Uterine fibroids are one of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding in women. These benign tumors are composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue. The ultrasound appearance of fibroids varies and depends on their size, location and type of degeneration they may be under-going. In most cases they are asymptomatic but if they grow large can cause symptoms including abnormal and/or heavy bleeding, painful menses, abdominal discomfort, back ache, constipation, and infertility. Currently, one of the most popular treatments for fibroids is uterine artery embolization (UAE). This treatment involves using a catheter sent to the uterine arteries via the femoral artery and using tiny plastic particles to block the blood supply to the
