Imaging for Uterine Myomas and Adenomyosis

Prevention of Uterine Fibroids: molecular mechanisms and potential clinical application

Uterine fibroids (UFs; leiomyoma) are the most common benign neoplastic threat to women worldwide, exacting an immense personal burden on female health and a monetary expense to the healthcare system estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars every year globally. With no long-term non-invasive treatment option currently available to treat UFs, deeper insights regarding tumor etiology are the key for developing newer therapies. Accordingly, in this review, we discuss new mechanistic paradigm to explain UF tumor development through an exquisite model involving developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells due to early life endocrine disruptors exposure, inflammation, fibrosis, DNA damage, and eventually tissue stiffness. Further, we propose to utilize shear wave elastography as a potential screening tool for the early identification of women at risk for developing UFs who can benefit from several simple preventive strategies, including the consumption of natural compounds such as vitamin D and green tea as a safe fertility friendly non-hormonal modality to delay or even arrest or reverse UF progression.

The Asian Society of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis guidelines for managing adenomyosis

This is the first guidelines for adenomyosis from the Asian Society of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.

The impact of small and asymptomatic intramural and subserosal fibroids on female fertility: a case-control study

STUDY QUESTION

Do small and asymptomatic intramural and subserosal uterine fibroids affect female fertility?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Small and asymptomatic fibroids that do not encroach the endometrial cavity appear to not markedly affect female fertility.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The available evidence on uterine fibroids and fertility is limited. Most information has been obtained in IVF settings by comparing the success in women affected and not affected by fibroids. These studies have shown a detrimental effect of submucosal and possibly intramural fibroids. However, this study design provides information only on embryo implantation, not on female fertility in general.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

A retrospective observational case-control study on 200 women whose partner was diagnosed with severe male infertility and 200 women with unexplained infertility was conducted. If the null hypothesis (that fibroids do not affect fertility) is valid, one would expect a similar prevalence of fibroids in the two study groups. Conversely, if fibroids do impact fertility, one would expect a higher prevalence among women with unexplained infertility. The study was carried out at the Infertility Unit of the Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico covering a 5-year period between January 2014 and June 2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

We retrospectively recruited women seeking pregnancy whose partner was repeatedly documented to have a sperm concentration below 1 million/ml and matched them by age and study period to a group of women with unexplained infertility. The latter group of women was considered as a case group (infertile subjects), while the former group of women was considered as a control group (reflecting the general female population). Women with fibroids could be included in both study groups; only those with submucosal lesions were excluded.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Fibroids were diagnosed in 31 women (16%) with unexplained infertility and in 32 women (16%) with severe male factor infertility. The adjusted odds ratio of carrying fibroids in women with unexplained infertility was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.52-1.58). Subgroup analyses according to number, dimension and location of fibroids failed to highlight an increased risk of infertility in any group.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

This is a retrospective study and some inaccuracies in fibroids detection cannot be ruled out. Moreover, the relatively small sample size hampers robust subgroup analyses. Even though we excluded women with patent causes of infertility, some women with specific causes of infertility could have been included among controls (yet are expected to account for <10% of the group).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study suggests that small fibroids that do not encroach the endometrial cavity do not markedly affect female fertility. This information is clinically relevant when counseling infertile women with small fibroids and an otherwise unremarkable diagnostic work-up. Surgery may still be considered but only in selected cases.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This study was partially funded by Italian Ministry of Health: current research IRCCS. E.S. reports grants from Ferring, grants and personal fees from Merck, and grants and personal fees from Theramex outside the submitted work. All the other authors do not have any competing interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Combined with Strain-Ratio Elastography for the Concomitant Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis: A Pilot Study

Uterine fibroids (UFs) and adenomyosis (AM) represent two benign uterine conditions that can affect fertility and are most frequently commonly responsible for abnormal uterine bleeding and chronic pelvic pain. Their differential diagnosis still represents a challenge, and several authors advise the addition of elastography to transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) for a more accurate imagistic recognition. Through this study, we aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of TVUS combined with strain-ratio elastography (SRE) in concomitant AM and UFs. We conducted a study on 17 patients diagnosed with concomitant UFs and AM undergoing hysterectomy and 46 healthy patients. TVUS combined with SRE was conducted in each patient, focusing on identifying rigidity patterns of the lesions. Significantly higher mean SR and maximum SR values were identified among both AM and UF lesions as opposed to controls (p < 0.01), with the highest tissue stiffness being encountered among AM lesions, which allows for the differentiation of UF (p < 0.01) and concomitant identification of both lesions. These results are reflected by higher cut-off values obtained for AM, both for mean SR (5.42 vs. 2.85) and maximum SR (5.80 vs. 3.30). TVUS combined with SRE showed good diagnostic performance in identifying coexisting UFs and AM within the same uterine specimen. Future studies on wider populations are required to validate our findings.

A clinical scoring system for the diagnosis of adenomyosis

Objective

To develop a scoring system using clinical evaluation methods to predict the presence of adenomyosis.

Materials and Methods

A cohort of 232 patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disorders was prospectively enrolled. A detailed anamnesis was obtained and physical/pelvic examinations with trans-vaginal ultrasound imaging were performed one day before the hysterectomy. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on histopathologic examination. Findings were compared between patients with (n=55) and without (n=166) adenomyosis. Factors associated with adenomyosis were assessed with regression analysis and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. The variables found to be significant were chosen for the scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to find the cut-off values for these variables.

Results

Number of parity, dyspareunia and dysmenorrhea visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, age of menarche, presence of uterine tenderness and detection of heterogeneous myometrium and myometrial cysts during ultrasonography were found to be the significant parameters. OR for the presence of myometrial heterogeneity, myometrial cysts, uterine tenderness were 27.2, 3.6 and 9.3 respectively. Cut-off values were calculated; 3 for parity (OR=2.8), 13-years for menarche (OR=1.6), 2 for dyspareunia VAS scores (OR=1.9) and 4 for dysmenorrhea VAS scores (OR=1.2). The total sum of maximum OR that a patient can obtain was calculated as 47.6 and this value was assumed to predict the presence of adenomyosis 100%. The multiplication of the sum of the OR in a patient by 2.1 (100/47.2) was found to have a predictive ability for the presence of adenomyosis.

Conclusion

A scoring system is developed to predict adenomyosis non-invasively based on clinical evaluation.

Ultrasound-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Devascularization of Uterine Fibroid: A Feasibility Study

This study aimed to establish the feasibility of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for devascularization of uterine fibroids. Ultrasound color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and B-mode imaging were used to target fibroid vascularity. The vessels were covered and ablated by high-intensity focused ultrasound spots. In this study, 42 fibroids with a volume of 66.98 ± 4.00 cm³ were treated. No blood flow was detected by post-treatment CDFI in 40 fibroids. The 6-mo non-perfusion volume rate was 75.23% ± 34.77% (n = 40). The mean shrinkage in fibroid volume was 38.20% and 43.89%, respectively, at 1 and 6 mo after treatment (p < 0.001). The uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life scores were reduced by 9.43% at 1 mo and 26.66% at 6-mo after treatment (p < 0.001). No serious adverse event was observed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of USgHIFU-induced fibroid devascularization, and more studies are required for the evaluation of safety and efficacy.

A review and guide to creating patient specific 3D printed anatomical models from MRI for benign gynecologic surgery

Background

Patient specific three-dimensional (3D) models can be derived from two-dimensional medical images, such as magnetic resonance (MR) images. 3D models have been shown to improve anatomical comprehension by providing more accurate assessments of anatomical volumes and better perspectives of structural orientations relative to adjacent structures. The clinical benefit of using patient specific 3D printed models have been highlighted in the fields of orthopaedics, cardiothoracics, and neurosurgery for the purpose of pre-surgical planning. However, reports on the clinical use of 3D printed models in the field of gynecology are limited.

Main text

This article aims to provide a brief overview of the principles of 3D printing and the steps required to derive patient-specific, anatomically accurate 3D printed models of gynecologic anatomy from MR images. Examples of 3D printed models for uterine fibroids and endometriosis are presented as well as a discussion on the barriers to clinical uptake and the future directions for 3D printing in the field of gynecological surgery.

Conclusion

Successful gynecologic surgery requires a thorough understanding of the patient’s anatomy and burden of disease. Future use of patient specific 3D printed models is encouraged so the clinical benefit can be better understood and evidence to support their use in standard of care can be provided.

Long non-coding ribonucleic acid H19 and ten-eleven translocation enzyme 1 messenger RNA expression levels in uterine fibroids may predict their postoperative recurrence

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the predictive value of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 and the ten-eleven translocation enzyme 1 (TET1) transcriptional expression in postoperative recurrence of uterine fibroids (UFs).

METHODS

Seventy-five patients with UF, who underwent surgical treatment, were enrolled in the treatment group, and 60 healthy individuals were enrolled in the control group. The relative expression levels of lncRNA H19 and TET1 mRNA in the serum and UF tissues were analyzed. The patients were further divided into a better curative (BC) group and a poor efficacy (PE) group to analyze the predictive value of lncRNA H19 and TET1 and the independent risk factors affecting the recurrence of UF.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, lncRNA H19 expression levels were significantly higher, while TET1 expression levels were significantly lower in the treatment group (p<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) values of the two indicators for diagnostic importance were found to be 0.872 and 0.826, respectively. Compared with the PE group, lncRNA H19 expression levels were significantly lower, while TET1 expression levels were significantly higher in the BC group (p<0.001). The AUC values of the two indicators for their predictive efficacy were 0.788 and 0.812, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, menarche age, maximum diameter of UFs, number of UFs, lncRNA H19 levels, and TET1 levels were independent risk factors affecting UF recurrence. The AUC values of lncRNA H19 and TET1 for their predictive value for postoperative recurrence were 0.814 and 0.765, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The lncRNA H19 and TET1 have high diagnostic and predictive efficacy for determining the postoperative recurrence of UFs.

Diagnosing adenomyosis: an integrated clinical and imaging approach

BACKGROUND

Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disorder where endometrial glands and stroma are pathologically demonstrated within the uterine myometrium. The pathogenesis involves sex steroid hormone abnormalities, inflammation, fibrosis and neuroangiogenesis, even though the proposed mechanisms are not fully understood. For many years, adenomyosis has been considered a histopathological diagnosis made after hysterectomy, classically performed in perimenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or pelvic pain. Until recently, adenomyosis was a clinically neglected condition. Nowadays, adenomyosis may also be diagnosed by non-invasive techniques, because of imaging advancements. Thus, a new epidemiological scenario has developed with an increasing number of women of reproductive age with ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis of adenomyosis. This condition is associated with a wide variety of symptoms (pelvic pain, AUB and/or infertility), but it is also recognised that some women are asymptomatic. Furthermore, adenomyosis often coexists with other gynecological comorbidities, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, and the diagnostic criteria are still not universally agreed. Therefore, the diagnostic process for adenomyosis is challenging.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

We present a comprehensive review on the diagnostic criteria of adenomyosis, including clinical signs and symptoms, ultrasound and MRI features and histopathological aspects of adenomyotic lesions. We also briefly summarise the relevant theories on adenomyosis pathogenesis, in order to provide the pathophysiological background to understand the different phenotypes and clinical presentation. The review highlights the controversies of multiple existing criteria, summarising all of the available evidences on adenomyosis diagnosis. The review aims also to underline the future perspective for diagnosis, stressing the importance of an integrated clinical and imaging approach, in order to identify this gynecological disease, so often underdiagnosed.

SEARCH METHODS

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for all original and review articles related to diagnosis of adenomyosis published in English until October 2018.

OUTCOMES

The challenge in diagnosing adenomyosis starts with the controversies in the available pathogenic theories. The difficulties in understanding the way the disease arises and progresses have an impact also on the specific diagnostic criteria to use for a correct identification. Currently, the diagnosis of adenomyosis may be performed by non-invasive methods and the clinical signs and symptoms, despite their heterogeneity and poor specificity, may guide the clinician for a suspicion of the disease. Imaging techniques, including 2D and 3D US as well as MRI, allow the proper identification of the different phenotypes of adenomyosis (diffuse and/or focal). From a histological point of view, if the diagnosis of diffuse adenomyosis is straightforward, in more limited disease, the diagnosis has poor inter-observer reproducibility, leading to extreme variations in the prevalence of disease. Therefore, an integrated non-invasive diagnostic approach, considering risk factors profile, clinical symptoms, clinical examination and imaging, is proposed to adequately identify and characterise adenomyosis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

The development of the diagnostic tools allows the physicians to make an accurate diagnosis of adenomyosis by means of non-invasive techniques, representing a major breakthrough, in the light of the clinical consequences of this disease. Furthermore, this technological improvement will open a new epidemiological scenario, identifying different groups of women, with a dissimilar clinical and/or imaging phenotypes of adenomyosis, and this should be object of future research.

Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy combined with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in the treatment of adenomyosis: Feasibility and effectiveness

AIM

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of laparoscopic adenomyomectomy combined with intraoperative replacement of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis.

METHODS

This is a case-series study in a university medical center. A total of 52 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis were treated by laparoscopic adenomyomectomy combined with intraoperative replacement of LNG-IUS from January 2015 to July 2018. Visual analog scale, menstrual flow and uterine volume were compared before and after the surgery (3, 12 and 24 months). Meanwhile, LNG-IUS-induced adverse reactions (e.g. irregular vaginal bleeding, amenorrhea, expulsion, and perforation) were also recorded.

RESULTS

All operations were successfully completed via laparoscopy without conversion to laparotomy. No severe complications were noted during the surgical procedure or follow-up period. The mean postoperative visual analog scale and menstrual flow scores and the volume of the uterus were significantly decreased (all P < 0.001) at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively, compared with preoperative scores. The clinical effective rates among the patients with dysmenorrhea were 98%, 96% and 96% at 3, 12 and 24 months after the operation, respectively. And the clinical effectiveness rate of menorrhagia was 97.6%, 95.2% and 95.2% at 3, 12 and 24 months after treatment, respectively. Among all related adverse reactions, amenorrhea was the most common (n = 12, 23.1%). There was one case of LNG-IUS perforation (1.9%) and two cases of expulsion (3.8%).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy combined with intraoperative replacement of LNG-IUS is a novel and effective conservative surgical procedure for symptomatic adenomyosis treatment.

Question Mark Sign and Transvaginal Ultrasound Uterine Tenderness for the Diagnosis of Adenomyosis: A Prospective Validation

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the classic ultrasound (US) signs of adenomyosis, the question mark sign and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) uterine tenderness, in the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

METHODS

This was a prospective study including 78 patients waiting for hysterectomy for uterine benign diseases and undergoing preoperative US examinations to evaluate all criteria for US diagnosis of adenomyosis as reported by the consensus statement of the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment group. A US diagnosis of adenomyosis was made in the presence of 2 or more Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment features. Moreover, the question mark sign and TVUS uterine tenderness were evaluated. Ultrasound features were compared with the histologic examination, which was considered the reference standard for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The Cohen κ coefficient was used to measure the accordance between US and histologic results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of each US feature were calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of adenomyosis in the sample was 33.3%. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of TVUS in the diagnosis of adenomyosis were 77%, 96%, 91%, 89%, and 90%, respectively. Myometrial heterogeneity was the most frequently encountered feature (100%) but showed low specificity (7%). The question mark sign and TVUS uterine tenderness showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 41%, 96%, 83%, 77%, and 69% and 69%, 65%, 66%, 81%, and 67%.

CONCLUSIONS

The question mark sign and TVUS uterine tenderness are useful tools for the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

Transvaginal Ultrasound and Doppler Features of Intraligamental Myomas

OBJECTIVES

To describe the ultrasound (US) features of intraligamental myomas (IMs) using Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment group standardized terminology.

METHODS

This was a retrospective monocentric study. A total of 125 consecutive women with a preoperative US diagnosis of a myoma located close to the uterine isthmus (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages 5, 6, and 7) from 2016 to 2019 who underwent laparoscopic or laparotomic myomectomy or hysterectomy were included for study analyses. The US data were retrieved from US reports and stored digital images by 2 authors. Ultrasound features of myomas were described according to Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment terminology. Clinical data for the study population were retrieved from the patients' records.

RESULTS

Nineteen women with a surgical confirmation of an IM were included in the study group; the remaining population constituted the control group (n = 106). Non-uniform echogenicity was detected in 17 of 19 (89%) of IMs compared to 26 of 106 (25%) fibroids in the control group (P < .001). The presence of shadowing was detected in 12 of 19 (63%) IMs compared to 94 of 106 (89%) cases in the control group (P = .004). Intraligamental myomas were more vascularized tumors compared to myomas in the control group (P = .004). Transvaginal US showed high specificity for the diagnosis of an IM (0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

On US imaging, IMs appear as vascularized solid tumors with nonuniform echogenicity; cones of shadows were less frequent in IMs than the control group, and this finding can help in the differential diagnosis. Knowledge of their specific US features could help sonographers make an accurate diagnosis, allowing them to plan correct surgery and avoid severe complications.

Comparison of Clinical Symptoms of Assumed vs. Actual Uterine Fibroids - Symptoms Described by Patients and Ultrasound Findings

Purpose How many women assume that they have fibroids but are found not to have fibroids on ultrasound examination? How severe are the physical symptoms reported by these women compared to the symptoms reported by women with actual uterine fibroids? Are the symptoms more severe if the patient believes that she has at least one relatively large (dominant) fibroid or more than 3 fibroids?

Material and Methods A total of 1548 patients completed an anonymous questionnaire in which they were asked about the number of their fibroids, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms, dyspareunia and bleeding disorders (using a numerical analog scale between 0 – 10). The questionnaire was administered in a hospital-based fibroid clinic. The information provided by the patients was then compared with transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound findings. The symptoms reported by women with and without fibroid(s) were compared.

Results 1045 out of 1548 patients fulfilled the studyʼs inclusion criteria. Contrary to the information they provided, no fibroid(s) were detected in 6% (62 of 1045 patients) of patients on ultrasound examination. Of these women, 87% had dysmenorrhea, 79% had premenstrual pain and 57% reported dyspareunia. The severity of the symptoms was found not to be associated with the assumed size or number of fibroid(s). There was no significant difference in the pain reported by women without and by women with fibroids. Reporting a feeling of strong pressure on the bladder (OR: 1.18) or abdomen (OR: 1.12) or constipation (OR: 1.16) increased the likelihood of detecting a fibroid on ultrasound investigation.

Conclusions The presence of manifest symptoms (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, premenstrual pain, bleeding disorders) does not allow conclusions to be made about the number or size of fibroids or about which therapy is indicated. Even an erroneous assumption about the presence of fibroids may result in patients experiencing symptoms.

Normal Pelvic Anatomy

This article reviews normal pelvic anatomic findings during ultrasound and discusses how to obtain and measure these images. Representative images of normal pelvic anatomy, with select videos, are included to assist in understanding the presented concepts and normal anatomic images.

New Sonographic Classification of Adenomyosis: Do Type and Degree of Adenomyosis Correlate to Severity of Symptoms?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To correlate the type and degree of adenomyosis, scored through a new system based on the features of transvaginal sonography, to patients' symptoms and fertility.

DESIGN

This is a multicenter, observational, prospective study.

SETTING

Two endometriosis tertiary referral centers (University of Rome "Tor Vergata" and University of Siena).

PATIENTS

A total of 108 patients with ultrasonographic signs of adenomyosis.

INTERVENTIONS

A new ultrasonographic scoring system designed to assess the severity and the extent of uterine adenomyosis was used to stage the disease in correlation with the clinical symptoms. Menstrual uterine bleeding was assessed by a pictorial blood loss analysis chart, painful symptoms were evaluated using a visual analog scale, and infertility factors were considered.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 108 patients with ultrasonographic signs of adenomyosis (mean age ± standard deviation, 37.7 ± 7.7 years) were classified according to the proposed scoring system. Women with ultrasound diagnosis of diffuse adenomyosis were older (p = .04) and had heavier menstrual bleeding (p = .04) than women with focal disease; however, no statistically significant differences were found regarding the presence and severity of dyspareunia and dysmenorrhea. Higher values of menstrual bleeding were found for severe diffuse adenomyosis, with the highest values being found in those with adenomyomas. In patients trying to conceive, the presence of ultrasound findings of focal disease was associated with a higher percentage of infertility than in those with diffuse disease, and the focal involvement of the junctional zone showed a higher percentage of at least 1 miscarriage than in those with diffuse adenomyosis.

CONCLUSION

The ultrasonographic evaluation of the type and extension of adenomyosis in the myometrium seems to be important in correlation to the severity of symptoms and infertility.

The differential diagnoses of uterine leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas using DNA and RNA sequencing

BACKGROUND

Although uterine leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas are considered biologically unrelated tumors, they share morphologic and histologic characteristics that complicate their differential diagnosis. The long-term therapeutic option for leiomyoma is laparoscopic myomectomy with morcellation, particularly for patients who wish to preserve their fertility. However, because of the potential dissemination of undiagnosed or hidden leiomyosarcoma from morcellation, there is a need to develop a preoperative assessment of malignancy risk.

OBJECTIVE

Through an integrated comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis, we aim to identify differential genetic targets in leiomyomas vs leiomyosarcomas using next-generation sequencing as the first step toward preoperative differential diagnosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Targeted sequencing of DNA and RNA coding regions for solid tumor-associated genes was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from 13 leiomyomas and 13 leiomyosarcoma cases. DNA sequencing was used to identify copy number variations, single-nucleotide variants, and small insertions/deletions. RNA sequencing was used to identify gene fusions, splice variants, and/or differential gene expression profiles.

RESULTS

In leiomyosarcomas, tumor mutation burden was higher in terms of copy number variations, single nucleotide variants, small insertions/deletions, and gene fusions compared with leiomyomas. For copy number variations, 20 genes were affected by deletions in leiomyosarcomas, compared with 6 observed losses in leiomyomas. Gains (duplications) were identified in 19 genes in leiomyosarcomas, but only 3 genes in leiomyomas. The most common mutations (single-nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions) for leiomyosarcomas were identified in 105 genes of all analyzed leiomyosarcomas; 82 genes were affected in leiomyomas. Of note, 1 tumor previously diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma was established as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor along this study with a novel ALK-TNS1 fusion. Finally, a differential transcriptomic profile was observed for 11 of 55 genes analyzed in leiomyosarcomas; 8.5% of initially diagnosed leiomyosarcomas showed high-confidence, novel gene fusions that were associated with these tumors.

CONCLUSION

Through integrated comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we identified novel differential genetic targets that potentially differentiate leiomyosarcomas and leiomyomas. This provides a new insight into the differential diagnosis of these myometrial tumors.

Association between Preoperative Adenomyosis Detection Rate during Pelvic Ultrasonography and the Specialty of the Reading Physician

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the detection rate of adenomyosis when ultrasound is performed by a radiologist compared with a gynecologic expert sonologist.

DESIGN

A retrospective, single-center study.

SETTING

A university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

All women above 18 years of age with a positive histopathology diagnosis of adenomyosis obtained in a hysterectomy specimen from October 1, 2011, to October 1, 2017, were screened for inclusion. Cases without a preoperative pelvic ultrasound report, those with coexisting premalignant/malignant conditions, and patients presenting to the clinic with symptoms other than abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, or abdominal pain were excluded. A total of 412 cases were included in the final analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The preoperative ultrasound was performed by a radiologist in 241 patients (59%) and by an expert gynecologic sonologist in 171 patients (42%). Patients' age, body mass index, race, ethnicity, parity, and history of prior cesarean section were comparable between the 2 groups. The adenomyosis detection rate was significantly higher in the expert gynecologic sonologist group compared with radiologists (95 [56%] vs 29 [12%], p <.01). After controlling for patients' race, body mass index, prior cesarean sections, and presence of myomas using multivariable logistic regression, gynecologic expert sonologists were 7.8 times more likely to detect adenomyosis than radiologists (odds ratio = 7.84; 95% confidence interval, 4.58-13.44). Regardless of medical specialty, the presence of myomas significantly decreased the detection of adenomyosis compared with the absence of myomas (odds ratio = 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.39).

CONCLUSION

The detection rate of adenomyosis was significantly higher when ultrasound was performed by expert gynecologic sonologists compared with radiologists. The presence of myomas significantly decreased detection rates regardless of specialty. Ultrasound evaluation for detecting adenomyosis should be preferentially performed by gynecologic expert sonologists.

MED12 mutations and fumarate hydratase inactivation in uterine adenomyomas

STUDY QUESTION

Do the uterine leiomyoma driver events – mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) mutations, high mobility group AT-hook (HMGA2) overexpression, and fumarate hydratase (FH) inactivation – also contribute to the development of uterine adenomyomas?

SUMMARY ANSWER

MED12 mutations and FH deficiency occur in a subset of uterine adenomyomas, but at lower frequencies than in leiomyomas.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Uterine adenomyomas are benign tumours with clinical features very similar to uterine leiomyomas. Mutations affecting MED12, HMGA2 and FH account for up to 80–90% of leiomyomas, but their contribution to adenomyomas is not known.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded adenomyoma samples from 21 patients operated on during 2012–2014 were collected at the pathology department’s archives and analysed for uterine leiomyoma driver events.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Adenomyoma diagnoses were verified by a specialized pathologist and representative areas were marked on haematoxylin-eosin slides. DNA was extracted from the tissue samples and sequenced to detect mutations in MED12. Expression levels of HMGA2 and 2SC, a robust indirect method to detect FH inactivation, were analysed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The coding region of FH was sequenced in one adenomyoma sample showing strong 2SC staining as well as in the same patient’s normal tissue sample. All patients’ medical histories were collected and reviewed.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

MED12 mutation c.131G > A, p.G44D, the most common mutation in uterine leiomyomas, was identified in two samples (2/21; 9.5%). One adenomyoma displayed strong 2SC positivity and subsequent sequencing revealed a frameshift FH mutation c.911delC, p.P304fs in the tumour. The mutation was also present in the patient’s normal tissue sample, indicating that she has a hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) syndrome. HMGA2 protein expression was normal in all adenomyomas.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Restricted sample size limits the determination of exact mutation frequencies of the studied aberrations in adenomyomas.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Uterine leiomyoma driver mutations do contribute to the development of some adenomyomas. We also report an adenomyoma in the context of hereditary HLRCC syndrome. Despite clinical similarities, the pathogenic mechanisms of adenomyomas and leiomyomas are likely different. Large-scale genomic analyses are warranted to elucidate the complete molecular background of adenomyomas.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This study was supported by The Academy of Finland, the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, and the Cancer Society of Finland. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The Normal Female Pelvis

This article provides an overview of ultrasonographic evaluation of the normal female pelvis. Pertinent pelvic anatomy is reviewed, and there is an in-depth discussion of the normal appearance of the uterus and ovaries. In addition, the indications and technique for performing 3-dimensional imaging and saline-infused sonohysterography are covered.

From Clinical Symptoms to MR Imaging: Diagnostic Steps in Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis or endometriosis genitalis interna is a frequent benign disease of women in fertile age. It causes symptoms like bleeding disorders and dysmenorrhea and seems to have a negative effect on fertility. Adenomyosis can be part of a complex genital and extragenital endometriosis but also can be found as a solitary uterine disease. While peritoneal endometriosis can be easily diagnosed by laparoscopy with subsequent biopsy, the determination of adenomyosis is difficult. In the following literature review, the diagnostic methods clinical history and symptoms, gynecological examination, 2D and 3D transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy will be discussed step by step in order to evaluate their predictive value in the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

Imaging and the Infertility Evaluation

Ultrasound (US) has transformed the fertility evaluation. With 1 consultation, blood work and 1 to 2 USs, the female fertility status can be fully evaluated. The initial US is best done early in the follicular cycle to evaluate the pelvic anatomy and ovarian reserve. A three-dimensional US is important to evaluate for uterine anomalies and color Doppler for any masses. A mid-cycle saline infusion sonohysterogram assesses the endometrial cavity better than a hysterosalpingogram as it identifies the cause of any filling defects. By concurrently adding contrast or agitated saline, tubal patency can be tested. This US-based approach reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively assesses female infertility.

Transvaginal Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Transvaginal ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Transvaginal ultrasound can be used to diagnose structural causes of abnormal bleeding such as polyps, adenomyosis, leiomyomas, hyperplasia, and malignancy, and can also be beneficial in making the diagnosis of ovulatory dysfunction. Traditional 2-dimensional imaging is often enhanced by the addition of 3-dimension imaging with coronal reconstruction and saline infusion sonohysterography. In this article we discuss specific ultrasound findings and technical considerations useful in the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pelvic Masses: A Compartmental Approach

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often "one stop shop" for evaluating female pelvic masses that helps in diagnosis, staging, and restaging of these tumors. A pelvic mass can arise from any tissue present within the pelvis. Although most masses in the female pelvis arise from the reproductive organs, masses may also arise from the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, adjacent soft tissues, peritoneum, etc. It may not always be possible to determine the site of origin or distinguish these masses based on imaging characteristics. However, familiarity with the clinicopathologic and MRI features of most common pelvic masses helps in narrowing the differential diagnosis. Diagnosis of these masses needs a holistic approach as required for any tumor including clinical history, laboratory data, and imaging characteristics. We focus on MRI characteristics of commonly encountered pelvic masses. A compartmental imaging approach is discussed in this article that helps in identifying and characterizing these masses.

Combined Application of Ultrasound and CT Increased Diagnostic Value in Female Patients with Pelvic Masses

Purpose. The current study aimed to evaluate whether combined application of ultrasound and CT had increased Diagnostic Value in Female Patients with Pelvic Masses over either method alone. Patients and Methods. 240 female patients with pelvic masses were detected preoperatively with ultrasound and CT prior to surgery. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasound, CT, and combined ultrasound/CT application were evaluated, respectively. Results. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasound were 52.8%, 86.7%, and 68.75%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT were 80.3%, 90.3%, and 85%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of combined application of ultrasound and CT were 89%, 94.7%, and 91.7%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of combined application of ultrasound and CT were higher than those of either ultrasound or CT. Conclusions. The combined application of ultrasound and CT had higher Diagnostic Value in Female Patients with Pelvic Masses than either method alone.

History of uterine leiomyoma and risk of endometrial cancer in black women

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have found an association between uterine leiomyomata (UL) and uterine malignancies. This relation has not been studied in black women, who are disproportionately affected by UL.

METHODS

We investigated prospectively the association between self-reported physician-diagnosed UL and endometrial cancer in the Black Women's Health Study. During 1995-2013, 47,267 participants with intact uteri completed biennial health questionnaires. Reports of endometrial cancer were confirmed by pathology data from medical records and cancer registries. Cox regression was used to derive incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

There were 300 incident endometrial cancer cases during 689,546 person-years of follow-up. In multivariable models, UL history was associated with a 42% greater incidence of endometrial cancer compared with no such history (95% CI 1.12-1.80). IRRs for cancer diagnosed 0-2, 3-9, and ≥10 years after UL diagnosis were 3.20 (95% CI 2.06-4.98), 0.95 (95% CI 0.60-1.52), and 1.35 (95% CI 1.03-1.77), respectively. Stronger overall associations between UL history and endometrial cancer were observed for later stages at cancer diagnosis (IRR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.09-4.63) and type II/III cancers (IRR = 3.13, 95% CI 1.64-5.99).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of black women, a history of UL was positively associated with endometrial cancer, particularly type II/III tumors. The strongest association was observed for cancer diagnosed within 2 years of UL diagnosis, a finding that might be explained by greater surveillance of women with UL or misdiagnosis of cancer as UL. However, an association was also observed for cancer reported ≥10 years after UL diagnosis.

Long-Term Efficacy of Laparoscopic or Robotic Adenomyomectomy with or without Medical Treatment for Severely Symptomatic Adenomyosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To determine the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic or robotic adenomyomectomy with or without gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) for the treatment of severely symptomatic adenomyosis.

METHODS

Between August 2008 and May 2011, we prospectively observed 33 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic adenomyomectomy with uterine artery ligation for the treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis. Seventeen patients (52%) received 3-course GnRH agonist treatment after the adenomyomectomy.

RESULTS

The mean operating time was 147.4 ± 52.0 min, and the mean blood loss was 36.1 ± 37.4 ml. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients, including 4 cases of febrile morbidity, 1 case of ileus and 1 case of pelvic abscess. Patients had statistically significant symptom relief during the 3-year follow-up period. Four of the 33 patients (12%) showed symptom relapse; 3 patients showed a relapse with dysmenorrhea and 1 patient showed a relapse with menorrhagia. There were no significant differences in terms of therapeutic outcomes between surgical-only and surgical-medical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic or robotic adenomyomectomy was feasible and safe for women with severely symptomatic adenomyosis who requested uterine preservation. Moreover, this procedure provided long-term symptom control, regardless of postoperative GnRH agonist administration.

Morcellator's Port-site Metastasis of a Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential After Minimally Invasive Myomectomy

Since the safety warning from the US Food and Drug Administration on the use of power morcellators, minimally invasive procedures involving the removal of uterine myomas and large uteri are under scrutiny. Growing evidence suggests that morcellation of undiagnosed uterine malignancies is associated with worse survival outcomes of patients affected by uterine sarcoma. However, to date, only limited data regarding morcellation of low-grade uterine neoplasms are available. In the present article, we reported a case of a (morcellator) port-site implantation of a smooth muscle tumor that occurred 6 years after laparoscopic morcellation of a uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain potential. This case highlights the effects of intra-abdominal morcellation, even in low-grade uterine neoplasms. Caution should be used when determining techniques for tissue extraction; the potential adverse consequences of morcellation should be more fully explored.

Medical treatment for adenomyosis and/or adenomyoma

Uterine adenomyosis and/or adenomyoma is characterized by the presence of heterotopic endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, >2.5 mm in depth in the myometrium or more than one microscopic field at 10 times magnification from the endometrium-myometrium junction, and a variable degree of adjacent myometrial hyperplasia, causing globular and cystic enlargement of the myometrium, with some cysts filled with extravasated, hemolyzed red blood cells, and siderophages. Hysterectomy is a "gold standard" and definitive therapy for uterine adenomyosis, and many cases of adenomyosis have been diagnosed by pathological review retrospectively. As such, the diagnosis of adenomyosis is difficult, and this subsequently results in difficulty in the management of these patients, especially those who are symptomatic but have a strong desire to preserve their uterus. In our previous review, we found that the use of uterine-sparing surgery in the management of uterine adenomyosis and/or adenomyoma is still controversial, although some data support its feasibility. Conservative treatment is still needed in the group of patients that requires preservation of fertility and improvement of quality of life. However, studies focusing on the topic of medical treatment for adenomyosis are rare. In this article, current knowledge regarding the use of medical therapy for uterine adenomyosis, partly based on the understanding of endometriosis, is reviewed.

Efficacy of laparoscopic adenomyomectomy using double-flap method for diffuse uterine adenomyosis

Background

Adenomyomectomy has recently been considered the priority option for the treatment of adenomyosis, however, the surgical efficacy and modes are still debated. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic adenomyomectomy using a double-flap method for the treatment of uterine diffuse adenomyosis when compared with conventional laparoscopic adenomyomectomy.

Methods

Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy using the conventional method (group A, n = 48) and the double-flap method (group B, n = 46) to treat diffuse uterine adenomyosis, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS), menstrual amount, serum CA125 levels, and uterine volume were comparatively analyzed in both groups.

Results

The VAS scores, menstrual amount, serum CA125 levels, and uterine volume at 12 or 24 months after surgery significantly reduced in group B than in group A (P < 0.05); these parameters were statistically decreased in both groups after surgery compared with those obtained before surgery (P < 0.001). Moreover, serum CA125 levels and uterine volume at six months of follow up were significantly lower in group B than in group A (P < 0.01). In addition, blood loss during surgery was similar in groups A and B (P > 0.05), although the operative time was significantly longer in group B than that in group A (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy using the double-flap method may be an effective technique to treat uterine diffuse adenomyosis.

Increased dose single-agent gemcitabine in platinum-taxane resistant metastatic ovarian cancer

CONCLUSION

In platinum–taxane resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), we aimed to determine the effectiveness.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2004 and 2013, patients afflicted with platinum–taxane resistant EOC and who were administered a 30-minute i.v. infusion of single-agent gemcitabine at a dose of 1,250 mg/m2 on the 1st, 8th and 15th days, every 28 days, were examined retrospectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients with platinum–taxane resistant EOC were included in the study. The overall survival (OS) was 48 months. The median survival after becoming platinum–taxane resistant was 16 months for the study population. Median time to progression (TTP) and median survival after becoming platinum–taxane resistant for patients who received second-line treatment were 3.3 months and 16 months, respectively; for patients who received third-line treatment with gemcitabine, these were 3.7 months and 19 months, respectively. Administration of gemcitabine as second- and third-line chemotherapy in platinum–taxane resistant EOC, provides similar TTP and OS outcomes (p = 0.4, p = 0.9) with a similar response and toxicity rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Second- and third-line gemcitabine at a dose of 1,250 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days as a 30-minute i.v. infusion in platinum–taxane resistant EOC is an effective treatment option with a tolerable and manageable toxicity.