Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Ultrasound has always played a prominent role in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids. New technologies are giving ultrasound an even greater profile in fibroid treatment, according to a new article we're featuring this week in our Ultrasound Digital Community.
Staff writer Shalmali Pal describes a pair of new studies that demonstrates just how much ultrasound-directed fibroid intervention has evolved. In one study, Italian researchers used ultrasound to guide radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) treatments, with the goal of determining whether RFA alone was a sufficient therapeutic intervention for uterine fibroids.
The researchers reported good results in the use of ultrasound-guided RF ablation, particularly in medium-sized fibroids. They also said that ultrasound contrast helped considerably during the procedure.
In a second study we're covering, Japanese researchers test-drove a relatively new procedure, MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). The technique involves the use of a specialized MR scanner that has a built-in module that delivers a focused beam of ultrasound waves to heat and destroy targeted tissue.
This group also reported positive results with the technology, although certain types of fibroids were more difficult and required referral to other types of treatment. Find out which fibroids proved most resistant to MRgFUS by clicking here.
In another article we're featuring, Belgian researchers found that, when in the hand of an experienced operator, ultrasound is superior to serum assay for characterizing benign from malignant adnexal masses. The researchers hope that their study will help bolster confidence in the use of ultrasound for characterizing ovarian masses. Get more details by clicking here.
Learn more about these technologies, and find out about related studies to be presented at the RSNA conference later this month, by visiting our Ultrasound Digital Community at ultrasound.auntminnie.com.
