Purpose: To evaluate the effect of large treatment volumes on the level of symptom improvement and the degree of fibroid reduction throughout the first 12 months after non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS).
Methods and Materials: 60 consecutive patients, who were diagnosed as suffering from symptomatic uterine fibroids, were treated with MRgFUS. The immediate measure of treatment outcome has been determined by analyzing the degree of non-perfused volume (NPV). Over the period of 12 months, treatment efficacy was measured by tracking the level of the symptom severity score (SSS) from the Uterine Fibroids Symptoms Quality of Life questionnaire. During this period, the amount of volume reduction has been measured and compared with the original value.
Results: The mean NPV ratio, immediately after treatment, was 40% ± 20%. The degree of symptoms as measured by the SSS, has decreased from a mean baseline score of 50 ± 22 to 28 ± 13 (P<0.001) after 6 months. An additional significant decrease was seen at the 12 months follow-up (to 19 ± 12, P<0.001). The percentage of patients who experienced considerable symptom reduction (more than 10 points) has increased from 66% after 6 months to 88% after 12 months. The total fibroid volume decreased by 32% ± 27% from baseline, 12 months after treatment. No serious complications were recorded during the course of the study.
Conclusion: Large treatment volumes, as measured by NPV percentages, result in continuous clinical improvement throughout the first 12 months after an MRgFUS treatment.