The impact of adenomyosis on the outcome of IVF-embryo transfer

Untangling the independent effect of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and ART-related factors on maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal adverse outcomes: results from a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Women with endometriosis may constitute a group at a particularly increased risk of pregnancy-related complications. Furthermore, women selected for assisted reproductive technology (ART) are exposed to additional endocrinological and embryological factors that have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This study aimed to investigate the independent effect of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and various ART-related factors on adverse maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

Published randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies were considered eligible. PubMed, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched up to 1 March 2024. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in line with the PRISMA and the MOOSE reporting guidelines. To thoroughly investigate the association between endometriosis/adenomyosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes, sub-analyses were conducted, whenever possible, according to: the method of conception (i.e. ART and non-ART conception), the endometriosis stage/phenotype, the coexistence of endometriosis and adenomyosis, any pre-pregnancy surgical treatment of endometriosis, and the form of adenomyosis. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was used as effect measure. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

OUTCOMES

We showed a higher risk of placenta previa in women with endometriosis compared to controls (34 studies, OR 2.84; 95% CI: 2.47, 3.26; I2 = 83%, moderate quality). The association was observed regardless of the method of conception and was particularly strong in the most severe forms of endometriosis (i.e. rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis and deep endometriosis (DE)) (OR 6.61; 95% CI: 2.08, 20.98; I2 = 66% and OR 14.54; 95% CI: 3.67, 57.67; I2 = 54%, respectively). We also showed an association, regardless of the method of conception, between endometriosis and: (i) preterm birth (PTB) (43 studies, OR 1.43; 95% CI: 1.32, 1.56; I2 = 89%, low quality) and (ii) cesarean section (29 studies, OR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.63; I2 = 93%, low quality). The most severe forms of endometriosis were strongly associated with PTB. Two outcomes were associated with adenomyosis both in the main analysis and in the sub-analysis that included only ART pregnancies: (i) miscarriage (14 studies, OR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.53, 2.18; I2 = 72%, low quality) and (ii) pre-eclampsia (7 studies, OR 1.70; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.48; I2 = 77%, low quality). Regarding ART-related factors, the following associations were observed in the main analysis and confirmed in all sub-analyses conducted by pooling only risk estimates adjusted for covariates: (i) blastocyst stage embryo transfer (ET) and monozygotic twinning (28 studies, OR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.72, 2.45; I2 = 72%, low quality), (ii) frozen embryo transfer (FET) and (reduced risk of) small for gestational age (21 studies, OR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.57, 0.61; P < 0.00001; I2 = 17%, very low quality) and (increased risk of) large for gestational age (16 studies, OR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.60, 1.80; P < 0.00001; I2 = 55%, very low quality), (iii) artificial cycle (AC)-FET and pre-eclampsia (12 studies, OR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.91-2.39; I2 = 9%, low quality), PTB (21 studies, OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.15, 1.34; P < 0.0001; I2 = 50%, low quality), cesarean section (15 studies, OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.49, 1.70; P < 0.00001; I2 = 67%, very low quality) and post-partum hemorrhage (6 studies, OR 2.43; 95% CI 2.11, 2.81; P < 0.00001; I2 = 15%, very low quality).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Severe endometriosis (i.e. rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis, DE) constitutes a considerable risk factor for placenta previa and PTB. Herein, we recommend against superimposing on this condition other exposure factors that have a strong association with the same obstetric adverse outcome or with different outcomes which, if coexisting, could determine the onset of an ominous obstetric syndrome. Specifically, we strongly discourage the use of AC regimens for FET in ovulatory women with rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis or DE. We also recommend single ET at the blastocyst stage in this high-risk population.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023401428.

Effect of different treatment protocols on in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes in adenomyosis women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Pregnancy outcomes of different ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) in patients with adenomyosis are not explicit. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of different IVF/ICSI protocols on pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched up to October 2023.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Comparative studies on IVF/ICSI outcomes in the adenomyosis population were eligible. Studies on preimplantation genetic testing, reviews, case reports and animal experiments were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Valid information was extracted by two independent authors according to a standard data format. All analyses were conducted using Review Manager (RevMan, V.5.3).

RESULTS

Compared with the non-adenomyosis population, adenomyosis was responsible for a 26% reduction in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR; 42.47% vs 55.89%, OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.82, p<0.00001), a 35% reduction in live birth rate (LBR; 30.72% vs 47.77%, OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.73, p<0.00001) and a 1.9-fold increase in miscarriage rate (MR; 27.82% vs 13.9%, OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.56 to 2.31, p<0.00001). Subgroup analysis suggested that, in fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles, the CPR (34.4% vs 58.25%) in the long/short/antagonist protocol group was poorer than that in the ultralong protocol group. In frozen ET (FET) cycles, there were no statistical differences in CPR ((GnRHa+FET) AM(adenomyosis) vs non-AM: 51.32% vs 43.48%, p=0.31; (non-GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM: 50.25% vs 60.10%, p=0.82), MR ((GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM:12.82% vs 12.50%, p=0.97; (non-GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM: 30.5% vs 15.54%, p=0.15) and LBR ((GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM:44.74% vs 36.96%, p=0.31; (non-GnRHa+FET) AM vs non-AM: 34.42% vs 50.25%, p=0.28). The MR in the adenomyosis group was high in the fresh ET and FET cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

FET might be a better choice for women with adenomyosis, especially those pretreated with GnRHa. In fresh ET cycles, pregnancy outcomes of the long/short/antagonist protocols were poorer than those of the ultralong protocol.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022340743.

Improvement of early miscarriage rates in women with adenomyosis via oxytocin receptor antagonist during frozen embryo transfer-a propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

Dysfunctional uterine peristalsis seems to play a pivotal role in hindering embryo implantation among women diagnosed with adenomyosis. This research aims to investigate whether administering an oxytocin receptor antagonist during a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle using a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protocol can enhance in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes for infertile women affected by adenomyosis.

METHODS

Between January 2018 and June 2022, our reproductive center conducted IVF-FET HRT cycles for infertile women diagnosed with adenomyosis. Propensity score matching was employed to select matched subjects between the two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Following this, 168 women received an oxytocin receptor antagonist during FET, constituting the study group, while the matched 168 women underwent FET without this antagonist, forming the control group. We conducted comparative analyses of baseline and cycle characteristics between the two groups, along with additional subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

The study group exhibited notably lower rates of early miscarriage compared to the control group, although there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancy rates, and live birth rates between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a negative correlation between the use of oxytocin receptor antagonists and early miscarriage rates in women with adenomyosis. Subgroup analyses, categorized by age, infertility types, and embryo transfer day, showed a substantial decrease in early miscarriage rates within specific subgroups: women aged ≥ 37 years, those with secondary infertility, and individuals undergoing day 3 embryo transfers in the study group compared to the control group. Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on adenomyosis types indicated significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancy rates and live birth rates in the study group compared to the control group among women with diffuse adenomyosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Administering an oxytocin receptor antagonist during FET may reduce the early miscarriage rates in women with adenomyosis.

Prevalence of adenomyosis features in women scheduled for assisted reproductive treatment, using the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment group definitions

INTRODUCTION

Studies that use standardized ultrasonographic criteria to diagnose adenomyosis in subfertile women are needed. These would improve the understanding of the disease burden and enable further studies on its impact on fertility and assisted reproductive treatment (ART) outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different features of adenomyosis in women scheduled for their first ART, diagnosed at two (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) using the revised Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) group definitions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective, observational cross-sectional study of subfertile women aged 25 to ≤39 years, that were referred to a university hospital for their first ART between December 2018 and May 2021. Of 1224 eligible women, 1160 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study. All women underwent a systematic 2D and 3D TVUS examination. The primary outcome was the presence of direct and indirect features of adenomyosis, as proposed by the MUSA group. Secondary outcomes were to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of the different features, as well as any difference in the diagnostics at 2D or 3D TVUS and any association with clinical characteristics such as endometriosis.

RESULTS

At least one direct or indirect feature of adenomyosis was observed in 272 (23.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 21.0-25.9) women. Direct features that are pathognomonic for the disease were observed in 111 (9.6%, 95% CI, 7.9-11.3) women. Direct features were visible only at 3D TVUS in 56 (4.8%, 95% CI 3.6-6.1) women, that is, 56/111 (50.5%) of women with at least one direct adenomyosis feature. Direct features were more common in women with endometriosis (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.8-4.3).

CONCLUSIONS

We found than one in 10 women scheduled for ART had direct features of adenomyosis at ultrasound examination. The present study suggests that the use of 3D TVUS is an important complement to 2D in the diagnostics of adenomyosis. Our results may further improve the counseling of women scheduled for ART and enables future studies on the impact of different features of adenomyosis on subfertility, ART results and obstetric outcomes.

Impact of adenomyosis on in vitro fertilization outcomes in women undergoing donor oocyte transfers: a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively examine the association between adenomyosis type, location, and severity with reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing single embryo transfer (SET) with embryos derived from donor oocytes.

DESIGN

A prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

University-affiliated in vitro fertilization center.

PATIENTS

Patients with infertility with (n = 114) and without (n = 114) adenomyosis who received their first donor oocyte transfer between January 2019 and January 2023 were included in this study.

INTERVENTIONS

Adenomyosis was confirmed with the presence of at least one direct feature visualized by 2- or 3-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound and classified according to type (diffuse or focal), localization (inner or outer myometrium and/or junctional zone [JZ]), and uterine extension (mild, moderate, or severe). After an artificial or natural endometrial preparation cycle, patients underwent SET in the blastocyst stage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the implantation rate. The secondary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rates after SET.

RESULTS

The presence of adenomyosis did not significantly affect the implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth rates. However, women with adenomyosis had a significantly higher miscarriage rate than those without adenomyosis (35.4% vs. 18.1%, respectively). The multivariate analysis assessed possible risk factors for each clinical outcome considered in the study and showed that adenomyosis affected the risk of miscarriage. Specifically, transvaginal sonography detection of adenomyosis in the JZ was associated with over threefold higher relative risk of miscarriage (relative risk [RR], 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-7.78). Conversely, adenomyosis features detected exclusively in the outer myometrium were associated with a higher ongoing pregnancy rate (RR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13-0.72). Diffuse adenomyosis in the JZ and severe adenomyosis increased the relative risk of miscarriage two-fold (RR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.22-4.30 and RR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.19-4.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that although adenomyosis did not significantly reduce the odds of implantation, the direct signs of adenomyosis in the JZ and disease severity are significant risk factors for miscarriage in patients receiving donor oocyte transfers. This study highlights the importance of thorough ultrasound examination and detailed adenomyosis classification in the assessment and management of patients with infertility.

Transcriptome analysis of adenomyosis eutopic endometrium reveals molecular mechanisms involved in adenomyosis-related implantation failure and pregnancy disorders

BACKGROUND

Women with adenomyosis are characterized by having defective decidualization, impaired endometrial receptivity and/or embryo-maternal communication, and implantation failure. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying adenomyosis-related infertility remain unknown, mainly because of the restricted accessibility and the difficult preservation of endometrial tissue in vitro. We have recently shown that adenomyosis patient-derived endometrial organoids, maintain disease-specific features while differentiated into mid-secretory and gestational endometrial phase, overcoming these research barriers and providing a robust platform to study adenomyosis pathogenesis and the associated molecular dysregulation related to implantation and pregnancy disorders. For this reason, we aim to characterize the dysregulated mechanisms in the mid-secretory and gestational endometrium of patients with adenomyosis by RNA-sequencing.

METHODS

Endometrial organoids were derived from endometrial biopsies collected in the proliferative phase of women with adenomyosis (ADENO) or healthy oocyte donors (CONTROL) (n = 15/group) and differentiated into mid-secretory (-SECorg) and gestational (-GESTorg) phases in vitro. Following RNA-sequencing, the significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (FDR < 0.05) were identified and selected for subsequent functional enrichment analysis and QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Statistical differences in gene expression were evaluated with the Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

We identified 1,430 DEGs in ADENO-SECorg and 1,999 DEGs in ADENO-GESTorg. In ADENO-SECorg, upregulated genes included OLFM1, FXYD5, and RUNX2, which are involved in impaired endometrial receptivity and implantation failure, while downregulated genes included RRM2, SOSTDC1, and CHAC2 implicated in recurrent implantation failure. In ADENO-GESTorg, upregulated CXCL14 and CYP24A1 and downregulated PGR were related to pregnancy loss. IPA predicted a significant inhibition of ID1 signaling, histamine degradation, and activation of HMGB1 and Senescence pathways, which are related to implantation failure. Alternatively, IPA predicted an inhibition of D-myo-inositol biosynthesis and VEGF signaling, and upregulation of Rho pathway, which are related to pregnancy loss and preeclampsia.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying dysregulated molecular mechanisms in mid-secretory and gestational endometrium of adenomyosis women contributes to the understanding of adenomyosis-related implantation failure and/or pregnancy disorders revealing potential therapeutic targets. Following experimental validation of our transcriptomic and in silico findings, our differentiated adenomyosis patient-derived organoids have the potential to provide a reliable platform for drug discovery, development, and personalized drug screening for affected patients.

Junctional zone thickening: an endo-myometrial unit disorder

Adenomyosis is a disease defined by histopathology, mostly of hysterectomy specimens, and classification is challenged by the disagreement of the histologic definition. With the introduction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and two- and three-dimensional ultrasound, the diagnosis of adenomyosis became a clinical entity. In MRI and US, adenomyosis ranges from thickening of the inner myometrium or junctional zone to nodular, cystic, or diffuse lesions involving the entire uterine wall, up to a well-circumscribed adenomyoma or a polypoid adenomyoma. The absence of an accepted classification and the vague and inconsistent terminology hamper basic and clinical research. The sub-endometrial halo seen at US and MRI is a distinct entity, differing from the outer myometrium by its increased nuclear density and vascular structure. The endometrium and the sub-endometrial muscularis or archimetra are of Müllarian origin, while the outer myometrium is non-Mullerian mesenchymal. The junctional zone (JZ) is important for uterine contractions, conception, implantation, and placentation. Thickening of the JZ can be considered inner myometrium adenomyosis, with or without endometrial invasion. Changes in the JZ should be considered a different entity than myometrial clinically associated with impaired conception, implantation, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and obstetrical outcome. Pathology of the basal endometrium and JZ is a separate entity and should be identified as an endo-myometrial unit disorder (EMUD).

Current status and challenges in uterine myometrial tissue engineering

The uterus undergoes significant modifications throughout pregnancy to support embryo development and fetal growth. However, conditions like fibroids, adenomyosis, cysts, and C-section scarring can cause myometrial damage. The importance of the uterus and the challenges associated with myometrial damage, and the need for alternative approaches are discussed in this review. The review also explores the recent studies in tissue engineering, which involve principles of combining cells, scaffolds, and signaling molecules to create functional uterine tissues. It focuses on two key approaches in uterine tissue engineering: scaffold technique using decellularized, natural, and synthetic polymer and 3D bioprinting. These techniques create supportive structures for cell growth and tissue formation. Current treatment options for myometrial damage have limitations, leading to the exploration of regenerative medicine and integrative therapies. The review emphasizes the potential benefits of tissue engineering, including more effective and less invasive treatment options for myometrial damage. The challenges of developing biocompatible materials and optimizing cell growth and differentiation are discussed. In conclusion, uterine tissue engineering holds promise for myometrial regeneration and the treatment of related conditions. This review highlights the scientific advancements in the field and underscores the potential of tissue engineering as a viable approach. By addressing the limitations of current treatments, tissue engineering offers new possibilities for improving reproductive health and restoring uterine functionality. Future research shall focus on overcoming challenges and refining tissue engineering strategies to advance the field and provide effective solutions for myometrial damage and associated disorders.

The role of the junctional zone in the management of adenomyosis with infertility

The junctional zone (JZ) is an important structure in the myometrium that maintains uterine fertility. Changes in the junctional zone are closely related to infertility and adenomyosis (ADS). As an increasing number of young women are affected by ADS, the disease is no longer considered typical of women over 40. With these changes, an increasing number of patients refuse hysterectomy and desire fertility preservation treatment. At the same time, ADS is a crucial factor causing female infertility. Therefore, the treatment of ADS-related infertility and preservation of reproductive function is one of the other major challenges facing clinicians. For these young patients, preserving fertility and even promoting reproduction has become a new challenge. Therefore, we searched and summarized these studies on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as "adenomyosis", "junctional zone", and "infertility" to explore infertility causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ADS patients who wish to preserve their uterus or fertility and become pregnant, focusing on the junctional zone, to obtain a full appreciation of the new perspective on this disease.

Current perspectives on endometrial receptivity: A comprehensive overview of etiology and treatment

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) remains a challenging problem in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Further insights into uterine abnormalities that can disturb embryo implantation should be obtained. This review provides an overview of the effects of organic and non-organic uterine disorders on endometrial receptivity. The results suggest that various uterine pathologies can lead to defective embryo implantation via multiple mechanisms. In particular, uterine adenomyosis dysregulates molecular and cellular interactions that are vital for successful embryo implantation with a background of chronic inflammation, which may be alleviated by pretreatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. Uterine myomas can cause endometrial deformation and adverse alterations in uterine contractility. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of myomectomy remains debated, and endometrial polyp removal may be considered, particularly in patients with RIF. Chronic endometritis abrogates the appropriate uterine immunological environment critical for embryo implantation. Abnormal endometrial microbiota have been suggested to influence endometrial receptivity; however, supporting evidence is currently scarce. Platelet-rich plasma therapy may be a potential treatment for thin endometria; nevertheless, further validation is required. Endometrial receptivity analysis can detect dysregulation of the window of implantation, and new non-invasive methods for predicting endometrial receptivity have recently been proposed. However, numerous issues still need to be fully clarified. Further clinical and basic studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiology of defective endometrial receptivity and identify optimal treatments for patients undergoing ART, especially those with RIF.

Association Between Uterine Volume and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Reproductive Outcomes of Infertile Patients with Adenomyosis

To explore the association between uterine volume and in vitro fertilization (IVF) reproductive outcomes of infertile patients with adenomyosis, we performed a retrospective cohort study of infertile patients with adenomyosis who underwent IVF from January 2009 to December 2019 in our clinical center. Patients were divided into five groups according to the uterine volume before the IVF cycle. A line graph was drawn to demonstrate the linear trend of IVF reproductive outcomes with uterine volume. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the association between uterine volume of adenomyosis patients and IVF reproductive outcomes in first fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycle, first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle, and per ET cycle. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were conducted to evaluate the association between uterine volume and cumulative live birth. A total of 1155 infertile patients with adenomyosis were included. Clinical pregnancy rate showed no significant correlation with uterine volume in first fresh ET cycle, first FET cycle, and per ET cycle; miscarriage rate showed an upward trend with uterine volume increasement, in which the uterine volume turning point was 8 weeks of gestation; live birth rate showed a downward trend with turning point of 10 weeks of gestation. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups (uterine volume ≤ 8 weeks of gestation vs. uterine volume > 8 weeks of gestation). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that patients with a uterus larger than 8 weeks of gestation had a higher miscarriage rate and a lower live birth rate in all ET cycles. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression demonstrated lower cumulative live birth rate in patients with a uterine volume larger than 8 weeks of gestation. IVF reproductive outcome gets worse as uterine volume increases in infertile patients with adenomyosis. Adenomyosis patients with a uterus larger than 8 weeks of gestation had a higher miscarriage rate and a lower live birth rate.

Adenomyosis and Infertility: A Literature Review

Background and Objectives: Adenomyosis (the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma below the endometrial-myometrial junction) is a benign condition which is increasingly diagnosed in younger women suffering from infertility. The aim of this narrative review was to study the pathophysiology and prevalence of adenomyosis, the mechanisms causing infertility, treatment options, and reproductive outcomes in infertile women suffering from adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: A literature search for suitable articles published in the English language was performed using PubMed from January 1970 to July 2022. Results: The literature search retrieved 50 articles that met the purpose of this review and summarized the most recent findings regarding the accuracy of diagnostic methods, pathophysiology, and the prevalence of adenomyosis and optimal strategies for the treatment of infertile women with adenomyosis. Conclusions: Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disorder, affecting women of reproductive age. It negatively affects in vitro fertilization, pregnancy and the live birth rate, as well as increases the risk of miscarriage. With the advent of non-invasive diagnoses with MRI and TVUS, the role of adenomyosis in infertility has been better recognized. Overall, more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to provide strong data on the accuracy of diagnostic methods, the pathophysiology and the prevalence of adenomyosis, the fertility outcomes of patients and the optimal strategy for the treatment.

Effect of atosiban on in vitro fertilization pregnancy outcome among women with endometriosis in presence or absence of adenomyosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effect of atosiban on in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcome among women with both endometriosis and adenomyosis, and compared it to that of patients with endometriosis but without adenomyosis and that of patients with tubal factor only.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

106 infertile women (176 embryo transfers) from a medical center in Taiwan were included in the analysis, where 34 (54), 34 (66), and 38 (56) cases (embryo transfers) were endometriosis without adenomyosis, endometriosis with adenomyosis, and tubal infertility factor only, respectively. Adenomyosis morphologies were classified using an ultrasound-based classification system. The logistic generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze the association between atosiban use and pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

The crude pregnancy rates for the endometriosis-only group were significantly higher than those for the endometriosis + adenomyosis group (i.e., biochemical pregnancy: 50.0% versus 29.7%, p = 0.041; ongoing pregnancy: 35.2% versus 16.9%, p = 0.038). Significantly higher chances of biochemical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy among endometriosis patients without adenomyosis versus those with both endometriosis and adenomyosis were found (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 2.981 [1.307, 6.803]; p = 0.009, 2.694 [1.151, 6.304]; p = 0.022). A significant positive association between atosiban use and biochemical pregnancy existed among endometriosis cases without adenomyosis (a 2.43-fold [1.01, 5.89] increase in successful pregnancy; p<0.05), but not for the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor pregnancy outcomes among adenomyosis-affected women were confirmed. The use of atosiban significantly enhanced IVF pregnancy among endometriosis patients without adenomyosis.

Directive clinique no 437 : Diagnostic et prise en charge de l'adénomyose

OBJECTIF

Décrire les pratiques actuelles fondées sur des données probantes pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge de l'adénomyose.

POPULATION CIBLE

Toutes les patientes en âge de procréer qui ont un utérus.

OPTIONS

Les options diagnostiques sont l'échographie endovaginale et l'imagerie par résonance magnétique. Les options thérapeutiques doivent être adaptées aux symptômes (saignements menstruels abondants, douleur et/ou infertilité) et comprendre des options médicamenteuses (anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens, acide tranexamique, contraceptifs oraux combinés, système intra-utérin à libération de lévonorgestrel, diénogest, autres progestatifs, analogues de la gonadotrophine), des options interventionnelles (embolisation de l'artère utérine) et des options chirurgicales (ablation de l'endomètre, excision de l'adénomyose, hystérectomie). RéSULTATS: Les critères de jugement sont la réduction des saignements menstruels abondants, l'atténuation de la douleur pelvienne (dysménorrhée, dyspareunie, douleur pelvienne chronique) et l'amélioration du devenir reproductif (fertilité, avortement spontané, issues de grossesse défavorables). BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: Par la présentation des méthodes de diagnostic et des options de prise en charge, cette directive sera bénéfique pour les patientes qui expriment des plaintes de nature gynécologique potentiellement causées par l'adénomyose, en particulier celles qui souhaitent préserver leur fertilité. La directive sera également utile aux praticiens qui pourront améliorer leurs connaissances sur les différentes options. DONNéES PROBANTES: Des recherches ont été effectuées dans les bases de données MEDLINE Reviews, MEDLINE ALL, Cochrane, PubMed et Embase. La recherche initiale a été réalisée en 2021 et mise à jour avec les articles pertinents en 2022. Les termes de recherche utilisés sont les suivants : adenomyosis, adenomyoses, endometritis (utilisés ou indexés sous adenomyosis avant 2012), (endometrium AND myometrium) uterine adenomyosis/es, symptom/s/matic adenomyosis ET [diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, guideline, outcome, management, imaging, sonography, pathogenesis, fertility, infertility, therapy, histology, ultrasound, review, meta-analysis, evaluation]. Les articles retenus sont des essais cliniques randomisés, des méta-analyses, des revues systématiques, des études observationnelles et des études de cas. Des articles dans toutes les langues ont été répertoriés et examinés. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (Tableau A1 pour les définitions et Tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Obstétriciens-gynécologues, radiologistes, médecins de famille, urgentologues, sages-femmes, infirmières autorisées, infirmières praticiennes, étudiants en médecine, résidents et moniteurs cliniques (fellows). RéSUMé POUR TWITTER: L'adénomyose est fréquemment observée chez les femmes en âge de procréer. Il existe des options de diagnostic et de prise en charge qui préservent la fertilité. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.

Different subtypes of ultrasound-diagnosed adenomyosis and in vitro fertilization outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Adenomyosis prevalence among women with infertility is increasing; their management during in vitro fertilization is usually based on ultrasound diagnosis alone. Herein, we summarize the latest evidence on the impact of ultrasound-diagnosed adenomyosis on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was registered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022355584). We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 31, 2023, for cohort studies on the impact of adenomyosis on in vitro fertilization outcomes. Fertility outcomes were compared according to the presence of adenomyosis as diagnosed by ultrasound, concurrent endometriosis and adenomyosis, and MRI-based or MRI- and ultrasound-based adenomyosis diagnosis. Live birth rate was the primary outcome while clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Women diagnosed with adenomyosis by ultrasound had lower live birth (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.82, grade: very low), lower clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.53-0.77, grade: very low), and higher miscarriage (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.35-2.44, grade: very low) rates than those without adenomyosis. Notably, symptomatic and diffuse, but not asymptomatic adenomyosis as diagnosed by ultrasound, adversely affected in vitro fertilization outcomes, with lower live birth (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.34-0.96, grade: very low), clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.57-0.85, grade: low), and miscarriage (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.28-4.82, grade: low) rates; and lower live birth (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.23-0.59, grade: low) and clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.34-0.75, grade: low), but not miscarriage rate (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 0.72-6.62, grade: very low), respectively. Concurrent adenomyosis in endometriosis is associated with a significantly lower live birth rate (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26-0.75, grade: low) than endometriosis alone. Finally, the use of MRI-based or MRI- and ultrasound-based adenomyosis diagnosis showed no significant association with in vitro fertilization outcomes (grade: very low for all outcomes).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering ultrasound findings, symptoms, and different subtypes of adenomyosis may aid in offering personalized counseling, improving treatment decisions, and achieving better outcomes of in vitro fertilization.

Guideline No. 437: Diagnosis and Management of Adenomyosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the current evidence-based diagnosis and management of adenomyosis.

TARGET POPULATION

All patients with a uterus of reproductive age.

OPTIONS

Diagnostic options include transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment options should be tailored to symptoms (heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and/or infertility) and include medical options (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tranexamic acid, combined oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel intrauterine system, dienogest, other progestins, gonadotropin-releasing analogues), interventional options (uterine artery embolization), and surgical options (endometrial ablation, excision of adenomyosis, hysterectomy).

OUTCOMES

Outcomes of interest include reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding, reduction in pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain), and improvement in reproductive outcomes (fertility, miscarriage, adverse pregnancy outcomes).

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

This guideline will benefit patients with gynaecological complaints that may be caused by adenomyosis, especially those patients who wish to preserve their fertility, by presenting diagnostic methods and management options. It will also benefit practitioners by improving their knowledge of various options.

EVIDENCE

Databases searched were MEDLINE Reviews, MEDLINE ALL, Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE. The initial search was completed in 2021 and updated with relevant articles in 2022. Search terms included adenomyosis, adenomyoses, endometritis (used/indexed as adenomyosis before 2012), (endometrium AND myometrium) uterine adenomyosis/es, symptom/s/matic adenomyosis] AND [diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, guideline, outcome, management, imaging, sonography, pathogenesis, fertility, infertility, therapy, histology, ultrasound, review, meta-analysis, evaluation]. Articles included randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, observational studies, and case reports. Articles in all languages were searched and reviewed.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Table A1 for definitions and Table A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations).

INTENDED AUDIENCE

Obstetrician-gynaecologists, radiologists, family physicians, emergency physicians, midwives, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, medical students, residents, and fellows.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Adenomyosis is common in reproductive-aged women. There are diagnostic and management options that preserve fertility available.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Pregnancy outcomes with donor oocyte embryos in patients diagnosed with adenomyosis using the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment criteria

OBJECTIVE

To use the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) criteria to evaluate the impact of adenomyosis on the live birth rate after donor egg embryo transfer.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary fertility care center.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 100 patients who received 223 donor embryo transfers from January 2014-2020. All patients underwent ultrasound before their first transfer.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Our study was powered (80%) to assess the primary outcome of live birth rate; the secondary outcomes included the clinical pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates.

RESULT(S)

Only 22 of 100 patients were diagnosed with adenomyosis on the original ultrasound report. When the MUSA criteria were applied, 76 patients had at least 1 possible ultrasonographic feature of adenomyosis; all 76 patients had an interrupted junctional zone. The second most common feature of adenomyosis was a globular and/or enlarged uterus (89.4%). Adjusted modeling demonstrated that a single ultrasound feature, 2 or more features, specific features, or the location of features did not affect the live birth outcome. A per-centimeter increase in the diameter of focal lesions was significantly associated with a decrease in the odds of live birth by the factor of 0.91.

CONCLUSION(S)

To our knowledge, our study is the first to characterize adenomyosis using the MUSA criteria in the donor oocyte population. Overall, our data were reassuring in that the ultrasonographic features of adenomyosis may not impact reproductive outcomes. However, we identified that the location and size of focal lesions may be important and should be studied further.

Pregnancy Outcomes of Freeze-All versus Fresh Embryo Transfer in Women with Adenomyosis: A Retrospective Study

Adenomyosis has been associated with adverse fertility and pregnancy outcomes, and its impact on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has received much attention. It is controversial whether the freeze-all strategy is better than fresh embryo transfer (ET) in women with adenomyosis. Women with adenomyosis were enrolled in this retrospective study from January 2018 to December 2021 and were divided into two groups: freeze-all (n = 98) and fresh ET (n = 91). Data analysis showed that freeze-all ET was associated with a lower rate of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) compared with fresh ET (1.0% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.042; adjusted OR 0.17 (0.01-2.50), p = 0.194). Freeze-all ET also had a lower risk of low birth weight compared with fresh ET (1.1% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.049; adjusted OR 0.54 (0.04-7.47), p = 0.642). There was a nonsignificant trend toward a lower miscarriage rate in freeze-all ET (8.9% vs. 11.6%; p = 0.549). The live birth rate was comparable in the two groups (19.1% vs. 27.1%; p = 0.212). The freeze-all ET strategy does not improve pregnancy outcomes for all patients with adenomyosis and may be more appropriate for certain patients. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm this result.

Adjustment of progesterone administration after endometrial transcriptomic analysis does not improve reproductive outcomes in women with adenomyosis

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do patients with adenomyosis present a dysregulated endometrial receptivity that can be reversed with personalized embryo transfer (PET) by transcriptomic-based progesterone adjustment, improving IVF outcomes?

DESIGN

A multicentre, retrospective, cohort study that transcriptomically analysed the endometrial receptivity of the endometrium in patients with adenomyosis (n = 81) and healthy women (n = 231). Subsequently, implantation, biochemical and clinical miscarriage, and live birth rates between adenomyosis patients with one previous implantation failure using donor oocytes who received (n = 59) or did not receive (n = 66) PET based on endometrial receptivity, were observed to evaluate if adjusted progesterone improves reproductive outcomes of adenomyosis patients.

RESULTS

Patients with adenomyosis significantly presented an altered endometrial receptivity (non-receptive) compared with healthy patients (53.1% versus 37.2%, P = 0.0179), elevating the risk of adenomyosis patients having a non-receptive endometrium 42.59% higher (95% CI 41.50 to 44.45). No significant differences were found in implantation (62.7% versus 78.8%, P = 0.0514), biochemical (13.5% versus 3.9%, P = 0.1223) and clinical (10.8% versus 15.4%, P = 0.7543) miscarriage, or live birth rates (75.7% versus 80.8%, P = 0.6066), in patients with PET compared with those without PET.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with adenomyosis presented an altered expression of genes involved in decidualization, and a higher rate of non-receptive endometrial statuses than controls. Although progesterone is indispensable for implantation, adjusting progesterone before PET, using endometrial transcriptomic signatures, does not improve IVF outcomes in patients with adenomyosis. Other molecular mechanisms beyond progesterone regulation may be involved in implantation failure.

Fertility preservation in women with benign gynaecological conditions

Although a wealth of data has been published regarding fertility preservation (FP) in women with malignant diseases who receive gonadotoxic treatment, the role of FP in non-malignant conditions has been studied to a much lesser extent. These include benign haematological, autoimmune, and genetic disorders, as well as a multitude of benign gynaecological conditions (BGCs) that may compromise ovarian reserve and/or reproductive potential due to pathogenic mechanisms or as a result of medical or surgical treatments. Alongside accumulating data that document the reproductive potential of cryopreserved oocytes and ovarian tissue, there is potential interest in FP for women with BGCs at risk of infertility; however, there are currently insufficient data about FP in women with BGCs to develop guidelines for clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to appraise the available evidence regarding FP for BGC and discuss potential strategies for FP based on estimated ovarian impairment and on short-term and long-term reproductive goals of patients. Cost-effectiveness considerations and patients' perspectives will also be discussed.

Impact of Adenomyosis on Infertile Patients-Therapy Options and Reproductive Outcomes

Adenomyosis is associated with a negative impact on reproductive outcomes. Although adenomyosis is detected more frequently in women of late reproductive age, its impact on pregnancy rates is important because, in today's world, family planning has shifted towards the late reproductive phase of life for many women. Although the diagnostic indications for imaging studies are well-known, we lack strict diagnostic criteria and classification systems concerning the extent of the disease. Selecting the optimal evidence-based treatment option for adenomyosis is difficult because of the paucity of evidence concerning the association between fertility and the degree and composition of adenomyosis. Furthermore, the treatment of infertility might interfere with the treatment of adenomyosis due to the presence of pain. The aim of this review is to analyze the association between adenomyosis and infertility, and describe treatment options to enhance reproductive outcomes. The following aspects will be addressed in detail: (a) prevalence and causes of adenomyosis, (b) diagnostic tools with imaging techniques, (c) clinical symptoms, (d) proposed pathomechanism of adenomyosis and infertility, and (e) different treatment approaches (pharmacological, surgical, others) and their impact on reproductive outcomes.

Adenomyosis decreases the live birth rate but may not affect perinatal outcomes in assisted reproductive cycles

OBJECTIVE

To determine if uterine adenomyosis is associated with worse perinatal outcomes in ovum donation assisted reproductive treatment cycles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter and retrospective cohort study in which a total of 3307 patients undergoing an ovum donation cycle in 2018-2019 were included and divided into two groups: adenomyosis (n = 179) and controls (n = 3128). Clinical, obstetrical, and perinatal outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A lower live birth rate per embryo transfer was observed in women diagnosed with adenomyosis versus control women: 67/179 (37%) versus 1560/3128 (49.9%), respectively (odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.43-0.83, P = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in childbirth delivery method (vaginal versus cesarean section) between the adenomyosis and control groups. Mean gestational age at the time of delivery, newborn length and weight, and incidences of low birth weight, preterm birth, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit did not differ between the two groups. In addition, in vitro fertilization and perinatal outcomes were similar in patients with diffuse compared with focal adenomyosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenomyosis affects clinical but may not affect perinatal outcomes in ovum donation cycles.

Adenomyosis and infertility

PURPOSE

Adenomyosis is a poorly understood entity with no unified treatment protocol. It has been thought to only affect the quality of life of older women, but growing evidence is highlighting the increased frequency of adenomyosis in younger patients and its possible effects on fertility outcomes. This can have a great impact on how clinicians screen, diagnose, and treat this condition. The aim of this review is to explore the relationship between adenomyosis and infertility.

METHODS

A literature search of the keywords "adenomyosis", "infertility", "pregnancy" and "fertility" was conducted using the PubMed and Medline search engines. The articles selected were observational, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. The search was limited to English, abstracts were screened, and articles were selected.

RESULTS

The literature reports lower clinical pregnancy rates, lower live birth rates, higher miscarriage rates, and higher odds of adverse obstetric outcomes in patients with adenomyosis. Treatment seems to be associated with higher pregnancy rates and live births rates.

CONCLUSION

An association between adenomyosis and infertility seems to exist, and treatment could lead to improved fertility outcomes.

The Effect of Uterine Adenomyosis on IVF Outcomes: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

To investigate the impact of uterine adenomyosis on in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) clinical outcomes and also to evaluate the impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and surgical treatments. Infertile women with adenomyosis undergoing conventional IVF or ICSI were compared with women without adenomyosis. Fertility outcomes were evaluated in two patients with adenomyosis untreated and treated surgically or medically therapy. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020214586). We consider the live birth rate (LBR) as the primary outcome. The analysis showed that women with adenomyosis had lower LBR (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.92, p = 0.02), clinical pregnancy rate (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48-0.90), and ongoing pregnancy rate (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.88) compared to those without adenomyosis, and miscarriage rate was higher in women with adenomyosis (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.33-3.33). Surgical treatment increases natural conception in women with adenomyosis although the paucity of data (only two studies), and conversely, treatment with GnRHa does not increase the IVF outcomes. Women with adenomyosis have decreased IVF clinical outcomes. Pretreatment with the use of long-term GnRHa could not be beneficial, even though only three studies were included in the meta-analysis. The major part of the studies has not divided focal and diffuse adenomyosis, and this represents a relevant source of bias: studies conducted with standardized diagnostic criteria for adenomyosis are still needed to determine if the different clinical presentations of such condition could compromise IVF outcomes.

Effectiveness of modified downregulation for women with moderate and severe adenomyosis of the uterus prior to frozen thawed embryo transfer (MODA) study protocol: a pragmatic randomised-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Adenomyosis can adversely reduce chances of pregnancy in couples undergoing assisted conception. We aim to evaluate the effect of two different downregulation protocols on the reproductive outcomes in women with moderate and severe adenomyosis undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FTET).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a two-armed pragmatic randomised clinical trial comparing modified downregulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue for 6 weeks to standard downregulation with GnRH analogue for 1 week prior to FTET. Our primary outcome is clinical pregnancy, defined as a viable intrauterine pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound at greater than 6 weeks gestation, with other secondary reproductive, neonatal and safety outcomes. We aim to randomise 162 patients over 3 years to achieve 80% power for detecting a 20% difference in the primary outcome at 5% significance.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

To date there is no consensus on the optimal protocol for management of subfertile women with adenomyosis. Modified downregulation could improve the clinical pregnancy rate by reducing the endometrial inflammatory reaction and/or myometrial contractility and their impact on uterine receptivity in women with moderate and severe adenomyosis of the uterus undergoing FTET. The MODA trial is designed to offer pragmatic, real-life evaluation of the optimal protocol for downregulation for this population during assisted conception treatments. Our findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international scientific meetings and congresses. Ethical approval was granted by the NHS Research Ethics Committees (19/LO/1567).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03946722.

Clinicopathological characteristics and imaging findings to identify adenomyosis-related symptoms

PURPOSE

The study aims to identify the clinicopathological risk factors and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings for adenomyosis-related symptoms, including menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and infertility.

METHODS

This was an observation-based cross-sectional study using data from the adenomyosis cohort study. The authors evaluated the clinicopathological variables and various MR imaging findings.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty patients with histologically confirmed adenomyosis were included in this study. Multivariate analysis showed that a middle/retroflexed uterus and adenomyosis lesions of 21 mm or more were significant independent predictors of dysmenorrhea. The history of dysmenorrhea and the maximum length from the cervix to the uterine fundus ≥103 mm were independent risk factors of menorrhagia. One of the key factors associated with non-infertility included the absence of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and/or superficial peritoneal disease (SUP).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified clinicopathological risk factors and imaging findings associated with adenomyosis-related symptoms. The maximum length from the cervix to the uterine fundus and adenomyosis lesion thickness are independent predictors for the presence of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea, respectively. Infertility may be associated with the coexistence of endometriosis rather than adenomyosis itself. This result is from an analysis of a small number of infertility patients and requires further study.

Adenomyosis and infertility: the role of the junctional zone

OBJECTIVE

Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disorder characterized by the invasion of the endometrium within the myometrium, starting from the junctional zone (JZ), the inner hormone dependent layer of the myometrium that plays an important role in sperm transport, implantation and placentation. The resulting histological abnormalities and functional defects may represent the pathogenic substrate for infertility and pregnancy complications. The objective of this paper is to review the literature to evaluate the correlation between inner myometrium alterations and infertility and to assess the role of JZ in the origin of adverse obstetric outcomes of both spontaneous and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies.

METHODS

we searched Pubmed for all original and review articles in the English language from January1962 until December 2019, using the MeSH terms of 'adenomyosis', 'junctional zone', combined with 'infertility', 'obstetrical outcomes', 'spontaneous conception', 'in vitro fertilization' and 'classification'. The review was divided into three sections to assess this pathogenic correlation, evaluating also the importance of classification of the disease.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Absent or incomplete remodeling of the JZ can affect uterine peristalsis, alter vascular plasticity of the spiral arteries and activate inflammatory pathways, all related to adverse obstetric outcomes. Despite these observations, there is still limited evidence whether adenomyosis is a cause of infertility. However, it is reasonable to screen patients for adenomyosis, to consider pregnant women with diffuse adenomyosis at high risk of adverse obstetric outcomes, and to evaluate the importance of a noninvasive validated classification in the management of women with adenomyosis.

Effects of localisation of uterine adenomyosis on outcome of in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Uterine adenomyosis is a benign disease, common among women in their 40 and 50 s, characterised by ectopic endometrial tissue in the uterine myometrial layer. Adenomyosis causes infertility and has a negative effect on the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryo transfer (ET) cycles. It has also been reported to have different characteristics depending on the adenomyotic lesion localisation. The effect of its localisation on IVF/ICSI-ET outcomes is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether adenomyotic lesion localisation, assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was associated with outcomes of IVF/ICSI-ET cycles.

METHODS

This multicentre, joint, retrospective cohort study analysed the medical records of 67 infertile patients with adenomyosis who underwent IVF/ICSI with fresh and frozen-thawed ET at five participating facilities from January 2012 to December 2016 and for whom MRI data were available. Fifteen patients were excluded; therefore, the MRI data of 52 patients were evaluated by two radiologists. We assessed the localisation of and classified adenomyotic lesions into advanced (invades the full thickness of the uterine myometrium), extrinsic (localised on the serosal side), and intrinsic (localised on the endometrial side) subtypes.

RESULTS

There were 40 advanced, nine extrinsic, and three intrinsic cases, and the outcomes of 100, 27, and nine ET cycles, respectively, were analysed. Pregnancy loss/clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of the advanced, extrinsic, and intrinsic groups were 64 % (16/25) and 9 % (9/100), 33.3 % (3/9) and 22.2 % (6/27), and 50 % (1/2) and 11.1 % (1/9), respectively. A logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, prior miscarriage, and body mass index showed that the extrinsic group had fewer pregnancy losses (odds ratio 0.06; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.00-0.54, p = 0.026) and more live births (odds ratio 6.05; 95 % CI: 1.41-29.65, p = 0.018) than the advanced group.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenomyotic lesions exert different effects on IVF/ICSI-ET outcomes. Thus, MRI assessments of adenomyosis in infertile patients are beneficial. Establishment of treatment plans based on adenomyotic lesion localisation should be considered.

Sonographic Signs of Adenomyosis in Women with Endometriosis Are Associated with Infertility

We compared the prevalence of ultrasound signs of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis who underwent surgery to those who were managed conservatively. This was a retrospective study of women evaluated at a tertiary endometriosis referral center who underwent 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound. Adenomyosis diagnosis was based on the presence of at least three sonographic signs. The study group subsequently underwent laparoscopic surgery while the control group continued conservative management. Statistical analysis compared the two groups for demographics, symptoms, clinical data, and sonographic findings. The study and control groups included 244 and 158 women, respectively. The presence of any, 3+, or 5+ sonographic signs of adenomyosis was significantly more prevalent in the study group (OR = 1.93–2.7, p < 0.004, 95% CI; 1.24–4.09). After controlling for age, for all findings but linear striations, the OR for having a specific feature was higher in the study group. Women in the study group with ≥ 5 sonographic signs of adenomyosis had more than twice the risk of experiencing infertility (OR = 2.31, p = 0.012, 95% CI; 1.20–4.45). Sonographic signs of adenomyosis are more prevalent in women with symptomatic endometriosis who underwent surgery compared with those who continued conservative management. Women with 5+ findings have a significantly increased risk of infertility. Adenomyosis on ultrasound should be considered in the management decisions regarding these patients.

Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 before hormone replacement therapy are not associated with clinical outcome of frozen embryo transfer in women with adenomyosis

Aim

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels before hormone replacement therapy on pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis undergoing frozen embryo transfer.

Methods

A total of 509 women with adenomyosis were screened and 84 patients receiving a total of 114 cycles of frozen embryo transfer were included, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups based on their CA125 levels (≤ or >35 IU/mL) before hormone replacement therapy. The basic characteristics and main outcomes of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve and subgroup analyses were also conducted.

Results

There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes of frozen embryo transfer cycles in patients with different serum CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy were not predictive of clinical pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions

Serum CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy are not associated with the clinical outcomes of frozen embryo transfer among women with adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis and in vitro fertilization impacts - A literature review

Adenomyosis is a gynecological condition, which is characterized by stromal and glandular endometrial tissue infiltration inti the myometrium, resulting in an increase of uterine volume. The etiology of adenomyosis is presently unknown, but some theories assist us in understanding its pathogenesis and natural history. Clinical manifestations are increased menstrual flow and dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. The signs and symptoms suggestive of adenomyosis are complemented by diagnostic methods such as transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), ideally with intestinal preparation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgery; although currently, there are no precise criteria for the classification of findings on imaging studies. The clinical and surgical therapeutic approach must be individualized, taking into account the patient's characteristics, for instance, age, parity, depth and number of adenomyotic foci, uterine volume and, mainly, clinical manifestations. A causal relation between adenomyosis and infertility has been repeatedly suggested, mostly due to the anatomo-physiopathological conditions originated by the adenomyosis on the female genital tract; however, definitive conclusions are still lacking. This pathology is found in approximately 25% of infertile women, especially those who have had recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), recurrent implantation failure, older women seeking In Vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, and those with concomitant endometriosis. To determine whether adenomyosis per se affects fertility, several researchers have focused on women who are affected by the condition and underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); for this model provides more accurate data about the influence of adenomyosis on embryo implantation. Therefore, our objective was to analyze, through a systematic literature review, the effect of uterine adenomyosis on the probability of pregnancy by IVF / ICSI, as well as trying to point out the main difficulties and gaps to establish a standard protocol for the management of these patients, since most of the patients with adenomyosis have other associated gynecological pathologies, mostly endometriosis; in addition to the heterogeneity of the studies still remaining as an obstacle to precise conclusions.

The impact of adenomyosis on IVF outcomes: a prospective cohort study

STUDY QUESTION

Does the presence of adenomyosis in women treated with IVF alter IVF outcomes?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Adenomyosis does not significantly alter IVF outcomes when adjusted for confounding factors including maternal age and smoking status.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Studies evaluating adenomyosis and its impact on infertility, particularly when focusing on IVF, remain controversial. Many studies report that adenomyosis has a detrimental effect on IVF outcomes, however age is strongly related with both the prevalence of adenomyosis and worse reproductive outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A prospective cohort study of women undergoing 4002 IVF cycles who had undergone a screening ultrasound assessing features of adenomyosis from 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2018 at a multi-site private fertility clinic. Of these women, 1228 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and commenced an IVF cycle, with a subset of 715 women undergoing an embryo transfer (ET). Women were defined as having adenomyosis if there was sonographic evidence of adenomyosis on ultrasound as per the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment criteria, and were then compared to women without.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

All women at a private multi-site IVF clinic who underwent a standardised ultrasound to identify features of adenomyosis and also commenced an IVF cycle were assessed for their outcomes. These included clinical pregnancy (defined as the presence of a gestational sac on ultrasound at 7 weeks’ gestation), clinical pregnancy loss, number of cancelled cycles, number of useful embryos for transfer or freezing and live birth rates. As a secondary aim, initiated stimulation cycles and those that had an ET were analysed separately to determine when an effect of adenomyosis on IVF might occur: during stimulation or transfer.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

When adjusting for confounders, women with and without sonographic features of adenomyosis had no significant differences in most of their IVF outcomes including live birth rates.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Adenomyosis had a detrimental impact on IVF outcomes prior to adjusting for confounding factors. No allowance was made for the possibility that confounding factors may merely reduce the effect size of adenomyosis on IVF outcomes. Second, despite a power calculation, the study was underpowered as not all fresh cycles led to an ET.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This is one of the largest studies to evaluate adenomyosis and IVF outcomes, while also importantly adjusting for confounding factors. The results suggest that adenomyosis does not have the detrimental impact on IVF that has previously been suggested, possibly reducing the importance of screening for and treating this entity.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The study received no external funding. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12617000796381.

Pregnancy outcomes of infertile women with ultrasound-diagnosed adenomyosis for in vitro fertilization and frozen-thawed embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound-diagnosed adenomyosis on assisted pregnancy outcomes, i.e., in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 18,568 women who had received their first frozen-thawed ET cycle in Center of Reproductive Medicine, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi and the Reproductive Medicine Center of Tianjin Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2014 to May 2019. A total of 5,087 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and they were divided into two groups: adenomyosis with tubal factor infertility (study group, n = 193) and only tubal factor infertility (control group, n = 4894). After a 1:1 propensity score match (caliper value = 0.005), 360 cases were matched in the end.

RESULT

There was no statistical difference in the embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, or multiple pregnancy rate between the two groups (28.4% vs. 31.7%, 42.2% vs. 42.8%, and 11.7% vs. 12.8%, respectively; P > 0.05). However, the early miscarriage rate in the adenomyosis group was significantly higher than that in the control group (13.3% vs. 5.6%, respectively; P = 0.012). The live birth rate was 22.8% in the women with adenomyosis and was observed to be significantly lower than 33.3% in the control group (P = 0.026). The patients with adenomyosis had a higher incidence of pregnancy complications than those without (4.4% vs. 0.6%, respectively; P = 0.018), but the neonatal birth weight was not related to adenomyosis.

CONCLUSION

Women with adenomyosis should be treated as being at high risk of early miscarriage. However, maternal adenomyosis has no effect on the birth weight of the newborn.

Clinical outcomes after single-versus double-embryo transfers in women with adenomyosis: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Adenomyosis affects the outcomes of spontaneous fertility and assisted reproductive technology. The single blastocyst embryo transfer (SBT) policy is an effective strategy known to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancy for non-adenomyosis women. However, little is known about its applicability to women with adenomyosis. The purpose of this study is to compare pregnancy outcomes between SBT, double-blastocyst embryo transfer (DBT), single-cleavage-stage embryo transfer (SET) and double-cleavage-stage embryo transfer (DET) in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles among adenomyosis patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in all frozen-thawed autologous embryo transfer cycles. 393 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles performed in adenomyosis patients were enrolled. The major clinical outcomes were implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate (MR), multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) and live birth rate (LBR).

RESULTS

The SBT and DBT groups achieved higher IR (P < 0.001), CPR (P = 0.017), LBR (P = 0.040) and lower MR (P = 0.020) than the SET and DET groups. But the SBT and DBT groups achieved similar CPR and LBR. The SBT and SET groups achieved lower MPR (P < 0.001) than the DBT and DET groups. The average birth weight (BW) of SBT groups was higher than the DBT and DET groups (P = 0.016). When compared with SBT group, low-birth-weight infants were significantly higher with DBT and DET.

CONCLUSIONS

When performing frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles among adenomyosis patients, the SBT group has similar IR, CPR, MR, LBR but lower MPR compared to the DBT group. Therefore, SBT might be offered as standard practice.

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.

Association between uterine volume and pregnancy outcomes in adenomyosis patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the relationship between uterine volume before frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) and reproductive outcomes among adenomyosis patients?

DESIGN

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of adenomyosis patients undergoing IVF and FET in a tertiary academic hospital were retrospectively analysed. Only first blastocyst transfer cycles were included. The main outcome measures included clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate and live birth rate (LBR).

RESULTS

A total of 158 adenomyosis patients were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that uterine volume before FET was negatively related to LBR, with area under the curve of 0.622 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.531-0.712, P = 0.012). The cut-off value for the curve was 98.81 cm³. Grouped by the cut-off of uterine volume, 83 women were included in group A (≤98.81 cm³) and 75 in group B (>98.81 cm³). No significant difference was found in CPR between two groups. Compared with group A, the incidence of miscarriage in group B was significantly increased (51.28% versus 16.28%, P = 0.001). LBR in group B was markedly lower than in group A (25.33% versus 43.37%, P = 0.020). Logistic regression analysis revealed that, after adjusting for potential confounders, uterine volume before FET was not associated with CPR (odds ratio [OR] 1.149, 95% CI 0.577-2.286, P = 0.693) but was positively related to miscarriage rate (OR 8.509, 95% CI 2.290-2.575, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adenomyosis patients with larger uterine volume (>98.81 cm³) before FET might have a lower LBR due to higher incidence of miscarriage. Reduction of uterine volume before embarking on FET procedures should be recommended.

Three-dimensional ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis is not associated with adverse pregnancy outcome following single thawed euploid blastocyst transfer: prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the prevalence of ultrasound (US) features of adenomyosis in an infertile population undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), (2) to define the inter- and intrarater agreement of three-dimensional (3D) US assessment of adenomyosis, and (3) to evaluate sonographic features of adenomyosis with respect to pregnancy outcome following transfer of a single thawed euploid blastocyst.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study. Subjects scheduled to undergo a single thawed euploid blastocyst transfer between April and December 2017 at a large IVF center were eligible for inclusion. Enrolled subjects underwent endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer. 3D-US was performed on the day prior to embryo transfer, with images stored for subsequent evaluation. Subjects then underwent transfer of a single thawed euploid blastocyst, and pregnancy outcomes were collected. All 3D-US volumes were de-identified and reviewed independently by five reproductive endocrinologists/infertility specialists with expertise in gynecological US for the presence of seven sonographic features of adenomyosis: global uterine enlargement, myometrial wall asymmetry, heterogeneous echogenicity, irregular junctional zone, myometrial cysts, fan-shaped shadowing and ill-defined myometrial lesions. Adenomyosis was considered to be present if the majority of the reviewers noted at least one of the seven sonographic features. Inter- and intrarater agreement was evaluated using Fleiss's kappa. Clinical and cycle characteristics of subjects with and those without adenomyosis were compared. The primary outcome of interest was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Logistic regression analysis was performed to account for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 648 subjects were included. The prevalence of adenomyosis on US was 15.3% (99/648). On retrospective chart review, very few patients with adenomyosis had symptoms. The inter- and intrarater agreement amongst five independent specialists conducting the 3D-US assessments of adenomyosis were poor (κ = 0.23) and moderate (κ = 0.58), respectively. Subjects with adenomyosis were older (37.1 vs 35.9 years, P = 0.02) and more likely to undergo a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist downregulation protocol when compared with those without adenomyosis (12.1% vs 5.1%, P = 0.02). Clinical pregnancy (80.0% vs 75.0%) and live birth (69.5% vs 66.5%) rates were similar between the groups. When adjusting for potential confounders, there was no difference in the rate of clinical pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.47 (95% CI, 0.85-2.56)), miscarriage (aOR, 1.3 (95% CI, 0.62-2.72)) or live birth (aOR, 1.28 (95% CI, 0.78-2.08)) between subjects with and those without adenomyosis. No individual sonographic marker of adenomyosis was predictive of pregnancy outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The inter-rater agreement of 3D-US assessment of adenomyosis is poor. Furthermore, sonographic markers of adenomyosis in asymptomatic patients may not be associated with altered pregnancy outcome following transfer of a single thawed euploid blastocyst. These findings suggest that routine screening for asymptomatic adenomyosis in an unselected infertile patient population undergoing frozen embryo transfer may not be warranted. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Focal adenomyosis is associated with primary infertility

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between adenomyosis and infertility, according to the adenomyosis phenotype as diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

DESIGN

A single-center, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University hospital-based research center.

PATIENT(S)

Patients between 18 and 42 years of age who were surgically explored for benign gynecological conditions at our institution between May 2005 and May 2018. Only women with uterine MRIs performed by a senior radiologist were retained for this study.

INTERVENTION(S)

Primary and secondary infertile women were compared with women without infertility. In addition, the women were diagnosed according to the MRI findings as having adenomyosis (focal adenomyosis of the outer myometrium [FAOM] and/or diffuse adenomyosis phenotypes) or no adenomyosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Primary and secondary infertility-associated factors.

RESULT(S)

A total of 496 women were included in the study population. Three groups were compared: a no infertility group (n = 361), a primary infertility group (n = 84), and a secondary infertility group (n = 51). Among them, 248 women did not present adenomyosis lesions and 248 women had a radiological diagnosis of adenomyosis. The presence of FAOM was significantly associated with primary infertility. Diffuse adenomyosis was not found to be associated with infertility. The distribution of endometriosis or leiomyomas was not significantly different between the groups. After a multinomial regression model including the women's age and associated endometriosis or leiomyoma, the presence of FAOM was identified as an independent associated factor of primary infertility (adjusted odds ratio 1.9; 95% confidence interval 1.1-3.3).

CONCLUSION(S)

The presence of FAOM was associated with primary infertility. This study opens the door to future clinical and basic studies aimed at better characterization of FAOM and its infertility-related physiopathology.

Physiology of the Endometrium and Regulation of Menstruation

The physiological functions of the uterine endometrium (uterine lining) are preparation for implantation, maintenance of pregnancy if implantation occurs, and menstruation in the absence of pregnancy. The endometrium thus plays a pivotal role in reproduction and continuation of our species. Menstruation is a steroid-regulated event, and there are alternatives for a progesterone-primed endometrium, i.e., pregnancy or menstruation. Progesterone withdrawal is the trigger for menstruation. The menstruating endometrium is a physiological example of an injured or “wounded” surface that is required to rapidly repair each month. The physiological events of menstruation and endometrial repair provide an accessible in vivo human model of inflammation and tissue repair. Progress in our understanding of endometrial pathophysiology has been facilitated by modern cellular and molecular discovery tools, along with animal models of simulated menses. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), including heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), imposes a massive burden on society, affecting one in four women of reproductive age. Understanding structural and nonstructural causes underpinning AUB is essential to optimize and provide precision in patient management. This is facilitated by careful classification of causes of bleeding. We highlight the crucial need for understanding mechanisms underpinning menstruation and its aberrations. The endometrium is a prime target tissue for selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs). This class of compounds has therapeutic potential for the clinical unmet need of HMB. SPRMs reduce menstrual bleeding by mechanisms still largely unknown. Human menstruation remains a taboo topic, and many questions concerning endometrial physiology that pertain to menstrual bleeding are yet to be answered.

The association between adenomyosis and recurrent miscarriage

OBJECTIVE(S)

To assess the association between the ultrasonographic presence of adenomyosis and recurrent miscarriage (RM).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective matched case-control study was conducted between March 2018 and December 2018 at Ankara University Hospital. A total of 132 women were assessed with transvaginal ultrasonography for the presence of adenomyosis markers. The case group consisted of 66 women with RM. The control group consisted of 66 women without RM or any other gynaecologic conditions. The rates of ultrasonographic adenomyosis, using strict criteria, were compared between the groups. Other etiologic factors for RM were described in the case group. The primary outcome was the ultrasonographic diagnosis of adenomyosis.

RESULTS

The ultrasonographic diagnosis of adenomyosis, using diagnostic criteria of at least two markers, was significantly higher in the RM group when compared to the control group (19.7% vs. 6.1%, respectively; P = 0.035). The most common ultrasonographic finding in the RM group was heterogeneous myometrium (18.2%). In the RM group, there was at least one possible risk factor (including adenomyosis) for RM in 42 women (63.6%). The prevalence of adenomyosis in nine women with unexplained RM was 13.6%.

CONCLUSION(S)

The prevalence of adenomyosis was significantly increased in women with RM compared to healthy controls. Adenomyosis and uterine anomalies were the most common risk factors associated with RM.

Recent advances in understanding and managing adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disorder in which endometrial glands and stroma are pathologically demonstrated in the uterine myometrium and it is considered a specific entity in the PALM-COEIN FIGO (polyp; adenomyosis; leiomyoma; malignancy and hyperplasia; coagulopathy; ovulatory dysfunction; endometrial; iatrogenic; and not yet classified - International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) classification of causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Although it has always been considered the classic condition of multiparous women over 40 years old who have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, diagnosed at hysterectomy, the epidemiological scenario has completely changed. Adenomyosis is increasingly identified in young women with pain, AUB, infertility, or no symptoms by using imaging techniques such as transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance. However, there is no agreement on the definition and classification of adenomyotic lesions from both the histopathology and the imaging point of view, and the diagnosis remains difficult and unclear. A uniform and shared reporting system needs to be implemented in order to improve our understanding on imaging features, their relationship with pathogenic theories, and their importance in terms of clinical symptoms and response to treatment. In fact, adenomyosis pathogenesis remains elusive and not a single theory can explain all of the different phenotypes of the disease. Furthermore, adenomyosis often coexists with other gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, increasing the heterogeneity of available data. Treatment requires a lifelong management plan as the disease has a negative impact on quality of life in terms of menstrual symptoms, fertility, and pregnancy outcome and has a high risk of miscarriage and obstetric complications.