Effect of Postprocedural Pelvic MR Imaging on Medical Decision-making in Women who Have Undergone Uterine Artery Embolization
Received 9 July 2008; received in revised form 6 March 2009; accepted 17 March 2009. published online 04 June 2009.
The utility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the follow-up of patients who have undergone uterine artery embolization (UAE) for leiomyomas is controversial. The present study was undertaken to determine how follow-up MR imaging affects interventional radiologists' (i) anticipated percentage of tumor necrosis, (ii) projected treatment plans, and (iii) confidence in treatment plans. Interventional radiologists completed questionnaires before and after reviewing MR images of patients treated with UAE to determine how imaging altered projected treatment plans. Follow-up MR imaging was found to significantly alter projected treatment plans, primarily as they relate to follow-up imaging; therefore, follow-up MR imaging should be considered for all patients after UAE.