Impending fibroid expulsion on MRI after uterine fibroid embolization

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors seen in women and can be managed with a variety of treatment options, including hysterectomy, myomectomy, and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is an acceptable alternative to surgical treatment in well-selected cases and offers the added benefit of decreased hospital stay and avoidance of general anesthesia risk. Like any other procedure, UFE carries risks and complications. Post-UFE fibroid expulsion is one of them.We present a case of impending fibroid expulsion pre-emptively identified on magnetic resonance imaging at 6-month follow-up after UFE. While the majority of fibroid expulsions occur spontaneously by 3 months post-UFE, delayed expulsions have been reported as late as 4 years following the procedure. Therefore, a high degree of clinical suspicion is paramount for early diagnosis of this complication in UFE patients. Keywords: Uterine artery embolization, Fibroid expulsion, Submucosa