Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography (US) are commonly used to assess the uterus and pelvis prior to and following uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic leiomyomas (fibroids). Preprocedural US may help identify relative contraindications for UAE, whereas postprocedural US can help determine the quality and quantity of fibroid involution and help identify any complications associated with the procedure. The consulting radiologist should be familiar with certain typical postprocedural US findings, which might otherwise be improperly interpreted, leading to unnecessary intervention. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or computed tomography will frequently provide the most accurate information in UAE patients with certain pathologic conditions, and early study results suggest that MR imaging may be helpful in predicting treatment response. Nevertheless, US is a readily available first-line imaging modality and a well-accepted method for both pre- and postprocedural evaluation of patients who undergo UAE. A proper understanding of the US findings in this patient population allows objective determination of treatment response and detection of most of the commonly recognized complications that are associated with UAE.

Our purpose was to investigate some of the newer MR angiography (MRA) techniques for studying the carotid arteries. Forty-two arteries in seven asymptomatic, healthy volunteers were studied using five MRA sequences: two conventional time-of-flight sequences, 2D time-of-flight (2DTOF) and 3D time-of-flight (3DTOF); 2D and 3D magnetisation-prepared, segmented time-of-flight sequences (2DTFE and 3DTFE); and a 3D phase contrast angiography (3DPCA) sequence. A protocol that could be realistically employed in a routine clinical situation was chosen. 2DTOF had significantly (P < 0.05) better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) than 2DTFE. 3DTOF demonstrated better SNR than 3DTFE but 3DTFE demonstrated better CNR than 3DTOF. 3DPCA provided maximal anatomical coverage. No one sequence provided optimal anatomical coverage, accurate demonstration of the carotid bulb and maximal SNR and CNR. The combination of 3DPCA and a 3D inflow sequence was best. 2DTOF sequences are useful when only one brief sequence is practicably feasible.