Case Studies

Case 1

Patient came to University Image Guided Therapy Center because she was in terrible pain. Her quality of life diminished considerably due to symptoms of fatigue, diminished energy, heavy menstrual bleeding, and anemia. Upon evaluating her candidacy for MRgFUS it was determined she had an unusually large fibroid - 9 centimeters, the size of a grapefruit. Fortunately, the center has extensive experience treating such complex cases, having completed over 200 procedure to date which are sometimes not accepted by other MRgFUS facilities. The treatment was a resounding success, and the patient reported relief from the pain, increased energy, and that her menstrual bleeding returned to normal. The fibroid shrank by 47% within six months after the treatment.

Figures 1 a and b show the dominant large 9 cm 348cc fibroid (arrow) on the screening MRI causing outward stretching of the rectus abdominus muscle (arrow).
Figure 2 demonstrates a 94% non perfused volume (NPV) of the fibroid after MRgFUS ablation.
Figure 3 reveals a 47% decrease in size of the fibroid at 6 month follow up. Note that the rectus muscle is now straight and the fibroid has substantially decreased in size. There is still ablated tissue that upon resorption, will result in further fibroid shrinkage.

Case 2.

Patient battled with heavy menstrual bleeding for years, when she finally decided to undergo MRgFUS at University Image Guided Therapy Center. At the six month follow-up visit, patient reported complete relief of her symptoms, and fibroid shrinkage was so significant that the patient's abdomen area was now 50 percent flatter than prior to the treatment.

Figure 1 a and b 157 cc fibroid on prescreening MRI scan (arrows).
Figure 2 a and b The day of MRg FUS, the fibroid was 96% ablated. Note the black area of destroyed tissue.
Figure 3 a and b After 6 months, there was 50% shrinkage in the size of the fibroid with residual areas of necrosis that will further resorb and thus allow for more shrinkage.

Case 3

Patient reported a history of pain during intercourse, frequency of urination, and heavy bleeding during menses. In addition, she complained of increased pressure in pelvic region. At her 6 month follow-up visit, the fibroid was significantly smaller and the patient reported symptoms had disappeared.

Figure 1 and b This patient had 3 prominent fibroids (arrows) for a total fibroid load of 320 cc.
Figure 2 a and b show significant ablation (arrows) of all 3 uterine fibroids preformed during a single 3 hour treatment.