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Thiel P, Kobylianskii A, McGrattan M, Lemos N. Entrapped by pain: The diagnosis and management of endometriosis affecting somatic nerves. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 95:102502. [PMID: 38735767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Somatic nerve entrapment caused by endometriosis is an underrecognized and often misdiagnosed issue that leads to many women suffering unnecessarily. While the classic symptoms of endometriosis are well-known to the gynaecologic surgeon, the dermatomal-type pain caused by endometriosis impacting neural structures is not within gynecologic day-to-day practice, which often complicates diagnosis and delays treatment. A thorough understanding of pelvic neuroanatomy and a neuropelveologic approach is required for accurate assessments of patients with endometriosis and nerve entrapment. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred imaging modality for this presentation of endometriosis. Surgical management with laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques is the preferred approach to treatment, with excellent long-term results reported after nerve detrapment and endometriosis excision. The review calls for increased awareness and education on the links between endometriosis and the nervous system, advocating for patient-centered care and further research to refine the diagnosis and treatment of this challenging condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thiel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Kobylianskii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan McGrattan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nucelio Lemos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gynecology, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paolo, Brazil; Department of Neuropelveology and Advanced Pelvic Surgery, Institute for Care and Rehabilitation in Neuropelveology and Gynecology (INCREASING), Sao Paolo, Brazil.
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Kunow A, Freyer Martins Pereira J, Chenot JF. Extravertebral low back pain: a scoping review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:363. [PMID: 38714994 PMCID: PMC11075250 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07435-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for consultation in general practice. Currently, LBP is categorised into specific and non-specific causes. However, extravertebral causes, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm or pancreatitis, are not being considered. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed across MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library, complemented by a handsearch. Studies conducted between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2020, where LBP was the main symptom, were included. RESULTS The literature search identified 6040 studies, from which duplicates were removed, leaving 4105 studies for title and abstract screening. Subsequently, 265 publications were selected for inclusion, with an additional 197 publications identified through the handsearch. The majority of the studies were case reports and case series, predominantly originating from specialised care settings. A clear distinction between vertebral or rare causes of LBP was not always possible. A range of diseases were identified as potential extravertebral causes of LBP, encompassing gynaecological, urological, vascular, systemic, and gastrointestinal diseases. Notably, guidelines exhibited inconsistencies in addressing extravertebral causes. DISCUSSION Prior to this review, there has been no systematic investigation into extravertebral causes of LBP. Although these causes are rare, the absence of robust and reliable epidemiological data hinders a comprehensive understanding, as well as the lack of standardised protocols, which contributes to a lack of accurate description of indicative symptoms. While there are certain disease-specific characteristics, such as non-mechanical or cyclical LBP, and atypical accompanying symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, or leg swelling, that may suggest extravertebral causes, it is important to recognise that these features are not universally present in every patient. CONCLUSION The differential diagnosis of extravertebral LBP is extensive with relatively low prevalence rates dependent on the clinical setting. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for extravertebral aetiologies, especially in patients presenting with atypical accompanying symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kunow
- Department of General Practice, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475, Fleischmannstraße, Greifswald, Germany.
| | | | - Jean-François Chenot
- Department of General Practice, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475, Fleischmannstraße, Greifswald, Germany
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Zamurovic M, Tomic A, Djordjevic K, Simanic S, Sopta J, Rasulic L, Simic L, Jevtic J, Nedeljkovic-Arsenovic O, Rovcanin M. Isolated Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis of the Sciatic Nerve: A Case Report and Overview of the Literature. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2161. [PMID: 38138264 PMCID: PMC10744389 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Isolated deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of sacral nerve roots or major pelvic nerves, including the sciatic nerve, is considered to be extremely rare. Due to the overlap with sciatica symptoms, the diagnosis of sciatica DIE is difficult yet crucial, as it results in permanent neural damage if left untreated. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman who experienced a three-year-long and recently exacerbating pain in her right leg, accompanied by a tingling sensation and weakness in her right leg and foot, with difficulty walking. In between regular menstrual bleedings, when her aforementioned symptoms worsened, she had been experiencing mild 10-day extra-cyclical bleeding. Her neurologist's, orthopedist's, and gynecological examinations were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an infiltrative lesion on the right sciatic nerve that was immunohistochemically confirmed to be endometriosis. The patient was treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa), which led to a significantly diminished size of the lesion on the control MRI, and endometriosis remission was obtained. For persistent mild, but cyclical, pain and muscle weakness, continuous progestagnes were administered, with advice for physical therapy provided for her neuro-muscle rehabilitation and a scheduled check-up in 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Zamurovic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Narodni Front, Kraljice Natalije 62, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Tomic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- University Clinical Center of Serbia, Center for Radiology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Djordjevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sara Simanic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Sopta
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department for Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lukas Rasulic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Functional Neurosurgery and Pain Management Surgery, Clinic for Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Koste Todorovica 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljubica Simic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department for Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan Jevtic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department for Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Olga Nedeljkovic-Arsenovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- University Clinical Center of Serbia, Center for Radiology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Rovcanin
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Narodni Front, Kraljice Natalije 62, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Mirbagheri A, Etminan N, Schölch S, Maier C, Perrin J, Enders F. Lumbar Spondylodiscitis Mimicking Cholecystitis: A Case Report and Review of Literature. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2023; 84:95-102. [PMID: 35354214 DOI: 10.1055/a-1811-7393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower back pain is a frequent cause of emergency department visits and one of the leading causes of the disease burden worldwide. The purpose of this case report and literature review was to discuss atypical abdominal entities mimicking spinal diseases typically presenting with lower back pain. METHODS A 79-year-old man presented with lower back pain and urinary incontinence after receiving a non-image-guided lumbar infiltration treatment 4 weeks prior to admission. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) highlighted multisegmental hyperintensities in the intervertebral disk spaces of the lumbar spine indicative for spondylodiscitis. Antibiotic treatment over a week did not lead to significant clinical improvement. Blood cultures, cardiologic, otorhinolaryngologic, and dental examinations turned out negative for a focus of infection. A computed tomography (CT) guided biopsy was indicated after discontinuation of antibiotic treatment for less than 24 hours. Rapid clinical deterioration with concomitant onset of abdominal pain resulted in the diagnosis of cholecystitis, which required cholecystectomy. We performed a systematic literature review using the Pubmed database for the keywords "spondylodiscitis," "spine," "abdominal," and "cholecystitis," to identify abdominal diseases that mimic spine pathologies and spinal diseases that mimic abdominal pathologies. RESULTS No other report in English literature of cholecystitis associated with initial onset of lower back pain was identified. Eighteen reports referred to abdominal conditions that mimic spinal diseases, among them a patient with cyclic lumbar back pain who received a lumbar spinal fusion who, after persisting symptoms led to further diagnostic procedures, was ultimately diagnosed with endometriosis. Spinal symptoms included paraplegia and urinary incontinence as results of acute aortic pathologies. Eleven reports presented spinal pain mimicking abdominal conditions including abdominal pain and diarrhea as well as have had surgical procedures such as an appendectomy before the spinal condition was discovered. CONCLUSION Clinical symptoms of the spine such as lower back pain can be unspecific and lead to false conclusions in the presence of concomitant pathologies in MRI. Only clinical deterioration in our case patient prompted correction of the diagnosis on day 7. Initial workup for alternative common infectious foci such as lung and urinary tract was performed, but further abdominal workup despite the absence of abdominal symptoms may have led to an earlier diagnosis. Our literature review found several cases of misdiagnosed spinal and abdominal conditions. Some had undergone unnecessary surgical procedures before the right diagnosis was made. Because of the high incidence of symptoms such as lumbar back pain and abdominal pain, considering optimal patient care as well as economic aspects, it would be essential to conduct an interdisciplinary clinical management to avoid errors in the early stage of diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andia Mirbagheri
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nima Etminan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schölch
- Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christopher Maier
- Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jason Perrin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frederik Enders
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Differential diagnosis of endometriosis in patient with nonspecific low back pain: A case report. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2021; 27:227-232. [PMID: 34391238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is one of the most widespread gynecological disorders and a very common condition amongst fertile women, thus it has to be considered one of the possible sources of lumbopelvic pain. Endometriosis is commonly related to low back pain (LBP) and therefore often mistaken for a musculoskeletal disorder. The purpose of this case report is to underline the primary role of clinical reasoning and assessment process, which led the physiotherapist to the differential diagnosis, considering endometriosis among the possible causes of low back pain. CASE PRESENTATION S.C, 45 years old, complained to physiotherapist of lumbar spine and left buttock pain, spreading to the hypogastric, inguinal and left pubic areas. The patient's past medical history included gynecological visceral disorders, regularly monitored. Functional evaluation and clinical tests revealed a disorder referred to the lumbar spine and sacroiliac region. Initial physical therapy management included education, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. Nevertheless, after five treatment sessions, the symptoms remained unchanged, and therefore the patient was referred to a gynecologist for a consultation. The patient underwent a laparoscopy for endometriosis eradication and the intervention resulted in complete abolition of symptoms, enabling the patient to return to work and to do physical activities. CONCLUSIONS this case report highlights the importance of a thorough clinical assessment and the identification of relevant findings from patient's medical history to be carried out by the physiotherapist. Those are of crucial importance to make an appropriate differential diagnosis and to screen amongst the possible causes of lumbopelvic pain also visceral ones as endometriosis, which often manifests with associated symptoms such as nonspecific LBP.
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Gandhi J, Wilson AL, Liang R, Weissbart SJ, Khan SA. Sciatic endometriosis: A narrative review of an unusual neurogynecologic condition. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2284026520970813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a condition in which there is an ectopic growth of endometrial tissue. Sciatic endometriosis, otherwise known as catamenial sciatica, is a rare but exceedingly significant presentation of endometriosis. Symptoms include cyclic sciatic pain that peaks during the menstrual period; additionally, paresthesia, paresis, and areflexia may occur with this condition. Sciatic endometriosis can be presumptively diagnosed in response to empiric treatment (e.g. gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs) or imaging studies, but a definitive diagnosis of sciatic endometriosis may occur from examining tissue obtained during surgery. Surgical removal of endometriosis from the sciatic nerve root can potentially eliminate symptoms while maintaining normal reproductive function, though poses particular surgical risks. Familiarity with this rare condition is paramount to making this diagnosis and the initiation of earlier treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Gandhi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Medical Student Research Institute, St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Anthony L Wilson
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Raymond Liang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Steven J Weissbart
- Department of Urology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Women’s Pelvic Health & Continence Center, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sardar Ali Khan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Urology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Guedes F, Brown RS, Lourenço Torrão-Júnior FJ, Siquara-de-Sousa AC, Pires Amorim RM. Nondiscogenic Sciatica: What Clinical Examination and Imaging Can Tell Us? World Neurosurg 2020; 134:e1053-e1061. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.11.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Greaves E, Rosser M, Saunders PTK. Endometriosis-Associated Pain - Do Preclinical Rodent Models Provide a Good Platform for Translation? ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2020; 232:25-55. [PMID: 33278006 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51856-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic pain is a common symptom of endometriosis. Our understanding of its etiology remains incomplete and medical management is limited by poor translation from preclinical models to clinical trials. In this review, we briefly consider the evidence, or lack thereof, that different subtypes of lesion, extra-uterine bleeding, and neuropathic pathways add to the complex and heterogeneous pain experience of women with the condition. We summarize the studies in rodent models of endometriosis that have used behavioral endpoints (evoked and non-evoked) to explore mechanisms of endometriosis-associated pain. Lesion innervation, activation of nerves by pronociceptive molecules released by immune cells, and a role for estrogen in modulating hyperalgesia are key endometriosis-associated pain mechanisms replicated in preclinical rodent models. The presence of ectopic (full thickness uterus or endometrial) tissue may be associated with changes in the spinal cord and brain, which appear to model changes reported in patients. While preclinical models using rats and mice have yielded insights that appear relevant to mechanisms responsible for the development of endometriosis-associated pain, they are limited in scope. Specifically, most studies are based on models that only resulted in the formation of superficial lesions and use induced (evoked) behavioral 'pain' tests. We suggest that translation for patient benefit will be improved by new approaches including models of ovarian and deep infiltrating disease and measurement of spontaneous pain behaviors. Future studies must also capitalize on new advances in the wider field of pain medicine to identify more effective treatments for endometriosis-associated pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Greaves
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Matthew Rosser
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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