Efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine fibroids according to FIGO classification: a single-center experience

Objective This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine fibroids (UFs), specifically submucosal UFs, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification of UFs. Materials and methods Forty-two patients with symptomatic UFs underwent UAE with Embosphere ® between July 2016 and November 2021. MRI was performed before, at 3 and 6 months after the UAE. At each examination, the volume of UF was measured, and the percentage volume reduction rate (VRR) was calculated. The technical success rate (TSR), symptom improvement rate (SIR), regrowth rate (RR) after 6 months, and adverse events (AEs) were examined; VRR was compared between patients with submucosal UFs (FIGO types 0–2, group A), those with submucosal contacts (FIGO type 3, group B), and those without submucosal UFs (FIGO types 4–7, group C). Statistical analysis was performed on the difference in VRR between groups A, B, and C at 3 and 6 months after UAE. The relationship with hormone levels before UAE and VRR was evaluated. Results Thirty-seven of the 42 patients were evaluated. Overall, VRR was 37.0% at 3 months and 52.1% at 6 months; TSR, SIR, and RR were 100%, 95.2%, and 5.4%, respectively; VRR at 6 months was 80.7% for group A ( n = 7), 57.8% for group B ( n = 13), and 37.1% for group C ( n = 17). Significant differences were found between A and C ( p