Association between magnetic resonance imaging findings of uterine leiomyomas and symptoms demanding treatment

Purpose

To evaluate the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived uterine and leiomyoma characteristics and symptoms demanding treatment.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients (n = 122; mean age, 47.5 years) with symptomatic leiomyomas participated in a prospective study. The leiomyoma/endometrium relationship, sizes of leiomyomas and uteri, and number and enhancement of leiomyomas were determined by MRI. Submucosal leiomyomas were classified as protruding either ≥50% or <50% into the uterine cavity.

Results

Sixty-nine patients (57%) had menorrhagia and pressure symptoms, while 26 (21%) had only menorrhagia and 27 (22%) pressure symptoms alone. Leiomyomas with ≥50% protrusion into the uterine cavity were detected more often in patients with both symptoms or just menorrhagia than in those with pressure symptoms only (18/69 [26%] versus 1/27 [4%], P = 0.013; 10/26 [39%] versus 1/27 [4%], P = 0.002, respectively). The degree of enhancement of leiomyomas was higher (P = 0.005) and leiomyomas were smaller (P = 0.002) in patients with menorrhagia than in those with pressure symptoms. Large uterine and leiomyoma measures were associated with increased urinary frequency (P values 0.002–0.032). Urinary stress incontinence, abdominal pain, and pressure on the back were not associated with MRI findings.

Conclusion

In comparison with pressure symptoms, menorrhagia is associated with smaller uterine and leiomyoma size and with more intense enhancement. While a submucosal leiomyoma largely protruding into the cavity contributes to menorrhagia, significance of a minor submucosal component seems to be unclear. The large leiomyoma and uterine volumes contribute to increased urinary frequency, whereas other mechanisms for urinary stress incontinence and pain symptoms should be considered.