The Diagnostic Value of Superb Microvascular Imaging in Prediction of Uterine Artery Embolization Treatment Response in Uterine Leiomyomas

Objectives We aimed to determine if superb microvascular imaging (SMI) can predict response to uterine artery embolization (UAE) as compared with power Doppler ultrasound. Methods The blood flow and the volume of the dominant leiomyoma was evaluated by power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) and SMI 1 day before and 3 months after the UAE procedure. SMI and PDUS blood flow were classified to 4 grades of vascularity. The change in fibroid volume in Grades 0–2 (hypovascular group) was compared to the hypervascular Grade 3 group. Results Twenty‐eight women (mean age, 40.9 years; range, 33–53 years) were examined with PDUS and SMI before and 3 months after UAE. The volume reduction was statistically significantly higher hypervascular group (P