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Hiratsuka D, Omura E, Ishizawa C, Iida R, Fukui Y, Hiraoka T, Akaeda S, Matsuo M, Harada M, Wada-Hiraike O, Osuga Y, Hirota Y. Pregnancy is associated with reduced progression of symptomatic adenomyosis: a retrospective pilot study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:634. [PMID: 37667168 PMCID: PMC10476322 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05956-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disease in women of reproductive age and causes various symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding. However, the influence of pregnancy on the progression of adenomyosis remains unclear. The insight into whether the size of adenomyosis is increased, decreased, or unchanged during pregnancy is also undetermined. The current study aimed to evaluate the influence of pregnancy in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis. METHODS This study retrospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with adenomyosis by magnetic resonance imaging between 2015 and 2022 at The University of Tokyo Hospital. Uterine size changes were evaluated by two imaging examinations. In the pregnancy group, the patients did not receive any hormonal and surgical treatments, except cesarean section, but experienced pregnancy and delivery between the first and second imaging examinations. In the control group (nonpregnancy group), the patients experienced neither hormonal and surgical treatments nor pregnancy from at least 1 year before the first imaging to the second imaging. The enlargement rate of the uterine size per year (percentage) was calculated by the uterine volume changes (cm3) divided by the interval (years) between two imaging examinations. The enlargement rate of the uterine size per year was compared between the pregnancy group and the control group. RESULTS Thirteen and 11 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis were included in the pregnancy group and in the control group, respectively. The pregnancy group had a lower enlargement rate per year than the control group (mean ± SE: -7.4% ± 3.6% vs. 48.0% ± 18.5%, P < 0.001), indicating that the size of the uterus with adenomyosis did not change in the pregnancy group. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy is associated with reduced progression of symptomatic adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Hiratsuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Erika Omura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ishizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Rei Iida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Osamu Wada-Hiraike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
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Jensen KK, Pyle C, Foster BR, Sohaey R, Oh KY. Adenomyosis in Pregnancy: Diagnostic Pearls and Pitfalls. Radiographics 2021; 41:929-944. [PMID: 33769889 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2021200120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a common benign uterine disorder in which ectopic endometrial glands extend into the myometrium. Adenomyosis is increasingly diagnosed in young women, affecting 20%-35% of women of reproductive age. Features of adenomyosis can be seen with either US or MRI, especially with newer imaging technology. With advances in reproductive endocrinology as well as a trend toward later maternal age, adenomyosis is increasingly noted during pregnancy, often while performing imaging for other reasons. Hormonal changes during pregnancy alter the appearance of adenomyosis, which includes diffuse, focal, and cystic adenomyosis. Recognizing these imaging changes in pregnancy proves essential for accurately diagnosing adenomyosis as a benign condition, as it mimics serious placental and myometrial abnormalities. Using a lower-frequency US transducer or MRI can be helpful in distinguishing among these entities. Describing the location of adenomyosis in relationship to the site of placentation is also important. Diagnosing adenomyosis is crucial because it can be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Adenomyosis is also a risk factor for preeclampsia. Intramural ectopic pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that can mimic cystic adenomyosis, and comparison with prepregnancy images can help differentiate the two conditions. The authors review the unique imaging characteristics of adenomyosis in pregnancy, focusing on accurate diagnosis of an underrecognized benign condition that can mimic myometrial and placental pathologic conditions.©RSNA, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle K Jensen
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, L-340, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Chelsea Pyle
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, L-340, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Bryan R Foster
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, L-340, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Roya Sohaey
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, L-340, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Karen Y Oh
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, L-340, Portland, OR 97239
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Nakai Y, Maeda E, Kanda T, Ikemura M, Ushiku T, Sasajima Y, Isshiki S, Abe O. Uterine adenomyosis with extensive glandular proliferation: case series of a rare imaging variant. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 26:153-159. [PMID: 32209513 DOI: 10.5152/dir.2019.19252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of uterine adenomyosis, in which there is an extensive area of high signal intensity in the myometrium on T2-weighted MRI. METHODS This retrospective radiographic study reviewed a case series of six patients (mean age, 36 years) with adenomyosis. These patients were selected because, unlike in classical adenomyosis, T2-weighted images showed a larger area of high signal intensity than that of low signal intensity in the myometrium. The morphology of the myometrial lesions, patterns of contrast enhancement (n=4), intramyometrial hemorrhaging, diffusion restriction (n=5), endometrial lesions, and imaging findings after treatment (n=3) were evaluated on MRI. RESULTS The patients' clinical symptoms included vaginal bleeding and severe anemia. Four were administered hormonal therapy, one underwent hysterectomy, and one underwent enucleation. On T2-weighted images, all showed endometrial thickening and a high signal intensity area in the myometrium that was divided up by a mesh of low signal intensity bands, with an appearance reminiscent of a fish caught in a net. Other findings included gradual centripetal enhancement with contrast defects in multicystic areas (4/4), an intramyometrial hemorrhage (1/6), and increased diffusion (5/5). Following hormonal therapy, the uteruses decreased in size and were similar to those of classical adenomyosis on MRI (3/3). The lesions were diagnosed as adenomyosis with a proliferation of adenomyotic glandular tissue and a proliferative endometrial polyp. CONCLUSION This case series suggests that there is a subgroup of uterine adenomyosis that shows a characteristic "fish-in-a-net" appearance on T2-weighted images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Nakai
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan;Department of Radiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eriko Maeda
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonori Kanda
- Department of Radiology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masako Ikemura
- Department of Pathology, The University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, The University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Sasajima
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saiko Isshiki
- Department of Radiology, Nippon Medical School Musashikosugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Osamu Abe
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Gordts S, Grimbizis G, Campo R. Symptoms and classification of uterine adenomyosis, including the place of hysteroscopy in diagnosis. Fertil Steril 2018; 109:380-388.e1. [PMID: 29566850 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Where histology used the presence of glands and/or stroma in the myometrium as pathognomonic for adenomyosis, imaging uses the appearance of the myometrium, the presence of striations, related to the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium, the presence of intramyometrial cystic structures and the size and asymmetry of the uterus to identify adenomyosis. Preliminary reports show a good correlation between the features detected by imaging and the histological findings. Symptoms associated with adenomyosis are abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia), and impaired reproduction. However a high incidence of existing comorbidity like fibroids and endometriosis makes it difficult to attribute a specific pathognomonic symptom to adenomyosis. Heterogeneity in the reported pregnancy rates after assisted reproduction is due to the use of different ovarian stimulation protocols and absence of a correct description of the adenomyotic pathology. Current efforts to classify the disease contributed a lot in elucidated the potential characteristics that a classification system should be relied on. The need for a comprehensive, user friendly, and clear categorization of adenomyosis including the pattern, location, histological variants, and the myometrial zone seems to be an urgent need. With the uterus as a possible unifying link between adenomyosis and endometriosis, exploration of the uterus should not only be restricted to the hysteroscopic exploration of the uterine cavity but in a fusion with ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Gordts
- Leuven Institute for Fertility & Embryology, Leuven, Belgium; Life Expert Centre, Schipvaartstraat 4, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Grigoris Grimbizis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Rudi Campo
- Leuven Institute for Fertility & Embryology, Leuven, Belgium; Life Expert Centre, Schipvaartstraat 4, Leuven, Belgium
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Kim SC, Lee NK, Yun KY, Joo JK, Suh DS, Kim KH. A rapidly growing adenomyosis associated with preterm delivery and postpartum abscess formation. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 55:620-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Benagiano G, Brosens I, Habiba M. Adenomyosis: a life-cycle approach. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 30:220-32. [PMID: 25599903 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The life-cycle approach to endometriosis highlighted unexpected features of the condition; the same approach was therefore applied to gain insight into the clinical features of adenomyosis and to draw a comparison with endometriosis. This is possible today thanks to new imaging techniques enabling non-invasive diagnosis of adenomyosis. The specificity and sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasound remain uncertain. Unlike endometriosis, little information is available on the presence of classic adenomyosis in adolescents, except for rare cystic forms that may not represent the true disease. Adenomyosis is most likely to affect adult women, although most reported incidences are still based on post-hysterectomy studies, and are affected by diligence in histopathologic diagnosis and the adopted cut-off point. The traditionally accepted associations of adult adenomyosis, such as multiparity, a link to infertility and its effect on pregnancy are uncertain. Active adenomyosis has been found in pre- and peri-menopausal women and in postmenopausal women receiving tamoxifen. In conclusion, major diagnostic limitations and the systematic bias of hysterectomy make it difficult to draw firm conclusions from existing evidence. In addition, no information is available on the natural history of adenomyosis and no study has systematically evaluated its existence in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ivo Brosens
- Leuven and Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Catholic University, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marwan Habiba
- Reproductive Sciences Section, University of Leicester, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
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Tongsong T, Khunamornpong S, Sirikunalai P, Jatavan T. Adenomyosis in pregnancy mimicking morbidly adherent placenta. BMJ Case Rep 2014; 2014:bcr-2013-201509. [PMID: 24722709 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-201509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to illustrate a false-positive diagnosis of adherent placenta due to underlying adenomyosis. A 34-year-old woman was diagnosed for placenta previa totalis with adherent placenta at 33 weeks, based on the findings of loss of clear space or distinguishing outline separating the placenta and uterine wall, presence of intraplacental lacunae and densely atypical vessels in the lesion. Caesarean hysterectomy was performed at 35 weeks. Pathological findings revealed placenta previa totalis with adenomyosis beneath the placenta at the lower segment, with no adherent placenta. In conclusion, this report underlines the importance of possible false-positive test of prenatal ultrasound and MRI findings of adherent placenta caused by underlying adenomyosis which could obliterate the outline distinguishing the placenta and myometrium and atypical vessels secondary to decidualisation and hypervascularity from pregnancy. This case may probably encourage physician to beware of false-positive test of adherent placenta due to adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theera Tongsong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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