Use of transvaginal ultrasonography with color Doppler imaging to determine an appropriate treatment regimen for uterine fibroids with a GnRH agonist before surgery: a preliminary study.

The aim was to obtain data that could be used to determine the most appropriate treatment regimen for uterine fibroids with a gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (goserelin) before surgery. Fifteen premenopausal women (aged 27-53 years; mean 40 years) were referred from a gynecological outpatients' clinic. They all had uterine fibroids and were awaiting hysterectomy or myomectomy. All women were scheduled to receive an implant of goserelin (3.6 mg), undergo transvaginal ultrasonography and have a sample of peripheral blood taken at monthly intervals for 6 months. The main outcome measures were fibroid size and indices of blood flow (the pulsatility index and peak systolic velocity) in both uterine arteries and the principal artery supplying the largest fibroid. The concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and progesterone were measured in peripheral plasma. Twelve women (80%) completed 2 months of treatment, but only three (20%) completed the study (due to side-effects of the drug). After 2 months of treatment, the plasma hormone levels were all in the low-normal range; the mean fibroid volume had decreased by 53% and the mean peak systolic blood velocity in the fibroid artery had decreased by 45%. Mean changes in all indices were < 10% over the next 4 months of treatment. Six women (40%) had fibroids with an initial volume of > 100 ml; these tumors showed the largest reduction in size. We conclude that women with a uterine fibroid of > 100 ml are the best candidates for treatment with goserelin (3.6 mg/month) before surgery. Two months' treatment effects a marked reduction in fibroid volume and blood flow and is associated with good compliance.