1
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Vacaroiu IA, Balcangiu-Stroescu AE, Stanescu-Spinu II, Balan DG, Georgescu MT, Greabu M, Miricescu D, Cuiban E, Șerban-Feier LF, Lupușoru MOD, Gaube A, Georgescu DE. Chronic Pelvic Puzzle: Navigating Deep Endometriosis with Renal Complications. J Clin Med 2023; 13:220. [PMID: 38202227 PMCID: PMC10780270 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This case report delves into the intricacies of a challenging clinical scenario involving deep pelvic endometriosis, which manifested with renal complications. Endometriosis, a complex gynecological condition, is explored in this case, highlighting its multifaceted nature. The patient presented with a complex interplay of symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, urinary tract issues, and severe deep adenomyosis. The diagnostic journey was protracted, emphasizing the need for early recognition and intervention in such cases. A thorough evaluation, including laparoscopic examination and histopathological analysis, revealed the extensive presence of endometriotic lesions in various pelvic and renal structures, ultimately leading to left hydronephrosis. The report underscores the significance of timely diagnosis and surgical intervention to prevent irreversible renal damage. This case provides valuable insights into the management of deep endometriosis with renal involvement and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Understanding the complexities of this condition can aid in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Adela Vacaroiu
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (I.A.V.); (E.C.); (L.F.Ș.-F.)
| | - Andra-Elena Balcangiu-Stroescu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-E.B.-S.); (I.-I.S.-S.)
| | - Iulia-Ioana Stanescu-Spinu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-E.B.-S.); (I.-I.S.-S.)
| | - Daniela Gabriela Balan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-E.B.-S.); (I.-I.S.-S.)
| | - Mihai-Teodor Georgescu
- “Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu” Oncology Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Greabu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniela Miricescu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Elena Cuiban
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (I.A.V.); (E.C.); (L.F.Ș.-F.)
| | - Larisa Florina Șerban-Feier
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (I.A.V.); (E.C.); (L.F.Ș.-F.)
| | - Mircea Ovidiu Denis Lupușoru
- Department of Physiology I, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Gaube
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 1st Doctor Calistrat Grozovici St., 021105 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Dragos-Eugen Georgescu
- “Dr. Ion Cantacuzino” General Surgery Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
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Lazzeri L, Andersson KL, Angioni S, Arena A, Arena S, Bartiromo L, Berlanda N, Bonin C, Candiani M, Centini G, Forno SD, Donati A, Exacoustos C, Fuggetta E, Labanca L, Maiorana A, Maneschi F, Mattei A, Muzii L, Ottolina J, Perandini A, Perelli F, Pino I, Porpora MG, Remorgida V, Scaramuzzino S, Schimberni M, Seracchioli R, Solima E, Vignali M, Zupi E, Martire FG. How to Manage Endometriosis in Adolescence: The Endometriosis Treatment Italian Club Approach. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2023; 30:616-626. [PMID: 37001691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of endometriosis in an adolescent girl is a challenging topic. The initial stage of the disease and the limited diagnostic instrument appropriate for the youth age and for its typical features can reduce the ability of the gynecologist. At the same time, missing a prompt diagnosis can delay the beginning of specific and punctual management of endometriosis, which could avoid a postponed diagnosis from 6 to 12 years, typical of adolescent girls complaining of dysmenorrhea. This article aimed to answer all the potential questions around the diagnosis and management of endometriosis in adolescents starting from a clinical case looking at the possible solution that is easily reproducible in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lazzeri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine (Drs. Lazzeri, Centini, Martire, and Zupi), Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Karin Louise Andersson
- Department of Territory Health (Dr. Andersson, Exacoustos), Azienda Sanitaria Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Angioni
- Department of Surgical Sciences (Dr. Angioni), Università di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arena
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (Drs. A. Arena, Del Forno, and Seracchioli), DIMEC, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Saverio Arena
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Arena), Santa Maria della Misericordia hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ludovica Bartiromo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Bartiromo, Candiani, Ottolina, and Schimberni), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Berlanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Berlanda and Donati), Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Bonin
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (Drs. Bonin and Perandini), Università di Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Bartiromo, Candiani, Ottolina, and Schimberni), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Centini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine (Drs. Lazzeri, Centini, Martire, and Zupi), Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Del Forno
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (Drs. A. Arena, Del Forno, and Seracchioli), DIMEC, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Agnese Donati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Berlanda and Donati), Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Exacoustos
- Department of Territory Health (Dr. Andersson, Exacoustos), Azienda Sanitaria Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy; Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecologic Unit (Drs. Exacoustos, and Martire), University of Rome "Tor Vergata" Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana Fuggetta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Fuggetta and Maneschi), San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital (Drs. Labanca and Martire), Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Labanca
- Department of Surgical Sciences (Drs. Labanca), Valdarno Hospital, Azienda Toscana Sud Est, Italy
| | - Antonio Maiorana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Dr. Maiorana), ARNAS Ospedale Civico Piazza Nicola, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Maneschi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Fuggetta and Maneschi), San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital (Drs. Labanca and Martire), Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Mattei
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine (Drs. Lazzeri, Centini, Martire, and Zupi), Università di Siena, Siena, Italy; Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecologic Unit (Drs. Exacoustos, and Martire), University of Rome "Tor Vergata" Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology (Drs. Muzii, Porpora, and Scaramuzzino), Università di Roma La Sapienza, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Ottolina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Bartiromo, Candiani, Ottolina, and Schimberni), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Perandini
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (Drs. Bonin and Perandini), Università di Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Perelli
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Drs. Mattei and Perelli), Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, USL Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Ida Pino
- Preventive Gynecology Unit (Dr. Pino), European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology (Drs. Muzii, Porpora, and Scaramuzzino), Università di Roma La Sapienza, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentino Remorgida
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Dr. Remorgida), University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Sara Scaramuzzino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology (Drs. Muzii, Porpora, and Scaramuzzino), Università di Roma La Sapienza, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Schimberni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Bartiromo, Candiani, Ottolina, and Schimberni), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Seracchioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (Drs. A. Arena, Del Forno, and Seracchioli), DIMEC, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Division of Gynecology and Human Reproduction Phisiopatology (Dr. Seracchioli), IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna Italy
| | - Eugenio Solima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Solima and Vignali), Macedonio Melloni Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Vignali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Solima and Vignali), Macedonio Melloni Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Errico Zupi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine (Drs. Lazzeri, Centini, Martire, and Zupi), Università di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Francesco Giuseppe Martire
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Drs. Mattei and Perelli), Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, USL Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
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Dietrich JE. Diagnosis and Management of Mullerian Anomalies Across Differing Resource Settings: Worldwide Adaptations. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022; 35:536-540. [PMID: 35489471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mullerian anomalies affect 7% of reproductive age women. It is important to have a basic understanding of these conditions, given they can affect women at any stage of life and have potential impacts on fertility and pregnancy. This article seeks to review these anomalies as well as specific diagnostic pitfalls and strategies to approach these conditions in both high- and low-resource environments. METHODS This review was undertaken with a PubMed focused search, using terms related to the diagnosis and management of Mullerian anomalies in many worldwide settings. Consideration was made to assess the medical resources available in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which could impact diagnostic and management decisions, compared with high-income countries (HICs). Concurrent medical conditions and both gynecologic and obstetric outcomes were also searched. Practice recommendations from international societies were also reviewed and compared. Finally, 4 conditions were evaluated more closely to assess management differences based on geographic locations and whether the countries were LMICs or HICs; specifically, those evaluated were lower vaginal atresia, uterovaginal agenesis, bicornuate uterus, and septate uterus. DISCUSSION Mullerian anomalies encompass a wide variety of conditions, ranging from subtle anatomic changes without concurrent anomalies to complex conditions, associated with anomalies of the kidney or spine, which could impact the ability to manage certain conditions based on medical resources available geographically. A systematic approach and provider expertise is important for appropriate diagnosis and management, independent of geographic location. Counseling is critical for medical and surgical decision-making and might be limited or guided by the resources available in certain settings or even by existing laws. CONCLUSIONS Limited outcomes are available among patients with Mullerian anomalies in LMICs; however, the management varies based on the basic tools available to address acute needs, as well as long-term fertility and obstetric concerns. More research is needed in this population, which could help drive the importance of early diagnosis and management not only in HICs but also in LMICs, where individualization strategies are key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Dietrich
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 6651 Main St, Ste 1050, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
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Ansariniya H, Yavari A, Javaheri A, Zare F. Oxidative stress-related effects on various aspects of endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13593. [PMID: 35781369 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic and relatively common disease in women of childbearing age. Complications of this disease include a wide range of disorders. The cause of this disease is not known for sure, but several hypotheses have been proposed for it. In this disease, the entry of endometrial tissues into the peritoneal cavity causes oxidative stress through the Fenton reaction and inflammation in this site. Oxidative stress can be associated with many complications of endometriosis. In this review, an attempt has been made to discuss the effects of oxidative stress on various complications of this disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ansariniya
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Yavari
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Javaheri
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Zare
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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5
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Liakopoulou MK, Tsarna E, Eleftheriades A, Arapaki A, Toutoudaki K, Christopoulos P. Medical and Behavioral Aspects of Adolescent Endometriosis: A Review of the Literature. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9030384. [PMID: 35327756 PMCID: PMC8947708 DOI: 10.3390/children9030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The majority of young women will experience discomfort associated with menstrual cycles and miss out on education and social opportunities. Endometriosis, the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of uterus, is the most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea and characterized by pain despite treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal agents. The true prevalence of adolescent endometriosis is not clear. Delay in diagnosis leads to persistent pain, affects quality of life, and potentially contributes to disease progression and subfertility. A laparoscopic diagnosis is the gold standard, but the surgical appearance may differ from adults, as endometriotic lesions are usually red or clear, making their identification a challenge for gynecologists who are unexperienced with endometriosis in adolescents. A personalized medical–surgical treatment is regarded as the most effective therapeutic strategy to achieve remission of symptoms, suppress disease progression, and protect future fertility. Studies have demonstrated how adolescent endometriosis negatively affects patients’ quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Development of therapeutic interventions targeting psychosocial function and quality of life is imperative for adolescent patients.
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6
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Benagiano G, Guo S. Age‐dependent phenotypes of ovarian endometriomas. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12438. [PMID: 35386381 PMCID: PMC8967305 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the characteristics of the ovarian endometrioma (OE) across the life span of a woman. In the past, the OE has traditionally been viewed as a single, monolithic disease. Today, there are emerging data indicating that OE phenotypes differ according to the age of the woman. Method A narrative review of original articles on OE indexed by PubMed. Results When appearing in infancy and early adolescence, OE may be the consequence of endometrial cells retrogradely shed with neonatal uterine bleeding. The post‐menarcheal variant, manifesting itself during full adolescence, is singularly frequent in the presence of vaginal or uterine outflow obstructive anomalies. The typical and most frequent adult phenotype is characterized by increasing fibrosis and a tendency to progress; its mere presence exerts a detrimental effect on the surrounding healthy ovarian tissue. In postmenopause, an old lesion may be reactivated in the presence of exogenous or endogenous estrogens, or even be produced ex novo; rarely, it can spread to a variety of organs and structures and even degenerate causing malignancies. Conclusions Given the existence of these variants, it is important to agree on management guidelines that take into consideration these different phenotypes. Traditionally, ovarian endometriomas are considered rightfully as one subtype of endometriosis that is different from other subtypes. Beyond that, it is considered as a monolithic disease entity. In this review, we synthesized published data and argue that this subtype actually has age‐dependent phenotypes, and as such, management should be ideally tailored to achieve the best results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Benagiano
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Sun‐Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Fudan University Shanghai China
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7
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Habiba M, Benagiano G. Classifying Adenomyosis: Progress and Challenges. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312386. [PMID: 34886111 PMCID: PMC8656514 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Classically, the diagnosis of adenomyosis relied on histological examination of uteri following hysterectomy and classifications focused on the depth of endometrial invasion within the myometrium. There remain uncertainties around the cut-off point for the histological diagnosis. Imaging-based diagnosis enables recognition of the condition in women not undergoing surgery and facilitates the assessment of the extent of adenomyosis within the whole uterus, as well as of affections of the uterovesical pouch and of the pouch of Douglas. In this article, we explore the diagnostic uncertainties, the need to produce a classification of the condition and the challenges towards that goal. A distinction should be drawn between disease mapping and a classification that may link histological or image-based features with clinical characteristics, or with pathophysiology. An agreed system for reporting adenomyotic lesions may enable comparisons of research studies and thus contribute towards an informed classification. To this aim, we outline the features of the condition and explore the characteristics that are considered when producing a taxonomy. These include the latest proposal for subdivision of adenomyosis into an internal and an external variant. We also explore the uncertainties linked to classifying involvement of the uterovesical pouch, the pouch of Douglas and lesions in the outer myometrium. The limitations of currently available evidence suggest that agreement on a hypothesis to underpin a classification is unlikely at present. Therefore, current efforts will probably remain focused on disease mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Habiba
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7HA, Leicestershire, UK
- Women and Perinatal Services, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, Leicestershire, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Maternal & Child Health, Gynecology and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy;
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8
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Abstract
Early diagnosis and long-term management of endometriosis is important in adolescent girls considering their potential for future pregnancy and need for preventing disease progression. However, symptoms and clinical findings of adolescent endometriosis may differ from those of typical adult endometriosis, making diagnosis difficult. In adolescents, menstrual pain may present as acyclic and unresponsive to commonly used medication. Typical imaging findings in adult endometriosis, such as ovarian endometriotic cysts and fibrotic scars, are less common in adolescents. Peritoneal lesions, characteristic of early-stage endometriosis, are commonly found in this age group. It should be noted that endometriosis may also be found in adolescents before menarche, because of premenarcheal endometriosis or congenital uterine anomaly and outflow obstruction; the latter requiring surgical correction. Although surgery is reported to be effective for pain, postsurgical recurrence rate is high, and the effect of hormonal treatment is controversial. The optimal timing for surgical intervention also remains to be determined. Here, we aim to identify the unique characteristics of endometriosis in adolescents to achieve early diagnosis and optimal management for this group of patients.
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9
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A Clinical and Pathologic Exploration of Suspected Peritoneal Endometriotic Lesions. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2020; 40:602-610. [PMID: 33323857 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is generally histopathologically defined as the presence of at least 2 of the following: endometrial stroma, Müllerian epithelium, and/or hemosiderin-laden macrophages (HLM). Despite clinically evident endometriotic lesions, biopsies are frequently nondiagnostic. In this study, we conducted a large-scale review of biopsies of lesions clinically thought to represent endometriosis and correlate the histologic findings with clinical appearance to expand sensitivity of the pathologic definition of endometriosis, particularly in patients on hormonal therapy. In all, 112 biopsies from 78 patients (mean age=25, range 18-39 yr) were reviewed for histopathologic features suggestive of or diagnostic for endometriosis including the presence of endometrial stroma, Müllerian epithelium, dystrophic calcifications, HLM, chronic inflammation, adhesions, and vascular proliferation. Endometriosis was confirmed by pathologic criteria in 37 of 78 patients (47%). Biopsies from patients on hormonal therapy (n=62, 80%) were significantly less likely to meet pathologic criteria for endometriosis (P=0.01). Nondiagnostic biopsies (70/112; 63%) frequently displayed HLM (20%), chronic inflammation (29%), dystrophic calcifications (26%), vascular proliferation (20%), or adhesions (20%) and were significantly more likely to have a vascular clinical appearance (P=0.01). Diagnostic biopsies (42/112; 38%) were more likely to have a blue/black clinical appearance (P=0.03), demonstrate HLM (P=0.004), and display pseudodecidualization (P=0.05). Patients with a high clinical suspicion of endometriosis have a range of histologic findings, with less than half meeting the current histopathologic criteria for diagnosing endometriosis. Given the heterogeneous histopathologic appearance, revision of the histologic criteria may be warranted with further exploration, particularly for lesions with predominantly vascular features.
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10
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Bhat SP, Kaliyat S, Laxminarayana KPH, Srinivas T, Venugopala KPH, Shetty JK. Endometriosis: A Clinicopathological Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital. J Lab Physicians 2020; 12:184-190. [PMID: 33268936 PMCID: PMC7684995 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1720946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Endometriosis (EM) is an estrogen-dependent disease characterized by the presence of endometrial gland and stroma outside the uterus. It is commonly seen in the reproductive age group and is a leading cause of infertility. Patients present with chronic pelvic pain, menstrual abnormalities, dyspareunia, or mass per abdomen. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice with postoperative medications and progesterone agents.
Aims and Objectives
This study aims at determining the distribution of EM in terms of age, parity, symptoms, site, morphological features. We also analyzed the management of EM in these cases.
Methodology
This is a retrospective study done in a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, India. The case records of 77 histopathologically confirmed cases of EM during the 7 years between June 2012 and May 2019 were studied. Demographic profiles, parity, presenting complaints, site of the lesion, morphological features, treatment given, follow-up, and recurrence were noted and analyzed.
Results
Of the 77 patients with EM, the most common age group was the fourth decade (40%). The majority (31, 40.25%) of the patients in this study were nulliparous. Chronic pelvic pain was the most common symptom. The most frequent site was ovary.
Conclusion
The most frequent site of EM is ovary, leading to infertility. With the advent of laparoscopy, early diagnosis and excision have been feasible. The histopathological examination should be done for confirmation. Awareness of this disease among health care professionals is necessary whenever a woman in reproductive age presents with chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubha P Bhat
- Department of Pathology, K.S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte-Deemed to be University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sajitha Kaliyat
- Department of Pathology, K.S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte-Deemed to be University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Teerthanath Srinivas
- Department of Pathology, K.S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte-Deemed to be University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Jayaprakash Kubalady Shetty
- Department of Pathology, K.S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte-Deemed to be University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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11
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Cope AG, VanBuren WM, Sheedy SP. Endometriosis in the postmenopausal female: clinical presentation, imaging features, and management. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2020; 45:1790-1799. [PMID: 31701193 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-019-02309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Postmenopausal endometriosis is an important clinical entity which is likely under-recognized and in which the Radiologist can play a valuable role. In this review, we describe the clinical presentation and management of postmenopausal endometriosis, appraising the literature and providing case examples. Persons with postmenopausal endometriosis may present with symptoms including pelvic pain or dyschezia, but endometriosis may also be an asymptomatic, incidental finding. Women may or may not have a prior history of endometriosis or a history of symptoms consistent with it. Therapies and conditions which increase exogenous or endogenous estrogen, respectively, increase the risk. Endometriosis can be found in different locations throughout the body, and the possibility of malignancy should be assessed, especially in the postmenopausal population, where age increases cancer risk. Treatment may involve surgery or medical interventions. Guidelines describing appropriate imaging surveillance in these patients are lacking. In the postmenopausal population, Radiologists need to consider endometriosis as a diagnosis, recommend appropriate exams such as MRI and US, and suggest endometriosis-associated malignancies when appropriate, based on classic morphologic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela G Cope
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Wendaline M VanBuren
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Shannon P Sheedy
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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12
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Sachedin A, Todd N. Dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain in Adolescents. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2020; 12:7-17. [PMID: 32041388 PMCID: PMC7053437 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2019.2019.s0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most adolescents will experience discomfort during menstruation. Due to normalization of dysmenorrhea, there is delay to diagnosis and treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are a first line treatment. Adolescents can safely be offered menstrual suppression with combined hormonal contraception, and progestin-only options. When the above are ineffective, gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists with add back treatment can be considered. Transabdominal ultrasound is indicated when first line treatments do not improve symptoms. Endometriosis should be considered in adolescents who experience ongoing pain despite medical treatment. If laparoscopy is performed and endometriosis visualized, it should be treated with either excision or ablation. Women with endometriosis should be counselled on menstrual suppression until fertility is desired. Management of chronic pain requires the involvement of a multi-disciplinary team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalia Sachedin
- The Royal Children’s Hospital, Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Todd
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital, Diamond Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
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13
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Endometriosis: Three-year histopathological perspective from the largest hospital in Africa. Ann Diagn Pathol 2020; 45:151458. [PMID: 31951968 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2019.151458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis refers to the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterus, that may result in infertility or recurrent implantation failure. AIMS We aimed to document the number of histopathologically confirmed cases of endometriosis at the largest hospital in Africa during a three-year timeframe. Age, topographic site, pathological components, CD10 immunohistochemistry, metaplasia and associated neoplasms were documented. METHOD A retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional review of confirmed cases of endometriosis was conducted. RESULTS Thirty-four (n = 34) patients were confirmed to have endometriosis within 43 topographic sites. More than one topographic site of involvement was documented in 5 patients. The age range was 24 to 58 years [median age 36.4 ± 8.03; mean 34.5 ± 8.03 yrs]. The most frequent diagnostic combination was the triad of endometrial glands, stroma and chronic haemorrhage as confirmed in 53% of the cases. The most frequent topographic site of involvement was the ovary (27.9%) followed by the fallopian tubes (16.7%), umbilical region (13.9%), and abdominal wall (11.6%). Endometriotic cyst was reported in 10 cases (29.4%) and the ovary was the most common site in which endometriotic cysts occurred (p < .01). Endometrioma was only confirmed at the abdominal wall of one patient. CD10 immunochemistry was requested in 5 cases and confirmed the presence of endometrial stroma in all cases tested. Ciliated metaplasia was common (62%). Endometriosis was documented incidentally in context of two cases of neoplasia (pre-invasive and invasive). CONCLUSION Endometriosis is diagnosed predominantly, but not exclusively, in women of child-bearing age. Ovarian involvement has a propensity to develop endometriotic cysts. CD10 immunohistochemistry has diagnostic value when endometrial stroma is limited or inconspicuous.
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14
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Molecular profile of eutopic and ectopic endometrium in endometriosis. GINECOLOGIA.RO 2020. [DOI: 10.26416/gine.28.2.2020.3179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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15
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Berterö C, Alehagen S, Grundström H. Striving for a biopsychosocial approach: A secondary analysis of mutual components during healthcare encounters between women with endometriosis and physicians. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/2284026519865396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to identify and describe mutual components during healthcare encounters between women with endometriosis and physicians. Methods: Secondary analysis of data was obtained from two original face-to-face interview studies, one with nine women with endometriosis and one including 16 physicians. Data in this secondary analysis were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were identified. (1) Continuity as a foundation for a biopsychosocial approach. The women and the physicians described the importance of continuity and both parties strived for a biopsychosocial approach whereby the female body was not treated as biomedical defect object, but as a part of the unity that constitutes a human being. (2) Listening sensitively. Women and physicians believed that listening sensitively involved more than just hearing the actual words – it required thoughtfulness, reflection and responsiveness. (3) Timing of diagnosis. The physicians tried to protect the women from worrying by treating the painful menstruations without mentioning endometriosis. However, the women regarded not mentioning endometriosis as a lack of competence on the part of the physicians. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the need for further support in the provision of psychosocial care for women with endometriosis, in the striving towards a biopsychosocial approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Berterö
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Siw Alehagen
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hanna Grundström
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
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Koninckx PR, Ussia A, Adamyan L, Wattiez A, Gomel V, Martin DC. Pathogenesis of endometriosis: the genetic/epigenetic theory. Fertil Steril 2018; 111:327-340. [PMID: 30527836 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the pathophysiology of endometriosis. DESIGN Overview of observations on endometriosis. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) None. INTERVENTIONS(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The hypothesis is compatible with all observations. RESULT(S) Endometriosis, endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus, has a variable macroscopic appearance and a poorly understood natural history. It is a hereditary and heterogeneous disease with many biochemical changes in the lesions, which are clonal in origin. It is associated with pain, infertility, adenomyosis, and changes in the junctional zone, placentation, immunology, plasma, peritoneal fluid, and chronic inflammation of the peritoneal cavity. The Sampson hypothesis of implanted endometrial cells following retrograde menstruation, angiogenic spread, lymphogenic spread, or the metaplasia theory cannot explain all observations if metaplasia is defined as cells with reversible changes and an abnormal behavior/morphology due to the abnormal environment. We propose a polygenetic/polyepigenetic mechanism. The set of genetic and epigenetic incidents transmitted at birth could explain the hereditary aspects, the predisposition, and the endometriosis-associated changes in the endometrium, immunology, and placentation. To develop typical, cystic ovarian or deep endometriosis lesions, a variable series of additional transmissible genetic and epigenetic incidents are required to occur in a cell which may vary from endometrial to stem cells. Subtle lesions are viewed as endometrium in a different environment until additional incidents occur. Typical cystic ovarian or deep endometriosis lesions are heterogeneous and represent three different diseases. CONCLUSION(S) The genetic epigenetic theory is compatible with all observations on endometriosis. Implications for treatment and prevention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe R Koninckx
- Obstetrics-Gynecology, KU Leuven, Bierbeek, Belgium; Gruppo Italo Belga, Rome, Italy; Latiffa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Università Cattolica, Roma, Italy.
| | - Anastasia Ussia
- Gruppo Italo Belga, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica, Roma, Italy
| | - Leila Adamyan
- Department of Operative Gynecology, Federal State Budget Institution V. I. Kulakov Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, and Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arnaud Wattiez
- Latiffa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Victor Gomel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dan C Martin
- School of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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Tan DA, Almaria MJG. Postmenopausal endometriosis: drawing a clearer clinical picture. Climacteric 2018; 21:249-255. [DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1450855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Tan
- Section of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - M. J. G. Almaria
- Section of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City, Quezon City, Philippines
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de Sanctis V, Matalliotakis M, Soliman AT, Elsefdy H, Di Maio S, Fiscina B. A focus on the distinctions and current evidence of endometriosis in adolescents. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 51:138-150. [PMID: 29548642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) occurring in adolescents presents distinct clinical and histologic characteristics compared to the disease in women. Because the symptoms of EM are nonspecific, often overlapping with those experienced in a range of gynecological and gastrointestinal conditions, the process of reaching a diagnosis of EM is often delayed. The diagnosis of EM is suspected depending on the history and the symptoms and signs, is corroborated by physical examination and imaging techniques, and is finally proved by histological examination of specimens collected during laparoscopy. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to make strong recommendations for management in adolescents who may have EM. This short report reviews some peculiarities of EM in adolescents and provides an update of recent knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of EM. We hope that the present contribution may help to bring more attention to the clinical diagnosis of EM and consequently aid in decreasing diagnostic delay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michail Matalliotakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Venizeleio and Pananio General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Section of Molecular Pathology and Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ashraf T Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Alexandria University Children's Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Elsefdy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ain Shams University, Egypt
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19
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Brosens I, Puttemans P, Benagiano G. Which cell defines endometriosis? Hum Reprod 2018; 33:357-360. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Brosens
- Faculty of Medicine, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Puttemans
- Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Tiensevest 168, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Urology, ‘Sapienza’ University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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20
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Pathogenesis of deep endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:872-885.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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21
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Puttemans P, Benagiano G, Gargett C, Romero R, Guo SW, Brosens I. Neonatal uterine bleeding as a biomarker for reproductive disorders during adolescence: a worldwide call for systematic registration by nurse midwife. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 30:1434-1436. [PMID: 27454348 PMCID: PMC5505234 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1216540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal uterine bleeding (NUB) occurs in approximately 5% of newborns and is generally considered to be of little clinical significance. However, the real clinical importance of this condition and its long-term implications remain to be determined. The reason why NUB is rare despite high circulating levels of progesterone can be attributed to a progesterone resistance present in a majority of neonates. Recent work indicates that NUB represents a significant biomarker for events that can occur later-on during adolescence. Indeed, clinical studies have shown that "neonatal menstruation" constitutes a sign of fetal distress during late pregnancy, reflecting a stage of endometrium development that may subsequently have an impact on the reproductive life of the adolescent and the young adult. Via retrograde flow, NUB can cause endometrial stem/progenitor cells to arrive into the pelvic cavity and survive there, dormant underneath the peritoneal surface, until menarche activates them. Indeed, there is both clinical and epidemiological evidence of a link between NUB and adolescent endometriosis. In addition, if progesterone resistance persists till the onset of menarche, in case of an early teen pregnancy, it can result in a disorder of deep placentation. Therefore, we propose that NUB should be carefully recorded so that prospective studies can examine its links with reproductive disorders in adolescence and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Puttemans
- a Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology , Leuven , Belgium
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Catholic University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- c Department of Gynecology , Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Caroline Gargett
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Monash University , Clayton , Victoria , Australia
| | - Roberto Romero
- e NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Perinatology Research Branch, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA , and
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- f Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Ivo Brosens
- a Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology , Leuven , Belgium
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22
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Logan PC, Yango P, Tran ND. Endometrial Stromal and Epithelial Cells Exhibit Unique Aberrant Molecular Defects in Patients With Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:140-159. [PMID: 28490276 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117704905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and infertility in women of reproductive age. OBJECTIVE To investigate the pathologic pathways in endometrial stromal and epithelial cells that contribute to the manifestation of endometriosis. DESIGN In vitro cellular and molecular analyses of isolated eutopic endometrial stromal and epithelial cells. METHODS Eutopic stromal and epithelial cells from endometriotic and normal patients were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for paired sibling RNA sequencing and microRNA microarray. Aberrant pathways were identified using ingenuity pathway analysis networks and confirmed with in vitro modulation of the affected pathways in stromal and epithelial cell cultures. RESULTS Both stromal versus epithelial cell types and paired endometriotic versus normal samples exhibited distinct hierarchical clustering. Compared to normal samples, there were 151 and 215 differentially expressed genes in the endometriotic stromal and epithelial populations, respectively, and concomitantly 9 and 16 differentially expressed microRNAs. Overall, endometriotic stromal and epithelial cells revealed distinct defects. In endometriotic stromal cells, key decidualization genes Zinc finger E-box Binding protein 1 (ZEB1), Heart And Neural crest Derivatives expressed 2 (HAND2), WNT4, and Interleukin 15 (IL-15) were found to be downregulated and Periostin (POSTN) and Matrix Metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7) were upregulated. Specifically, ZEB1 was downregulated in stromal cells by aberrant elevation in miR-200b. In contrast, ZEB1 was found to be upregulated in endometriotic epithelial cells through associated upregulation of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), inducer of the TGFβ1-Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2)-MMP2-Prostaglandin-endoperoxide Synthase 2 (COX2)-ZEB1 pathway, which activates epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSION Manifestation of endometriosis involves dysregulation of unique molecular pathways within the diseased endometrial stromal and epithelial cells in the endometrium. Targeting the cell type-specific defects may offer a novel approach to treating endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip C Logan
- 1 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pamela Yango
- 1 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nam D Tran
- 1 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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23
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Abstract
Neonatal uterine bleeding (NUB) has been carefully studied in the past through case reports, small series, clinical cohort studies, pathology investigations of fetal and neonatal. Following a historical recount, this review summarizes biological mechanisms conditioning NUB, starting from the persistence till birth of an 'ontogenetic progesterone resistance' (OPR), causing decreased responsiveness of target tissues to bioavailable progesterone. Several pregnancy-related conditions, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, prematurity, post-maturity and even Rhesus or ABO incompatibility, influence the occurrence of NUB. It seems therefore that the phenomenon is precipitated by chronic fetal distress. When present, OPR may persists until telarche; as a consequence, if pregnancy occurs in early teenage, the disorder known as "defective deep placentation" may ensue, increasing the risk of obstetrical syndromes. In the presence of NUB, retrograde shedding into the peritoneal cavity of endometrial stem/progenitor and niche cells may occur. There, given the right environment, these cells can survive and become activated at the time of telarche, causing the specific phenotype of early-onset endometriosis. In conclusion, neonatal menstruation is a fetal distress indicator and can alter the incidence of a variety of pathological conditions later in life. For this reason, it should be carefully recorded and the parents informed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bianchi
- a Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Traslational Medicine , Sapienza University of Rome , Roma , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- b Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I , Rome , Italy , and
| | - Ivo Brosens
- c Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology , Leuven , Belgium
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24
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Differences in the Time Course of Disease Progression, Quality of Life and Health Service Utilization in Women with Endometriosis. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.5301/je.5000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to identify different subgroups (clusters) of patients (n = 182) based on the previously defined variables “age” and “diagnostic delay” in order to identify varying needs of (socio-)medical care. Methods Five clusters were identified by two-step cluster analysis (SPSS 23.0). The mean values for parameters of quality of life, time course of disease progression and health service utilization were compared by chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H test, and tested for correlations using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results Clusters I and II patients recognized their endometriosis symptoms at a relatively late age. The results showed a short diagnostic delay and a low subjective disease burden, although cluster I was characterized by a high level of fatigue. Cluster III results indicated that a lack of social support and comparatively long diagnostic delay were major problems in this group. The women in cluster IV had the worst quality-of-life scores and a below-average utilization of services. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between an early age of onset of endometriosis symptoms and a very long delay in diagnosis. These women perceived their menstrual symptoms as “normal” or as “hypochondria”. Cluster V patients were mainly concerned about maintaining their work ability and employment. Conclusions In gynecological practice, special attention should be given to the very young women, as the early onset of endometriosis symptoms and a long delay in diagnosis may indicate the risk of an unfavorable course of the patient's medical and socio-medical history over time.
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Buck Louis GM, Backonja U, Schliep KC, Sun L, Peterson CM, Chen Z. Women's Reproductive History Before the Diagnosis of Incident Endometriosis. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2016; 25:1021-1029. [PMID: 27379997 PMCID: PMC5111831 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2015.5712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a gynecologic disease reported to be associated with infertility and, possibly, adverse pregnancy outcomes. While considerable research focuses on pregnancy outcomes following diagnosis and/or treatment, few data actually describe women's reproductive history before diagnosis for a more complete understanding of endometriosis and reproduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study sample comprised 473 women (aged 18-44 years) undergoing laparoscopies or laparotomies, irrespective of surgical indication at 14 clinical sites, during the period 2007-2009. Upon enrollment and before surgery, women were queried about pregnancy intentions and the time required to become pregnant for planned pregnancies. Endometriosis was defined as surgically visualized disease. Using discrete time survival analysis, we estimated fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess time to pregnancy (TTP) after adjusting for potential confounders (age, body composition, cigarette smoking, site). Generalized estimating equations accounted for multiple pregnancy attempts per woman. FORs <1.0 denote a longer TTP or diminished fecundity. RESULTS Approximately 66% and 69% of women with and without endometriosis, respectively, reported having a planned pregnancy before surgery, respectively. After adjustment, an endometriosis diagnosis was associated with ≈29% reduction in fecundity or a longer TTP across all pregnancy-trying attempts (adjusted FOR = 0.71; 95% CI 0.46-1.10). While FORs were consistently <1.0, irrespective of endometriosis staging, CIs included 1. CONCLUSIONS Women with endometriosis had a longer TTP than unaffected women, irrespective of disease severity, although the findings did not achieve significance. Prior reproductive history may be informative for predicting fecundity and pregnancy outcomes following diagnosis/treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germaine M. Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health, Eunice Kennedy ShriverNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Uba Backonja
- Division of Intramural Population Health, Eunice Kennedy ShriverNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
- Division of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Karen C. Schliep
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health, Eunice Kennedy ShriverNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Liping Sun
- Glotech Corporation, Rockville, Maryland
| | - C. Matthew Peterson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Zhen Chen
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health, Eunice Kennedy ShriverNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
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Kundu S, Wildgrube J, Schippert C, Hillemanns P, Brandes I. Supporting and Inhibiting Factors When Coping with Endometriosis From the Patients' Perspective. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2015; 75:462-469. [PMID: 26097250 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1546052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disorder with manifold symptoms and psychosocial effects on the lives of affected women. The prevalence of endometriosis is estimated to be up to ten percent of women of reproductive age. As a result of its unclear aetiology, only limited treatment options are available. The treatment and care of affected women is therefore a challenge for their doctors. There is a need for healthcare services to provide affected women with support to cope with the disorder better. The aim of the study was to identify supporting and inhibiting factors on disease management to develop new support ideas. Materials and Methods: The results are based on a content analysis evaluation of text responses from 135 women with confirmed endometriosis. Open questions about disease management were posed in a patient questionnaire. A classification system was developed according to Mayrings Qualitative Content Analysis, which allowed the main topics to be identified and summarised qualitatively using a quantitative intermediate step. Results: Social support, treatment, as well as professional and healthcare system performance were found to be particularly supportive by patients. However, when questioned about inhibiting factors, healthcare system professionals and their performance were most commonly criticised. Just over 50 % of women expressed their criticism of doctors. Quality of care and empathy towards the patients were especially criticised. There is also a need for improvement with regard to communication and general support from doctors. The results illustrate the importance of doctors for women affected by endometriosis, but make it clear that there is a great need for improvement with regard to the profession. Conclusion: The results provide the first indication of problem areas in the management of endometriosis from which approaches could be developed to improve care. However, it must be pointed out that the perspective of affected women was solely investigated. For a comprehensive analysis, it would be necessary to include the perspective of care providers and the influence of society as well as the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kundu
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover
| | | | | | | | - I Brandes
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover
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27
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Brosens I, Benagiano G. The endometrium from the neonate to the adolescent. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:1195-9. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1040756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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28
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Brosens I, Benagiano G, Brosens JJ. The potential perinatal origin of placentation disorders in the young primigravida. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 212:580-5. [PMID: 25582103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The fetus is exposed to high plasma concentrations of unbound estrogens and progesterone throughout pregnancy. However, secretory or decidual changes in the fetal uterus occur relatively infrequently before birth, suggesting a variable endometrial progesterone response at the time of birth. Arguably, partial progesterone resistance that persists into adolescent years may compromise the physiological transformation of the spiral arteries and predispose for defective placentation in the case of pregnancy. Decidualization of the endometrial stromal compartment and junctional zone myometrium precedes trophoblast invasion. It represents the first step in the process of spiral artery remodeling needed to establish effective uteroplacental blood flow by midpregnancy. The major obstetric syndromes caused by impaired placental bed spiral artery remodeling are prevalent in teenage pregnancies, including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and spontaneous preterm labor. Preconditioning of the uterus in response to cyclic menstruation during adolescence may be critical to achieve full uterine responsiveness to hormonal cues. Understanding the mechanisms of functional maturation of the uterus during the early reproductive years may yield novel insights into the major obstetric syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Brosens
- Catholic University Leuven and Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Urology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Djokovic D, Calhaz-Jorge C. Somatic stem cells and their dysfunction in endometriosis. Front Surg 2015; 1:51. [PMID: 25593975 PMCID: PMC4286966 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2014.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that somatic stem cells (SSCs) of different types prominently contribute to endometrium-associated disorders such as endometriosis. We reviewed the pertinent studies available on PubMed, published in English language until December 2014 and focused on the involvement of SSCs in the pathogenesis of this common gynecological disease. A concise summary of the data obtained from in vitro experiments, animal models, and human tissue analyses provides insights into the SSC dysregulation in endometriotic lesions. In addition, a set of research results is presented supporting that SSC-targeting, in combination with hormonal therapy, may result in improved control of the disease, while a more in-depth characterization of endometriosis SSCs may contribute to the development of early-disease diagnostic tests with increased sensitivity and specificity. Key message: Seemingly essential for the establishment and progression of endometriotic lesions, dysregulated SSCs, and associated molecular alterations hold a promise as potential endometriosis markers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusan Djokovic
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal ; Serviço de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Hospital de São Francisco Xavier , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Carlos Calhaz-Jorge
- Clínica Universitária de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal ; Departamento de Obstetrícia, Ginecologia e Medicina da Reprodução, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Norte , Lisbon , Portugal
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30
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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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Vitonis AF, Vincent K, Rahmioglu N, Fassbender A, Buck Louis GM, Hummelshoj L, Giudice LC, Stratton P, Adamson GD, Becker CM, Zondervan KT, Missmer SA. World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonization Project: II. Clinical and covariate phenotype data collection in endometriosis research. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1223-32. [PMID: 25256930 PMCID: PMC4252538 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.07.1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To harmonize the collection of nonsurgical clinical and epidemiologic data relevant to endometriosis research, allowing large-scale collaboration. DESIGN An international collaboration involving 34 clinical/academic centers and three industry collaborators from 16 countries on five continents. SETTING In 2013, two workshops followed by global consultation, bringing together 54 leaders in endometriosis research. PATIENTS None. INTERVENTION(S) Development of a self-administered endometriosis patient questionnaire (EPQ), based on [1] systematic comparison of questionnaires from eight centers that collect data from endometriosis cases (and controls/comparison women) on a medium to large scale (publication on >100 cases); [2] literature evidence; and [3] several global consultation rounds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Standard recommended and minimum required questionnaires to capture detailed clinical and covariate data. RESULT(S) The standard recommended (EPHect EPQ-S) and minimum required (EPHect EPQ-M) questionnaires contain questions on pelvic pain, subfertility and menstrual/reproductive history, hormone/medication use, medical history, and personal information. CONCLUSION(S) The EPQ captures the basic set of patient characteristics and exposures considered by the WERF EPHect Working Group to be most critical for the advancement of endometriosis research, but is also relevant to other female conditions with similar risk factors and/or symptomatology. The instruments will be reviewed based on feedback from investigators, and-after a first review after 1 year-triannually through systematic follow-up surveys. Updated versions will be made available through http://endometriosisfoundation.org/ephect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison F Vitonis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nilufer Rahmioglu
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amelie Fassbender
- Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lone Hummelshoj
- World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF), London, United Kingdom
| | - Linda C Giudice
- World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF), London, United Kingdom; University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Pamela Stratton
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Intramural Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - G David Adamson
- World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF), London, United Kingdom; Palo Alto Medical Foundation Fertility Physicians of Northern California, Palo Alto, California
| | - Christian M Becker
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Endometriosis CaRe Centre Oxford, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Krina T Zondervan
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Endometriosis CaRe Centre Oxford, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stacey A Missmer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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32
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Is neonatal uterine bleeding involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis as a source of stem cells? Fertil Steril 2013; 100:622-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Brosens I, Gordts S, Benagiano G. Endometriosis in adolescents is a hidden, progressive and severe disease that deserves attention, not just compassion. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:2026-31. [PMID: 23739215 PMCID: PMC3712662 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis in the adolescent has, in recent years, been discovered to be a challenging problem in gynaecology. Although the pain may start at a young age, even before the onset of menstruation, the diagnosis by laparoscopy is almost always postponed for several years, by which time destructive lesions have affected the tubo-ovarian structures and severely compromised fecundability. Several factors may play a role, but one important reason for this disease progression is likely to be the delay in diagnosis. Therefore, transvaginal ultrasounds and transvaginal access with a less invasive needle endoscopy are recommended for exploration of the pelvis, diagnosis of endometriosis and treatment at an early stage before severe lesions develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Brosens
- Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Leuven, Belgium.
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Acién P, Velasco I. Endometriosis: a disease that remains enigmatic. ISRN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2013; 2013:242149. [PMID: 23956867 PMCID: PMC3730176 DOI: 10.1155/2013/242149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis, a gynecologic pathology, is defined by the presence of a tissue similar to uterine endometrium, which is located in places other than physiologically appropriate. These endometrial heterotopic islets contain glands and stroma and are functionally capable of responding to exogenous, endogenous, or local hormonal stimuli. Endometriosis affects 8%-10% of women of reproductive age; in 30% of the women, the condition is associated with primary or secondary infertility. In several instances, endometriosis persists as a minimal or mild disease, or it can resolve on its own. Other cases of endometriosis show severe symptomatology that ends when menopause occurs. Endometriosis can, however, reactivate in several postmenopausal women when iatrogenic or endogenous hormones are present. Endometriosis is occasionally accompanied by malignant ovarian tumors, especially endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas. Its pathogenesis is widely debated, and its variable morphology appears to represent a continuum of individual presentations and progressions. Endometriosis has no pathognomonic signs or symptoms; it is therefore difficult to diagnose. Because of its enigmatic etiopathogenesis, there is currently no satisfactory therapy for all patients with endometriosis. Treatments include medications, surgery, or combined therapies; currently, the only procedures that seem to cure endometriosis are hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In this paper, we review the most controversial and enigmatic aspects of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Acién
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Juan University Hospital, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Department/Division of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Miguel Hernandez University, Campus of San Juan, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Ginecología P.A.A., 03002 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento/Area de Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad “Miguel Hernández,” Campus de San Juan, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Irene Velasco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Juan University Hospital, 03550 Alicante, Spain
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