Adenomyosis

OVERVIEW

Adenomyosis refers to the presence of ednoemtrial glands in the uterine muscle.

Adenomyosis is a condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissues within the myometrium of the uterus (source)
Adenomyosis is a condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissues within the myometrium of the uterus (source)
WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk Factors

> age 40

Initial Presentation

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Chronic pelvic pain

History of Present Illness

Amount of menstrual bleeding: patients may soak through a pad/tampon less then every 2 horus.

Physical Exam

Abodminla exam can reveal a bulky, globuler, and often tender uterus.

CLINICAL WORKUP

Ultrasonography can reveal:

  • Asymmetric thickening of the myometrium (the posterior istypically thicker)
  • Myometrial cysts
  • Linear striations radiating from the endometrium
  • Loss of a clear endo-myometrial border
  • increased myometrial heterogeneity

MRI (especially the T2 series) can be used to show: 

Histology: the most definitive means of diagnosing this condition is by analyzing tissue (histologically) obtained from a hysterectomy. The presence of endometrial cell types in the myometrium will serve to be diagnostic.

HOW DO WE TREAT IT?

Total hysterectomy is really the only means of definitive treatment. Because this condition is limited to the uterus, the ovaries can be spared during this procedure.

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 10.15.2016