Magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) therapy of uterine fibroids effectively reduces both bleeding and bulk symptoms-A prospective single-center 12-month follow-up study.
Acta Obstet Gynecol ScandJun 15, 2026 (epub)
Saara Otonkoski, Antti Viitala, Gaber Komar et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective single-center study evaluated the efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) in 163 women with uterine fibroids causing bleeding or bulk symptoms over 12 months. The treatment resulted in a mean non-perfused volume ratio of 62% and significant reductions in symptom severity scores and improvements in quality of life at both 3 and 12 months (p < 0.001).
Key findings
- Mean non-perfused volume ratio (NPV%) was 62% across all patients.
- Median symptom severity score decreased from 56 at baseline to 25 at 12 months for bleeding patients.
- Quality of life scores improved significantly from 43 at baseline to 82 at 12 months for bleeding patients.
- Symptom severity reduction was statistically significant at both 3 and 12 months (p < 0.001).
Why it matters
The study highlights MR-HIFU as an effective noninvasive treatment for uterine fibroids, providing significant symptom relief and improved quality of life for patients, which is crucial for clinical decision-making in managing fibroid-related symptoms.