Prostatic Artery Embolization with 250-μm Spherical Polyzene-Coated Hydrogel Microspheres for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms with Follow-up MR Imaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes and possible MR imaging predictors of clinical success after prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with 250-μm hydrogel particles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a span of 1.5 years, 30 patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms were included in a prospective, nonrandomized study. Embolization of at least one prostatic artery was considered as technical success. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax ), residual urine volume, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen level, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were recorded at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after PAE. Multiparametric MR imaging was performed before PAE (n = 25) and 1 day (n = 25), 1 month (n = 7), 3 months (n = 7), and 6 months (n = 22) after intervention. A Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to assess changes over time, and Spearman rank-correlation coefficient was used for outcome prediction.

RESULTS: PAE was technically successful in 90% of patients (n = 27). Clinical success (IPSS < 18 with decrease > 25% and QOL score < 4 with decrease ≥ 1 or Qmax ≥ 15 mL/s and increase of ≥ 3.0 mL/s) rates were 59% (16 of 27), 63% (17 of 27), and 74% (20 of 27) after 1, 3, and 6 mo, respectively. IIEF scores did not differ significantly during follow-up. The following adverse events occurred after PAE: urethral burning (5 of 27), fever (2 of 27), and urethral bleeding, rectal bleeding, cystitis, and penile burning sensation (1 of 27 each). No statistical correlations between initial multiparametric MR imaging changes and clinical parameters after 6 months were found (P values from .14 to .98).

CONCLUSIONS: PAE with 250-μm hydrogel microspheres led to good clinical success after 6 months with a low complication rate. Significant MR imaging predictors of clinical success were not identified.