. SIS targets patients needing biopsy, directs the surgical approach, and minimizes office diagnostic hysteroscopy--all with a quick office procedure. For patients, the benefits include minimal and brief discomfort and a better understanding of intrauterine pathology through viewing the ultrasound monitor. Patients also appreciate the ease of scheduling, the minimal time away from work, and that no escort is needed after the procedure. SIS provides an extension of the pelvic gynecologic examination. SIS is the most important imaging modality for evaluating endometrial pathology. Although there is no perfect test to evaluate the endometrium, overall, SIS is superior to other imaging and diagnostic procedures. It is less expensive than D&C or hysteroscopy. It is a safe, efficient, convenient, and well-tolerated procedure. In some instances, however, neither TVUS nor SIS is definitive in determining the location of fibroids or able to discern adenomyosis. In these instances, MR imaging triage is helpful. MR imaging is gaining widespread acceptance and, in many instances, is a cost-effective tool in the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding. It is noninvasive, differentiates uterine anatomy in response to exogenous hormones or the normal menstrual cycle, and reliably localizes pelvic pathology and size of lesions. When uterine conservation is desired in women with fibroids and TVUS or SIS is indeterminate in localizing depth of myometrial involvement of a fibroid, MR imaging should be considered as a part of the clinical algorithm. The precision of MR imaging localization of submucosal fibroids can obviate the need for hysterectomy and permit a skilled surgeon to hysteroscopically resect the fibroids. If the clinical examination is suspicious for adenomyosis and the US is nondiagnostic, the clinician should consider MR imaging strongly. When the results of the imaging study would influence surgical route and planning, MR imaging should be considered in the preoperative evaluation.

Refractory shadowing from pelvic masses on sonography: a useful diagnostic sign for uterine leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine the diagnostic usefulness of sonography for revealing a recurrent acoustic shadowing pattern when imaging for possible uterine leiomyoma.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

During an 18-month period, all pelvic masses discovered on sonography were prospectively examined for recurrent refractory shadows. Sonograms of 222 masses with a definitive final diagnosis were reviewed by two radiologists unaware of the follow-up results. Each mass was analyzed for the presence of three or more recurrent refractory shadows, each of which did not arise from an echogenic lead point. After all masses were rated independently, a consensus rating was reached for any discrepancy between observers.

RESULTS

Of the 222 masses, 152 (68%) were leiomyomas. The remainder resulted from a wide variety of other uterine and adnexal disorders. Agreement between the two observers regarding refractory shadows was excellent. Kappa coefficients were 0.86 at transabdominal and 0.96 at transvaginal approaches. Sensitivity of the refractory shadow pattern for leiomyomas was higher for transvaginal (87%) than for transabdominal (52%) sonography. Specificity of the refractory shadow pattern was 89% for transvaginal and 92% for transabdominal sonography. Using logistic regression analysis, we found a statistically significant association between a refractory shadowing pattern and leiomyoma for both transabdominal and transvaginal sonography (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Recurrent refractory shadowing in a pelvic mass on sonography is highly suggestive of leiomyoma and can be a useful diagnostic clue for distinguishing leiomyomas from other pelvic masses.

Advances in gynecologic imaging and intervention

Advances in diagnostic imaging of the female genital tract facilitate characterization of many pelvic masses. Preoperative assessment of gynecologic malignant tumors provides information that may alter the surgical approach or timing of radiation therapy. Image-guided biopsy accurately confirms recurrent malignant lesions. Transcervical techniques have improved diagnostic assessment of infertile couples; thus, effective and inexpensive treatment options can be offered. Postoperative complications of gynecologic procedures can be detected with imaging, and many can be treated with image-guided techniques.

Effect of nafarelin on uterine fibroids measured by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

Administration of the LHRH agonist, Nafarelin (D-(Nal2)6 GnRH), at a dosage of 200 micrograms twice daily intranasally in 13 patients with uterine leiomyomata resulted in a reduction in uterine volume to a mean of 55.1% at 3 months and 44.5% at 6 months as measured using ultrasound. Re-enlargement occurred on discontinuing therapy and the uterus was back to the original volume at three months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in five patients showed advantages over ultrasound in identification of fibroid number in two patients. Mean reduction in uterine area measured using MRI was 61.3%, and mean reduction of fibroid area 57%. Oestradiol was suppressed with treatment to a mean of 69 pmol/l.

High-field MRI and US evaluation of the pelvis in women with leiomyomas

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and real-time transabdominal ultrasonography (US) were performed on 23 women with uterine leiomyomas. The uterus, ovaries, and cul de sac were evaluated. Accurate determination of uterine volume was possible in all cases by MRI, but was limited on US in uteri larger than 140 cc. Marked enlargement also prevented visualization of contour abnormalities in eight patients on US, but none on MRI. The endometrial stripe and junctional zone could not be adequately visualized in 21/23 US examinations, whereas they were identified in all 23 MRI (8 normal and 15 distorted). Individual leiomyomas were clearly depicted on 4 US and 19 MR scans, the smallest being 1.1 cm and 0.8 cm, respectively. Of the 31 fibroids present on MRI: 13 were intramural, 4 subserosal, and 14 submucosal. MRI successfully identified 44/46 ovaries as compared to 21/46 on US. Cul de sac fluid was noted in seven women by MRI alone. This data suggests that MRI is superior to US in examination of the entire pelvis in women with leiomyomas.

The clinical significance of uterine leiomyomas in pregnancy

In a retrospective review of 6706 pregnancies between 1981 and 1985, uterine leiomyomas were documented by antenatal sonography in 93 (1.4%) patients. The obstetric records and sonograms of patients with documented leiomyomas were reviewed and compared with data from matched control patients managed at our institution during the same time period. Among the 93 patients with leiomyomas, 14 (15.1%) had one or more leiomyomas subjacent to the maternal surface of the placenta. Significantly, eight of 14 (57%) of these patients with retroplacental leiomyomas subsequently developed abruptio placentae, which resulted in the deaths of four fetuses. Conversely, among the remaining 79 patients whose leiomyomas were not retroplacental, abruptio placentae occurred in only two patients (2.5%), neither of which resulted in fetal death. Clinically significant pain requiring narcotic analgesia developed in 14 of 93 (15.1%) patients and premature labor occurred in 20 of 93 (21.5%); pain and premature labor correlated positively with the size of the largest myoma. Delivery by cesarean section and vacuum assistance occurred significantly more frequently in patients with leiomyomas than in those without documented leiomyomas. In this population uterine myomas did not significantly alter the incidence of intrauterine growth retardation and low Apgar scores.

Benign uterine leiomyoma suspected of sarcomatous change on an ultrasound scan and computerized tomography

We report a 54-year-old postmenopausal woman with a leiomyoma which on an ultrasound scan and on computed tomography (CT) had cystic areas and extensive necrosis suggesting sarcomatous change.