Juvenile cystic adenomyosis mimicking uterine malformation: a case report

Modern view on the diagnostics and treatment of adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is identified by the enlargement of the uterus secondary to such areas of the endometrium as the endometrial glands and stroma located deep in the myometrium, which causes its hyperplasia and hypertrophy. The most common signs of the development of adenomyosis in a patient are copious menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea. However, it should be borne in mind that in some patients, the disease may be asymptomatic. Despite the wide abundance of imaging and other diagnostic methods for diagnosing adenomyosis, there are currently no standard verified diagnostic criteria for pathologists. In addition, women with adenomyosis often have other concomitant gynaecological diseases, such as endometriosis or leiomyomas, which makes it difficult to diagnose and choose the optimal treatment for patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to highlight up-to-date and relevant information for the practitioner about the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics and treatment options for adenomyosis. Sources from four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier and Google Scholar) were used to search for data. As a result of a literature review, it was established that the "gold" standard for the diagnostics of adenomyosis is histological research methods, in particular, biopsy performed during hysteroscopy or laparoscopy, whereas imaging methods (transvaginal sonography, magnetic resonance imaging) are more often used for differential diagnostics of adenomyosis with other diseases. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging allows for a better differential diagnostics between adenomyosis and myomatosis and helps to recognise the disease at an early stage. Regarding treatment, there is currently no particular therapy and algorithms for the treatment of adenomyosis, which is primarily due to the lack of precise criteria for the diagnostics of the disease. However, the most effective therapeutic methods at the present stage are the use of aromatase inhibitors and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, whilst minimally invasive techniques, in particular, endometrial ablation and uterine artery embolisation, are becoming increasingly popular amongst surgical techniques.

Ultrasound-Guided Transvaginal Aspiration and Sclerotherapy for Uterine Cystic Adenomyosis: Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Uterine cystic adenomyosis is a very rare type of adenomyosis which can be easily misdiagnosed in clinical practice. In the past, cases have been mostly treated with surgical resection of the uterine lesion.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with severe dysmenorrhea for more than 1 year. Physical examination showed that the uterus was enlarged. The transvaginal ultrasound showed a cystic mass of about 5.0 × 3.6 × 3.6 cm in the posterior myometrium, with dense echo spots and no blood flow signal in the cystic part. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated hemorrhages within the cystic mass, suggesting the possibility of uterine cystic adenomyosis. The lower abdominal pain and severe dysmenorrhea were not alleviated after a 6-month trial of oral contraceptives. Subsequently, she underwent ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration and sclerotherapy for uterine cystic adenomyosis. Approximately 90 mL of chocolate-colored fluid was aspirated from the mass and 20 mL of lauromacrogol was injected in the cyst. The reduction rates of the mass 3 and 12 months after the procedure were 92.01 and 99.10%, respectively. Her dysmenorrhea completely resolved. One and half year after the operation, she had a successful pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby through vagina.

Conclusion

The rare entity of uterine cystic adenomyosis can be treated safely and effectively by ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration and sclerotherapy.

Minimally invasive management of juvenile cystic adenomyoma: report of three cases

Background

Juvenile cystic adenomyosis (JCA) represents a rare form of focal adenomyosis in young women.

Objectives

To determine safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery (MIS for JCA).

Materials and Methods

Three patients aged 16-30 years old presented with chronic pelvic pain [2016 - 2019]. Hormonal treatment failed in two cases. Cystic lesions in the myometrium (n=2), and the broad ligament (n=1) was detected on transvaginal 2D ultrasound (TV 2D US) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The cyst was separate from the endometrium in all the cases, within the myometrium in two patients and in the right broad ligament in one case. The cystic lesions were confirmed on laparoscopy; and laparoscopic excision of the cysts with adequate repair of the myometrial beds were performed in all cases with fertility preservation. Robotic assistance was chosen in one case in an attempt to avoid injury of the fallopian tube based on the cyst location during a previous laparoscopy. The endometrial cavity was entered in one case.

Main outcome measures

Absence of intraoperative complications and relief of presenting symptoms postoperatively.

Results

Pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of JCA is all cases. There were no intraoperative complications. All three patients reported relief of their symptoms 6 to 8 months after surgery. No recurrence of the JCA was reported using TV 2D US in all cases.

Conclusions

MIS could be the treatment of choice for patients with JCA. The technique described in our study is safe, effective, and easy to master in experienced hands.

What is new?

Value of MIS in treatment of patients with JCA.

Report of two cases of Accessory Cavitated Uterine Mass (ACUM): Diagnostic challenge for MRI

Cystic adenomyosis is an unusual form of adenomyosis, characterized by a well-circumscribed cavitated endometrial gland and stroma, ≥ 1 cm in diameter, located within the myometrium. Few cases have been reported in the gynecological literature, with confusing naming such as: juvenile cystic adenomyosis, cystic myometrial lesions, cystic adenomyoma or juvenile adenomyotic cysts. The current preferred terminology is accessory cavitated uterine mass /or malformation (ACUM). We report here the cases of two 17 and 18 -year-old nulliparous women, who complained of severe dysmenorrhea early after the onset of menarche, with none or partial efficiency of medical treatment. MRI findings, with a follow-up in one case and surgical treatment in both cases, are described with an emphasis on physiopathology. The typical MR appearance is a large well-circumscribed round mass within the external myometrium, composed by an inner cystic hemorrhagic layer surrounded by a thick fibrous crown. The first-line treatment is laparoscopic surgery with mass resection. This typical MRI pattern must be a part of the knowledge of the radiologists.

A Feasible Technique in Laparoscopic Excision for Juvenile Cystic Adenomyosis: A Case Report, Literature Review, and Surgical Video

Background: Juvenile cystic adenomyosis (JCA) is a rare uterine lesion. We present the case of a young woman who was diagnosed with JCA and subsequently managed with laparoscopic cyst removal with sharp and blunt dissection. Moreover, we provide a literature review and a surgical video. Case: A 22-year-old nulliparous woman presented with severe dysmenorrhea and was assessed using contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography, transvaginal ultrasonography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, and diagnosed with a cystic lesion on the left side of the myometrium. She underwent laparoscopic cyst excision and uterine reconstruction. Histology was suggestive of JCA. The dysmenorrhea resolved postoperatively. Conclusion: Surgical resection is the first choice of treatment for cystic adenomyosis, and a laparoscopic approach using scissor forceps is effective.

Juvenile cystic adenomyoma, a rare diagnostic challenge: Case Reports and literature review

Objective

To report 2 very rare cases of young women who presented with severe dysmenorrhea and a large cystic lesion in the myometrium, which presented a diagnostic dilemma because they were confused with a Müllerian anomaly.

Design

Case reports and a literature review.

Setting

A university-based reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic in the United States.

Patient(s)

An 18- and a 16-year-old nulliparous girl presented with worsening of their longstanding pelvic pain, and imaging study results were suggestive of a Müllerian anomaly.

Intervention(s)

Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography, transvaginal ultrasonography, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, operative laparoscopy, and excision of a juvenile cystic adenomyoma (JCA).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Resolution of the pelvic pain and restoration of normal uterine anatomy after appropriate intervention

Result(s)

Restoration of normal uterine anatomy, which was confirmed by 3-dimensional ultrasonography for case 1; however, case 2 still had a small remnant of JCA postoperatively.

Conclusion(s)

Clinical and radiologic examinations may not be useful in differentiating a Müllerian anomaly from other rare abnormalities like JCA. When in doubt, laparoscopy can assist in diagnosing and treating the condition.

Adenomyotic cyst mimicking a congenital Müllerian anomaly: Diagnosis and treatment with laparoscopy

A 28-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of severe progressive dysmenorrhea following suction evacuation and tubal ligation. Sonography showed a bicornuate uterus with hematometra in the left horn. Hysteroscopy ruled out a diagnosis of a congenital Müllerian anomaly, as both ostia appeared normal. Under laparoscopy, a mass was seen on the left fundal region near the insertion of the round ligament, and needle aspiration of a chocolate-colored fluid confirmed the diagnosis of an adenomyotic cyst. The cyst was excised. The patient recovered well and has been symptom-free since surgery. Adenomyotic cyst is a rare entity in young women and must be differentiated from obstructive Müllerian anomaly. Laparoscopy is the preferred minimally invasive modality for managing this rare disorder.

Identification of Juvenile Cystic Adenomyoma Using High-Resolution Imaging

BACKGROUND

Juvenile cystic adenomyoma is a rare condition that is often misdiagnosed as a noncommunicating uterine horn or adnexal mass during adolescence.

CASES

We describe two patients who presented with dysmenorrhea unresponsive to standard management with oral contraceptives. Both patients were initially misdiagnosed as having endometriotic cysts. Juvenile cystic adenomyoma was suspected on standard pelvic ultrasound scan and subsequent high-resolution three-dimensional ultrasonography. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed and the lesions successfully treated laparoscopically.

CONCLUSION

Gynecologists should be aware of the possibility of juvenile cystic adenomyoma in adolescents with dysmenorrhea refractory to medical management. Three-dimensional ultrasonography may provide the resolution necessary to distinguish this rare condition.

Adenomyosis presenting as a molar pregnancy: A case report

•We present a case of atypical adenomyosis with clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings suggestive of a molar pregnancy.•Adenomyosis causes uterine enlargement and may appear cystic on vaginal ultrasound.•Falsely elevated β-hCG in the setting of obesity and hypothyroidism may complicate diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding.

Juvenile cystic adenomyosis: A case report and review of the literature

This report describes a case of a uterine cystic myometrial lesion in a 16-year-old adolescent girl presenting with pelvic pain and severe progressively worsening dysmenorrhoea. Patient's symptoms, ultrasound and MRI were suggestive of juvenile cystic adenomyosis (JCA). Medical treatment and alcohol sclerotherapy had a moderate and transient effect. The symptoms rapidly recurred, and the lesion was successfully excised via laparoscopic surgery. The treatment of JCA depends on patient's age, the symptoms' severity and the cyst location. Although rare, juvenile cystic adenomyosis should be considered in young women with severe dysmenorrhoea.

Juvenile cystic adenomyoma mimicking a Mullerian uterine anomaly successfully treated by laparoscopic excision

A 14‐year‐old patient diagnosed with a juvenile cystic adenomyoma mimicking a Mullerian uterine anomaly successfully treated by a laparoscopic excision.

Regression of Adenomyosis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging after a Course of Hormonal Suppression in Adolescents: A Case Series

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate that adenomyosis is a rare cause of dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in the adolescent population that can be identified with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to report resolution of adenomyosis by MRI after a course of hormonal suppression in 4 adolescents.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective case series of 4 adolescents with adenomyosis on pelvic MRI at Texas Children's Hospital.

INTERVENTIONS

Continuous oral contraceptive (COC) therapy or leuprolide acetate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Lesions on pelvic MRI after treatment.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of 4 adolescents with CPP and adenomyosis on T2-weighted pelvic MRI. All patients had initial diagnostic pelvic MRI and then definitive hormonal intervention. Repeat imaging was obtained after a symptom-free interval.

RESULTS

Patient ages ranged from 12 to 16 years. One patient had resolution of symptoms with COC therapy. MRI performed 3 years later showed no adenomyosis. Three patients failed COC therapy. All were symptomatically improved after therapy with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. Follow-up MRI performed at intervals between 6 months and 3 years showed resolution of adenomyosis.

CONCLUSION

MRI can raise suspicion for the diagnosis of adenomyosis in adolescents with refractory CPP. Subsequent MRI can show regression of lesions after symptom resolution with hormonal therapy.

Uterine Cystic Adenomyosis: A Disease of Younger Women

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We adopted a life-cycle approach to further our understanding of the natural history of the cystic forms of uterine adenomyosis first described by Cullen in 1908.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Scopus and PubMed were searched for all terms referring to cystic variant of adenomyosis or adenomyoma. References found in major publications were also included in the review.

MAIN FINDINGS

With the introduction of non-invasive imaging techniques, a number of cases of cystic variants of adenomyosis have been reported. Progressive, severe, medication-resistant dysmenorrhea is the main clinical feature but delay in diagnosis remains problematic. The life-cycle approach demonstrates that cystic adenomyosis is more relevant to adolescent and young adulthood. Congenital müllerian and wolffian cysts and the uterus-like masses are more frequent in women >30 years of age. The latter is frequently located outside the uterus and may represent a form of endometriosis rather than adenomyosis. Differential diagnosis includes ovarian cysts and congenital uterine anomalies. Menstruation suppression with continuous oral contraceptive pill with ultrasonographic monitoring of cyst regression may prove successful in the young woman, but surgical excision using minimally invasive endoscopy is highly effective. The various terms used in literature to describe these lesions cause considerable confusion. Here we propose a classification into 3 subtypes and standardized reporting criteria to enable comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometrial lined myometrial cysts are almost specific to adolescent and young women. We propose a new classification system.

Juvenile cystic adenomyoma

The purpose of this paper is to describe a case of juvenile cystic adenomyoma in a 17 year-old female patient with severe dysmenorrhoea unresponsive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The patient presents progressively worsening dysmenorrhoea that started 2 years after menarche and a cystic uterine lesion in MRI. The cyclic nature of symptoms, the similarity of the lesion and endometrium in MRI signal intensity and response to hormone suppression are consistent with juvenile cystic adenomyoma. The treatment depends on the age of the patient, severity of her symptoms and size and localisation of the cyst. This is a rare condition in young nulliparous women with a challenging differential diagnosis. This case highlights the relevance of MRI in the patient's study, featuring important characteristics of the lesion that disclosed the final diagnosis.