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Review
. 2018;7(3):117-121.
doi: 10.1007/s13669-018-0243-5. Epub 2018 May 8.

Natural History of Uterine Fibroids: A Radiological Perspective

Srirupa Ghosh  1 , Joel Naftalin  2 , Rachel Imrie  1 , Wee-Liak Hoo  1
Affiliations
Review

Natural History of Uterine Fibroids: A Radiological Perspective

Srirupa Ghosh et al. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2018.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review aims to update our understanding of the radiological life cycle of fibroids, so that we may better counsel patients making difficult treatment decisions. Evidence for both pregnant and non-pregnant women have been considered separately.

Recent findings: Recent findings have shown that fibroids can undergo both growth and regression in non-gravid uterus. In pregnant women, fibroid growth is non-linear fashion, with the greatest growth occurring in the first 7 weeks of pregnancy. Growth in the later trimesters was significantly slower.

Summary: Fibroid growth, both in the intra- and inter-gravid states, is variable and can range from 18 to 120% per year. In the inter-gravid state, fibroids can grow or undergo spontaneous regression. Factors that can predict fibroid growth include the starting volume of fibroid, type of fibroid and age of patient. In the gravid state, fibroids appears to grow in a non-linear pattern, with the most rapid growth occurring in the first trimester. Factors affecting fibroid growth in pregnancy include the size of fibroids and number of fibroids.

Keywords: Fibroid growth; Fibroids; Inter-gravid; Leiomyoma; Life cycle; Pregnancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with Ethical StandardsWee Liak Hoo is a co-investigator for LIBERTY 1—An International Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Efficacy and Safety Study to Evaluate Relugolix Co-Administered with and without Low-Dose Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate in Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Associated with Uterine Fibroids. Srirupa Ghosh, Joel Naftalin and Rachel Imrie declare no conflict of interest.This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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