[Imaging before and after uterine artery embolization].

Percutaneous catheter-based embolization treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids has evolved into the most widely used alternative therapeutic approach to surgical treatment worldwide. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) induces infarction of leiomyomas, resulting in ischemic necrosis, hyaline degeneration, and size reduction with resolution of associated symptoms. Published experience suggests that UAE is an effective and reliable option for treating uterine fibroids with high patient satisfaction.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to ultrasonography for determining the site, size and number of fibroids, which is important for establishing the indication for UAE. Other potential advantages of MRI include the option of performing MR angiography (MRA) and obtaining contrast-enhanced images for monitoring the outcome of UAE and assessing possible complications after UAE.