Sonographic classification and reporting system for diagnosing adenomyosis

Differences in the incidence of obstetric complications depending on the extent and location of adenomyosis lesions

OBJECTIVES

Although adenomyosis is reportedly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, clinical factors related to the high risk of obstetric complications are unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of adenomyosis lesions associated with the increased incidence of obstetric complications based on imaging findings.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational cohort study conducted in a tertiary perinatal care center. Eighty-eight singleton pregnant women with adenomyosis were included in the study. Based on magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography before and/or during pregnancy, patients were classified according to three types of image characteristics: the extent of adenomyosis lesion (focal type or diffuse type), location of the lesion (extrinsic type, intrinsic type, or indeterminate type), the positional relationship between the lesion and the placenta (placenta distant from adenomyosis or placenta over adenomyosis), and the incidence of obstetric complications were examined.

RESULTS

Patients with diffuse type adenomyosis are significantly more likely to have spontaneous second-trimester miscarriage (diffuse type vs. focal type: 16.7 vs. 0%, p < .01), preterm premature rupture of membranes (19.4 vs. 1.9%, p < .01), and preeclampsia (25.0 vs. 7.7%, p = .02), as compared to those with focal type adenomyosis. In a comparison of the three location types, the incidence of placental malposition was higher in patients with the extrinsic type adenomyosis (extrinsic type vs. intrinsic type vs. indeterminate type: 20.0 vs. 6.7 vs. 2.3%, p = .03). Comparisons between the types of the placenta over or distant from adenomyosis lesion displayed no significant differences in the frequencies of obstetric complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that the frequency of obstetric complications related to adenomyosis varies depending on the extent and location of the lesion; patients with diffuse type adenomyosis have an increased risk of spontaneous second-trimester miscarriage, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and preeclampsia, while patients with extrinsic type adenomyosis have an increased risk of placental malposition. Imaging evaluation of adenomyosis prior to conception or early in pregnancy may be useful for the obstetrical risk assessment among patients with adenomyosis.

Clinical efficacy and safety of trimonthly administration of goserelin acetate 10.8 mg in premenopausal Chinese females with symptomatic adenomyosis: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This prospective cohort study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of goserelin 10.8 mg administered trimonthly with goserelin 3.6 mg administered monthly in premenopausal females with symptomatic adenomyosis.

METHODS

We recruited 139 premenopausal females with adenomyosis who complained of dysmenorrhea and/or menorrhagia. The first group (n = 70) received a single subcutaneous injection of goserelin 10.8 mg, and the second group (n = 69) received monthly subcutaneous goserelin 3.6 mg administered for 3 months. Follow-up was performed at the outpatient department after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 130 patients completed the study, including 68 and 62 patients in the goserelin 10.8 mg (n = 70) and 3.6 mg (n = 69) groups, respectively. We observed a significant decrease in the dysmenorrhea (NRS) score, uterine volume, and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels, and a significant increase in hemoglobin (HGB) levels in both treatment groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The sum of the adverse event scores was slightly higher in the goserelin 3.6 mg than in the 10.8 mg group.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical efficacy of trimonthly administration of goserelin 10.8 mg was equivalent to monthly 3.6 mg dosing and was non-inferior regarding safety and tolerability. Hence, it can be a more cost-effective and convenient alternative treatment option in premenopausal females with symptomatic adenomyosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200059548.

Possible risks and benefits of adenomyomectomy on pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Adenomyosis is associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes; however, the effect of an adenomyomectomy on pregnancy outcomes remains unclear. Pregnancy following an adenomyomectomy has been reported to be associated with a high risk for uterine rupture; however, the actual incidence remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an adenomyomectomy on pregnancy outcomes by retrospectively comparing the pregnancy outcomes of women who underwent an adenomyomectomy with those of women with adenomyosis.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a single-center retrospective study in which the pregnancy outcomes of women who underwent an adenomyomectomy and for whom complete resection of the affected tissue under laparotomy was achieved were compared with those of women with adenomyosis. The following pregnancy outcomes were examined: second-trimester miscarriage, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, spontaneous preterm delivery, preeclampsia, rate of cesarean delivery, blood loss during cesarean delivery, incidence of placenta accreta spectrum, neonatal body weight, and small for gestational age infants.

RESULTS

A total of 18 pregnant women who underwent an adenomyomectomy and 105 pregnant women with adenomyosis were included in this study. All women who underwent an adenomyomectomy delivered via cesarean delivery, and among them, 1 had a uterine rupture at 30 weeks of gestation. Although there was no significant difference between pregnant women who underwent an adenomyomectomy and those with adenomyosis in the incidence of second-trimester miscarriage (0% [0/18] vs 7.6% [8/105], respectively; P=.22), preterm delivery (50% [9/18] vs 32% [34/105], respectively; P=.15), and spontaneous preterm delivery (6% [1/18] vs 15% [16/105], respectively; P=.26), a significant decrease in preterm prelabor rupture of membrane (0% [0/18] vs 12% [13/105], respectively; P<.05), preeclampsia (0% [0/18] vs 12% [13/105], respectively; P<.05), and small for gestational infants (0% [0/18] vs 15% [16/105], respectively; P<.05), as well as a significant increase in the incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (50% [9/18] vs 0% [0/105], respectively; P<.01) and blood loss during cesarean delivery (1748 mL vs 1330 mL, respectively; P<.05) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Uterine rupture following an adenomyomectomy may occur because of the high incidence of placenta accreta spectrum. However, an adenomyomectomy may reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with adenomyosis, such as preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, and small for gestational age infants. An adenomyomectomy may be a viable option for women among whom the procedure is inevitable before conception.

Accuracy of ultrasound signs on two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound in prediction of adenomyosis: prospective multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

Two-dimensional (2D) transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is an accessible and cost-effective diagnostic tool for the detection of adenomyosis. Different ultrasound features related to adenomyosis have been described, but the predictive value of each ultrasound sign and their combinations requires further investigation. We aimed to analyze the accuracy of 2D-TVS and describe possible combinations of ultrasound signs with a high predictive value in the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter study of patients scheduled for laparoscopic hysterectomy who had been examined using standardized 2D-TVS at nine expert centers specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. 2D-TVS examination included nine typical adenomyosis ultrasound features, comprising heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial linear striations, myometrial cysts, subendometrial microcysts, asymmetrical myometrial thickening, uterine enlargement, the 'question mark sign', thickening of the junctional zone and hyperechoic myometrial spots, in order to predict or exclude the presence of adenomyosis. Ultrasound examination results were compared with histology after hysterectomy. The diagnostic reliability of the nine ultrasound signs and their combinations, and the influence of concurrent fibroids on the accuracy of the results, were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 202 patients were enrolled into the study. Histopathological examination revealed adenomyosis in 130 patients (64.4%). The accuracy of prediction of adenomyosis by 2D-TVS examination using all signs was 63.4% (positive predictive value, 71.5%; negative predictive value, 48.6%; sensitivity, 71.5%; specificity, 48.6%). Heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial cysts, subendometrial microcysts and hyperechoic myometrial spots showed the highest accuracy (55.7-62.1%) as individual ultrasound signs for the prediction of adenomyosis. The combination of the most accurate ultrasound signs (subendometrial microcysts, myometrial cysts and heterogeneous myometrium) improved the specificity of prediction (86.1%) when compared with that of these three single markers (35.2-81.7%). Uterine enlargement and asymmetry showed both low sensitivity (60.8% and 52.3%, respectively) and specificity (41.7% and 49.3%, respectively) as individual sonographic signs.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial cysts, subendometrial microcysts and hyperechoic myometrial spots showed the highest accuracy for the detection of adenomyosis in this study, while uterine enlargement and asymmetry led to high false-positive and false-negative results. A combination of ultrasound features including the most accurate signs increases specificity. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Application of elastography to diagnose adenomyosis and evaluate the degree of dysmenorrhea: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

To determine whether there is a correlation between stiffness measured by strain elastography and the severity of dysmenorrhea and to determine the value of elastography in evaluating severe dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis.

METHODS

The correlation between tissue stiffness and dysmenorrhea was analyzed by performing elastography on premenopausal women diagnosed with adenomyosis. Expression levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) were detected by immunohistochemistry; the correlation of TGF-β and α-SMA levels with the tissue stiffness and the degree of fibrosis was further analyzed. Also, the relationship of the PGP9.5 expression level with the tissue stiffness and degree of dysmenorrhea was determined.

RESULTS

The degree of dysmenorrhea was significantly positively correlated with lesion stiffness in patients with adenomyosis but not with the uterine or lesion volume. The cutoff for the strain ratio was > 1.36 between the adenomyosis and control groups, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.987. For severe dysmenorrhea, the cutoff for the strain ratio was > 1.65 in patients with adenomyosis, with an AUC of 0.849. TGF-β, α-SMA, and PGP9.5 expression levels were higher in adenomyotic lesions than in the endometrium of the adenomyosis and control groups. Both TGF-β and α-SMA levels were positively correlated with the tissue stiffness and degree of fibrosis. Additionally, the expression level of PGP9.5 showed a positive correlation with the tissue stiffness and degree of dysmenorrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Elastography can be used to evaluate the degree of dysmenorrhea; the greater the tissue stiffness, the greater the degree of dysmenorrhea. In addition, elastography performed well in the diagnosis of adenomyosis and the evaluation of severe dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis.

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.

Effects of localization of uterine adenomyosis on clinical features and pregnancy outcome

The purpose of this study was to implore the association among clinical features, long-term fertility outcomes and the anatomical location of adenomyosis identified by ultrasound. We collected data of non-pregnant patients between 20 and 40 years old who had undergone surgical exploration for benign gynecological conditions at our institution between January 2010 and December 2017. A total of 158 women met the inclusion criteria and were allocated into three groups according to the ultrasound-determined adenomyosis anatomical location: anterior (Group A), posterior (Group B), both posterior and anterior (Group C). 44.3% (70/158) adenomyosis was located at the posterior side. History of miscarriage and parity were significantly higher in Group C (p = 0.036 and 0.001 respectively). Group C also had a higher concurrence rate of ovarian endometrioma (OEM) (80.4%, p = 0.002), pelvic adhesion (80.4%, P = 0.003) and the revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) Score (median64, range2-100, P < 0.001), while a significantly lower rate of concurrent peritoneal endometriosis (P = 0.01). Group B showed a relative higher rate of coexistent heavy menstrual bleeding (28.6%, p = 0.04) and oviduct obstruction (24.3%, P = 0.038). Group A had a higher proportion of coexistent leiomyoma (53.1%, P = 0.002). There were no significant differences between group A, B, and C in terms of pain symptoms, endometrial polyps, operation time, and endometriosis fertility index score and other basic characters (p > 0.05). During the follow-up, 59.2% (61/103) patients had clinical pregnancies, and 26.2% (16/61) of them experienced pregnancy loss. Total in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer pregnancy rate was 64.6% (42/65) and spontaneous pregnancy rate was 50.0% (19/38). The Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated significant lower cumulative pregnancy rate in Group C than Group A and Group B (p = 0.01). Severe obstetric complications such as placenta previa, placenta accreta, preeclampsia, and preterm birth were only found in women with adenomyosis located in the posterior side. In conclusion, types of adenomyosis based on sonographic location had different clinical features and pregnancy outcome. Patients with adenomyosis lesion in both anterior and posterior sides had higher combination of OEM, pelvic adhesion and rAFS score.

Diagnostic accuracy study of sonography in adenomyosis: A study of current practice

OBJECTIVES

To estimate diagnostic accuracy of sonography in the diagnosis of adenomyosis in current practice when compared to pathology as a "gold standard".

METHODS

This diagnosis accuracy study was observational and retrospective, including women managed by hysterectomy for benign pathology from January 2015 to November 2018. Preoperative pelvic sonography reports were collected, including details on diagnosis criteria for adenomyosis. Sonographic findings were compared to pathological results of the hysterectomy specimens.

RESULTS

Our study initially concerned 510 women; 242 of them had adenomyosis confirmed by a pathological examination. The pathological prevalence of adenomyosis was 47.4% in this study. A preoperative sonography was available for 89.4% of the 242 women, with a suspicion of adenomyosis in 32.7% of them. In this study, Sensitivity is 52%, Specificity 85%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) 77%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV) 86% and Accuracy 38,1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic sonography is the most common non-invasive examination used in gynecology. It is also the first recommended examination for the diagnosis of adenomyosis because of its acceptability and its cost, even if the diagnosis performances are moderate. However, these performances are comparable to MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) performances. The use of a standardized sonographic classification could improve and harmonize the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis at a Glance: An Integrated Review of Transvaginal Ultrasound and MR Imaging Findings

Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disorder increasingly recognized in premenopausal women. Given its significant clinical burden, an accurate noninvasive diagnosis is paramount. Both transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance (MR) provide an adequate assessment of adenomyosis, the former being recommended for first-line imaging evaluation and the latter being mainly used as a problem-solving technique. In this article, the authors review the TVUS and MR imaging findings of adenomyosis while referring to their histopathological background. Whereas direct signs correlate directly to ectopic endometrial tissue and are highly specific to adenomyosis, indirect signs result from myometrial hypertrophy and increase diagnostic sensitivity. Potential pitfalls, differential diagnoses, and frequently associated estrogen-dependent conditions are also discussed.

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.

Adenomyosis: An Updated Review on Diagnosis and Classification

Adenomyosis is a commonly diagnosed benign condition characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands within the underlying myometrium. The most common presenting signs and symptoms are abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. The clinical relevance of this condition is evident in both medical and surgical care. Histopathology and imaging studies are used for the diagnosis and classification of adenomyosis, which are hallmarks of the advancement of our ability to diagnose adenomyosis. Importantly, the diagnosis and classification of adenomyosis lacks standardization due to the nature of imaging techniques, features of adenomyosis, and the clinical spectrum of adenomyosis. We reviewed the literature to summarize the available classification systems for adenomyosis and highlight the different imaging approaches and histologic criteria used in diagnosis. Despite the high prevalence of the disease, there is no clear consensus on one classification system. We provide a review of some of the classification systems available and discuss their strengths and limitations.

Effectiveness of laparoscopic niche resection versus expectant management in patients with unexplained infertility and a large uterine caesarean scar defect (uterine niche): protocol for a randomised controlled trial (the LAPRES study)

INTRODUCTION

A uterine niche is a defect at the site of the uterine caesarean scar that is associated with gynaecological symptoms and infertility. Promising results are reported in cohort studies after a laparoscopic niche resection concerning reduction of gynaecological symptoms in relation to baseline and concerning pregnancy outcomes. However, randomised controlled trials to study the effect of a laparoscopic niche resection on reproductive outcomes in infertile women are lacking. This study will answer the question if laparoscopic niche resection in comparison to expectant management improves reproductive outcomes in infertile women with a large uterine niche.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The LAPRES study is a randomised, non-blinded, controlled trial, including 200 infertile women with a total follow-up of 2 years. Women with the presence of a large niche in the uterine caesarean scar and unexplained infertility of at least 1 year or failed IVF will be randomly allocated to a laparoscopic niche resection within 6 weeks or to expectant management for at least 9 months. A large niche is defined as a niche with a depth of >50% of the myometrial thickness and a residual myometrium of ≤3 mm on transvaginal ultrasound. Those receiving expectant management will be allowed to receive fertility therapies, including assisted reproductive techniques, if indicated. The primary outcome is time to ongoing pregnancy, defined as a viable intrauterine pregnancy at 12 weeks' gestation. Secondary outcome measures are time to conception leading to a live birth, other pregnancy outcomes, received fertility therapies after randomisation, menstruation characteristics, patient satisfaction, quality of life, additional interventions, and surgical and ultrasound outcomes (intervention group). Questionnaires will be filled out at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months after randomisation. Ultrasound evaluation will be performed at baseline and at 3 months after surgery.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol was approved by the medical ethics committee of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre. (Ref. No. 2017.030). Participants will sign a written informed consent before participation. The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DUTCH TRIAL REGISTER REF NO NL6350 : http://www.trialregister.nl.

Low-dose letrozole - an effective option for women with symptomatic adenomyosis awaiting IVF: a pilot randomized controlled trial

RESEARCH QUESTION

Can low-dose letrozole reduce dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia and sonographic features in symptomatic women with adenomyosis awaiting IVF?

DESIGN

This was a longitudinal randomized prospective pilot study to explore the effectiveness of low-dose letrozole and compare it with a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist in reducing dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia and sonographic features in symptomatic women with adenomyosis awaiting IVF. The women were treated for 3 months, either with the GnRH agonist goserelin 3.6 mg/month (n = 77) or the aromatase inhibitor letrozole 2.5 mg three times weekly (n = 79). Dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia were evaluated at randomization and followed up monthly using a visual analogue score (VAS) and pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC), respectively. A quantitative scoring method was used to assess the improvement of sonographic features after 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Both groups reported a marked improvement in symptoms after 3 months of treatment. In both the letrozole and GnRH agonist groups, VAS and PBAC scores decreased significantly over the 3 months (letrozole: P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001 for VAS and PBAC, respectively; GnRH agonist: P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001 for VAS and PBAC, respectively). Participants on letrozole had regular menstruation cycles, while most of the women who received the GnRH agonist were amenorrhoeic, with only four women reporting mild bleeding. Haemoglobin concentrations also improved after both treatments (letrozole P = 0.0001, GnRH agonist P = 0.0001). A quantitative assessment of sonographic features showed significant improvements following both treatments (diffuse adenomyosis of the myometrium: letrozole P = 0.015, GnRH agonist P = 0.039; diffuse adenomyosis of the junctional zone: letrozole P = 0.025, GnRH agonist P = 0.001). Women with adenomyoma also responded well to both therapies (letrozole P = 0.049, GnRH agonist P = 0.024), whereas the letrozole group responded comparatively better in focal adenomyosis when the outer myometrium was involved (letrozole P < 0.001, GnRH agonist P = 0.26). No noticeable side effects were observed in women receiving letrozole therapy. Additionally, letrozole therapy was found to be more cost-effective than GnRH agonist treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose letrozole treatment is a low-cost alternative to a GnRH agonist, with comparable effects in improving the symptoms and sonographic features of adenomyosis in women awaiting IVF.

Prevalence of adenomyosis in women with subfertility: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of adenomyosis in women with subfertility.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Google Scholar, PsycINFO and Web of Science Core Collection from database inception to October 2022. The included studies evaluated the prevalence of adenomyosis in women with subfertility, with or without endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids. Secondary analyses were conducted to identify variation in the prevalence of isolated adenomyosis according to geographical location, diagnostic modality, diagnostic criteria, type of ultrasound, ultrasound features of adenomyosis and the use of assisted reproductive technology.

RESULTS

Among 21 longitudinal studies evaluating 25 600 women, the overall pooled prevalence of isolated adenomyosis was 10% (95% CI, 6-15%) (I2  = 99.1%; tau2  = 0.12). The pooled prevalence was 1% (95% CI, 0-4%) for adenomyosis with concurrent fibroids (eight studies; I2  = 95.8%; tau2  = 0.03), 6% (95% CI, 3-11%) for adenomyosis with concurrent endometriosis (18 studies; I2  = 98.6%; tau2  = 0.12) and 7% (95% CI, 2-13%) for adenomyosis with concurrent endometriosis and/or fibroids (nine studies; I2  = 98.3%; tau2  = 0.09). The prevalence of isolated adenomyosis varied substantially according to geographical location, with Australia exhibiting the highest pooled prevalence of adenomyosis (19% (95% CI, 12-27%)), which was significantly higher compared with that in Asia (5% (95% CI, 1-12%)). The pooled prevalence of isolated adenomyosis diagnosed using a combination of direct and indirect ultrasound features was 11% (95% CI, 7-16%), whereas it was 0.45% (95% CI, 0-1%) in the study in which only an indirect feature was used as the diagnostic criterion.

CONCLUSION

One in 10 women with subfertility have a diagnosis of isolated adenomyosis. The prevalence of adenomyosis varies according to the presence of concurrent endometriosis and/or fibroids. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Adenomyosis with Office Hysteroscopy-A Narrative Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION

Adenomyosis is a common chronic disease in women of reproductive age, characterised by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue within myometrium. Even though adenomyosis presents with chronic pelvic pain, menorrhagia or abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhoea, and dyspareunia and is often recognised after hysterectomies. However, the development of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging has improved the pre-operative diagnosis of the disease. Hysteroscopy provides information in real time from the uterine cavity and the offers the possibility of obtaining direct biopsies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The literature was searched via Pubmed and Embase with the following headings: diagnosis of adenomyosis or adenomyoma and office hysteroscopy, hysteroscopy findings of adenomyosis or adenomyoma, treatment of adenomyosis or adenomyoma with office hysteroscopy.

RESULTS

The literature showed that hysteroscopy can identify superficial adenomyosis. There are a variety of hysteroscopic images that can be connected with the disease. New equipment like the spirotome has been used to access deeper layers of myometrium and obtain biopsies under direct vision from the adenomyotic areas. Different methods of treatment have been also described, like enucleation of focal superficial adenomyoma, coagulation, evacuation of cystic adenomyosis when the lesion is smaller than 1.5 cm, and resection of adenomyotic nodules in case of bigger lesions (>1.5 cm). Diffuse superficial adenomyosis is also managed by resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Hysteroscopy has revolutionised the approach to adenomyosis. It is a useful tool in assessing mainly superficial adenomyosis. The role of hysteroscopy in surgical management of adenomyosis need to be confirmed with further studies.

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.

Clavien-Dindo, comprehensive complication index and classification of intraoperative adverse events: a uniform and holistic approach in adverse event registration for (deep) endometriosis surgery

STUDY QUESTION

What is the additional value of the comprehensive complication index (CCI) and ClassIntra system (classification for intraoperative adverse events (ioAEs)) in adverse event (AE) reporting in (deep) endometriosis (DE) surgery compared to only using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) system?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The CCI and ClassIntra are useful additional tools alongside the CD system for a complete and uniform overview of the total AE burden in patients with extensive surgery (such as DE), and with this uniform data registration, it is possible to provide greater insight into the quality of care.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Uniform comparison of AEs reported in the literature is hampered by scattered registration. In endometriosis surgery, the usage of the CD complication system and the CCI is internationally recommended; however, the CCI is not routinely adapted in endometriosis care and research. Furthermore, a recommendation for ioAEs registration in endometriosis surgery is lacking, although this is vital information in surgical quality assessments.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

A prospective mono-center study was conducted with 870 surgical DE cases from a non-university DE expertise center between February 2019 and December 2021.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

Endometriosis cases were collected with the EQUSUM system, a publicly available web-based application for registration of surgical procedures for endometriosis. Postoperative adverse events (poAEs) were classified with the CD complication system and CCI. Differences in reporting and classifying AEs between the CCI and the CD were assessed. ioAEs were assessed with the ClassIntra. The primary outcome measure was to assess the additional value toward the CD classification with the introduction of the CCI and ClassIntra. In addition, we report a benchmark for the CCI in DE surgery.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A total of 870 DE procedures were registered, of which 145 procedures with one or more poAEs, resulting in a poAE rate of 16.7% (145/870), of which in 36 cases (4.1%), the poAE was classified as severe (≥Grade 3b). The median CCI (interquartile range) of patients with poAEs was 20.9 (20.9-31.7) and 33.7 (33.7-39.7) in the group of patients with severe poAEs. In 20 patients (13.8%), the CCI was higher than the CD because of multiple poAEs. There were 11 ioAEs reported (11/870, 1.3%) in all procedures, mostly minor and directly repaired serosa injuries.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study was conducted at a single center; thus, trends in AE rates and type of AEs could differ from other centers. Furthermore, no conclusion could be drawn on ioAEs in relation to the postoperative course because the power of this database is not robust enough for that purpose.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

From our data, we would advise to use the Clavien-Dindo classification system together with the CCI and ClassIntra for a complete overview of AE registration. The CCI appeared to provide a more complete overview of the total burden of poAEs compared to only reporting the most severe poAEs (as with CD). If the use of the CD, CCI, and ClassIntra is widely adapted, uniform data comparison will be possible at (inter)national level, providing better insight into the quality of care. Our data could be used as a first benchmark for other DE centers to optimize information provision in the shared decision-making process.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

No funding was received for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Cannabis smoking, tobacco cigarette smoking, and adenomyosis risk

OBJECTIVE

To investigate cannabis smoking and tobacco cigarette smoking in relation to adenomyosis risk.

DESIGN

We used data from a case-control study of adenomyosis conducted among enrollees ages 18-59 years of an integrated health care system in Washington State. The case-control study used 2 control groups given the challenge of selecting noncases when cases are diagnosed by hysterectomy.

SUBJECTS

Cases (n = 386) were enrollees with incident, pathology-confirmed adenomyosis diagnosed between April 1, 2001, and March 31, 2006. The 2 control groups comprised hysterectomy controls (n = 233) with pathology-confirmed absence of adenomyosis and population controls (n = 323) with an intact uterus selected randomly from the health care system population and frequency matched to cases on age.

EXPOSURE

Detailed data on cannabis and tobacco cigarette smoking history were ascertained through in-person structured interviews, allowing estimation of joint-years of cannabis smoking and pack-years of tobacco cigarette smoking.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between cannabis smoking, tobacco cigarette smoking, and adenomyosis were estimated using multivariable unconditional logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for age, reference year, menarche age, education, and pack-years of cigarette smoking (or joint-years of cannabis smoking).

RESULTS

No association was observed between cannabis smoking history and adenomyosis risk. However, we did observe the suggestion of an association between ever tobacco cigarette smoking and adenomyosis risk, comparing cases to hysterectomy controls (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9-1.9) and population controls (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8-1.8). Our data suggested a 50% increased odds of adenomyosis with >15 pack-years of smoking (vs. never smoking), comparing cases to hysterectomy controls (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.6; Ptrend=.135). The suggestion of a 40% increased adenomyosis odds was observed with smoking >5-15 pack-years (vs. never smoking), comparing cases to population controls (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.8-2.4; Ptrend=0.136).

CONCLUSION

In the first study of cannabis smoking and adenomyosis risk, no association was observed. However, our data suggested an increased odds of adenomyosis with history of tobacco cigarette smoking. Further research is warranted to replicate our results given the substantial morbidity with adenomyosis and frequency of cigarette smoking and recreational and medical cannabis use.

Prevalence of deep and ovarian endometriosis in women attending a general gynecology clinic: prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To assess using transvaginal ultrasound the prevalence of deep and ovarian endometriosis in premenopausal women attending a general gynecology clinic. We also investigated whether the presence of endometriosis was associated with various demographic factors and other pelvic abnormalities.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational cohort study carried out between February 2019 and October 2020. Consecutive premenopausal women who attended our general gynecology clinic underwent pelvic ultrasound examination, performed by a single experienced operator. Pregnant women and those with a history of hysterectomy or oophorectomy were excluded. The primary outcome was the prevalence of deep and/or ovarian endometriosis. Secondary outcomes were the anatomical distribution of endometriotic lesions and the association of endometriosis with demographic characteristics and various pelvic abnormalities, which were analyzed using logistic regression and multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1026 women were included in the final study sample, of whom 194 (18.9% (95% CI, 16.6-21.4%)) had sonographic evidence of deep and/or ovarian endometriosis. Of the 194 women diagnosed with endometriosis, 106 (54.6% (95% CI, 47.4-61.8%)) were diagnosed with endometriotic nodules only, 26 (13.4% (95% CI, 9.0-19.0%)) with ovarian endometriomas only, and 62 (32.0% (95% CI, 25.5-39.0%)) women had evidence of both. There was a total of 348 endometriotic nodules in 168 women, located most frequently in the retrocervical area (166/348; 47.7% (95% CI, 42.4-53.1%)), uterosacral ligaments (96/348; 27.6% (95% CI, 23.0-32.6%)) and bowel (40/348; 11.5% (95% CI, 8.3-15.3%)). Multivariable analysis found significant positive associations between endometriosis and both adenomyosis (odds ratio (OR), 1.72 (95% CI, 1.10-2.69); P = 0.02) and pelvic adhesions (OR, 25.7 (95% CI, 16.7-39.3); P < 0.001), whilst higher parity (OR, 0.44 (95% CI, 0.24-0.81); P = 0.03) and history of Cesarean section (OR, 0.18 (95% CI, 0.06-0.52); P = 0.002) were associated with a lower occurrence of endometriosis. A total of 75/1026 women (7.3% (95% CI, 5.8-9.1%)) underwent laparoscopy within 6 months of pelvic ultrasound examination. There was very good agreement between ultrasound and surgical findings, with a kappa value of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Deep and/or ovarian endometriosis was present in nearly one in five women attending a general gynecology clinic. There were significant positive associations with adenomyosis and pelvic adhesions and negative associations with higher parity and previous Cesarean section. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Basic Gynecologic Ultrasound Examination (Level I): DEGUM, ÖGUM, and SGUM Recommendations

Ultrasound has become an essential diagnostic tool in gynecology, and every practicing gynecologist must be able to differentiate normal from pathologic findings, such as benign or malignant pelvic masses, adnexal torsion, pelvic inflammation disease, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancies, and congenital uterine malformations at least on a basic level. A standardized approach to the correct settings of the ultrasound system, the indications for gynecologic ultrasound investigations, and the sonographic appearance of normal anatomy and common pathologic findings in the standard planes are important prerequisites for safe and confident clinical management of gynecologic patients. Based on current publications and different national and international guidelines, updated DEGUM, ÖGUM, and SGUM recommendations for the performance of basic gynecologic ultrasound examinations were established.

Adolescent endometriosis: prevalence increases with age on magnetic resonance imaging scan

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of ovarian endometrioma (OMA) and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in adolescents presenting with severe dysmenorrhea.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Clinic.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 345 adolescents aged 12-20 years referred to the radiologic MRI department unit between September 2019 and June 2020.

INTERVENTION(S)

Multiplanar pelvic MRI with cine MRI was performed. Data on the medical history with systematic questioning were collected for each patient before the scan.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Data on the endometriosis phenotypes (OMA and/or DIE), distribution of anatomical lesions, and adenomyosis were evaluated and recorded using a dedicated MRI spreadsheet. Myometrial contractions were systematically reported for each case. The data were correlated with the characteristics of the patients and severity of painful symptoms evaluated using a visual analog scale.

RESULT(S)

The prevalence rates of endometriosis and adenomyosis were 39.3% (121 patients) and 11.4% (35 patients), respectively. Among the adolescents with endometriosis, 25 (20.7%) presented with OMA, and 107 (88.4%) presented with DIE. The odds ratios (confidence intervals) for each pairwise comparison between the age distributions were 2.3 (1.4-3.8) for 15-18 vs. <15 years of age and 3.3 (1.2-8.5) for 18-20 vs. <15 years of age, highlighting a predominance of cases after 18 years of age. Uterine contractions were visualized in 34.4% of cases, with no particular association with endometriosis. No clinical risk factor was identified as being particularly associated with endometriosis. Notably, the visual analog scale score was the same for cases with and without endometriosis.

CONCLUSION(S)

Severe endometriosis phenotypes (OMA and/or DIE) can be observed in adolescents with intense dysmenorrhea, with a linear increase in prevalence over time resulting in a clear predominance after 18 years of age. Endometriosis in adolescents is a challenging clinical problem with a long delay in diagnosis. Imaging can help reduce this delay in young patients with suggestive symptoms.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05153512.

Clinical efficacy of a novel method of fertility-preserving adenomyomectomy in infertile women with diffuse adenomyosis

Beneficial and detrimental effect of surgical adenomyomectomy is still controversial in infertile women with severely diffuse adenomyosis. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether a novel method of fertility-preserving adenomyomectomy could improve pregnancy rates. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether it could improve dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia symptoms in infertile patients with severe adenomyosis. A prospective clinical trial was conducted between December 2007 and September 2016. Fifty women with infertility due to adenomyosis were enrolled in this study after clinical assessments by infertility experts. A novel method of fertility-preserving adenomyomectomy was performed on 45 of 50 patients. The procedure included T- or transverse H-incision of the uterine serosa followed by preparation of the serosal flap, excision of the adenomyotic tissue using argon laser under ultrasonographic monitoring, and a novel technique of suturing between the residual myometrium and serosal flap. After the adenomyomectomy, the changes in the amount of menstrual blood, relief of dysmenorrhea, pregnancy outcomes, clinical characteristics, and surgical features were recorded and analyzed. All patients obtained dysmenorrhea relief 6 months postoperatively (numeric rating scale [NRS]; 7.28 ± 2.30 vs 1.56 ± 1.30, P < .001). The amount of menstrual blood decreased significantly (140.44 ± 91.68 vs 66.33 ± 65.85 mL, P < .05). Of the 33 patients who attempted pregnancy postoperatively, 18 (54.5%) conceived either by natural means, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), or thawing embryo transfer. Miscarriage occurred in 8 patients, while 10 (30.3%) had viable pregnancies. This novel method of adenomyomectomy resulted in improved pregnancy rates, as well as relief of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. This operation is effective in preserving fertility potential in infertile women with diffuse adenomyosis.

Sonographic features of adenomyosis correlated with clinical symptoms and intraoperative findings: a case-control study

PURPOSE

Adenomyosis is a common disease of females during their reproductive age. As of today, histologic examination of the uterus after hysterectomy constitutes the gold standard for diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of sonographic, hysteroscopic, and laparoscopic criteria for the diagnosis of the disease.

METHODS

This study included data collected from 50 women in the reproductive age of 18-45 years, who underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy in the gynecology department of the Saarland University Hospital in Homburg between 2017 and 2018. The patients with adenomyosis were compared with a healthy control group.

RESULTS

We collected data of anamnesis, sonographic criteria, hysteroscopic criteria and laparoscopic criteria and compared it with the postoperative histological results. A total 25 patients were diagnosed with adenomyosis postoperatively. For each of these; at least three sonographic diagnostical criteria for adenomyosis were found compared with a maximum of two for the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated an association between pre- and intraoperative signs of adenomyosis. In this way, it shows a high diagnostic accuracy of the sonographic examination as a pre-operative diagnostic method of the adenomyosis.

How adenomyosis changes throughout pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To study how adenomyosis changes during pregnancy and to possibly correlate these changes to maternal and fetal outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective exploratory cohort study including 254 women with a pre-conceptional/first-trimester scan to document adenomyosis and known obstetric outcome. If visible, adenomyosis signs were documented in each trimester and postpartum. Mann-Whitney U tests or χ² tests were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

RESULTS

A globular uterus was reported in 79% (n = 52) of women with adenomyosis in the first trimester, in 38% (n = 20) and 2% (n = 1) of women in the second and third trimesters, respectively, and postpartum in 77% (n = 34) of women. Asymmetrical thickening (n = 20, 30%) and cysts (n = 15, 23%) were only visible in 1st trimester. Adenomyosis was associated with miscarriage (odds ratio [OR] 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-14.9, P < 0.001) also in normal conception only (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.8-14.2, P = 0.002) or adjusting for maternal age (adjusted OR 5.9, 95% CI 2.3-15.2, P < 0.001). Gestational age at delivery was lower in adenomyosis (P = 0.004); the cesarean section rate was higher than in controls (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.8, P = 0.007) also adjusting for age (adjusted OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.06-4.08, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Signs of adenomyosis were visible but progressively disappeared in pregnancy; adenomyosis was associated with an increased risk of early miscarriage. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

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.

Increased NKG2A+CD8+ T-cell exhaustion in patients with adenomyosis

Immune dysregulation has long been proposed to be associated with adenomyosis, but the underlying mediators and mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Here, we used flow cytometry to investigate the alterations in immune cell subsets in adenomyotic uteri and analyze the phenotype and function of abnormal immune cells. We found that an increase in cluster of differentiation (CD)8⁺ T-cell number was the predominant alteration in ectopic lesions in patients with adenomyosis and was significantly associated with the severity of adenomyosis. Importantly, we identified an exhausted natural killer group protein 2A (NKG2A)⁺CD8⁺ T-cell subset that was associated with the severity of adenomyosis and found that the number of these cells was significantly increased in the eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions. In addition, the increases in the expression of NKG2A ligand histocompatibility leucocyte antigen E and interleukin-15 in glandular epithelial cells in the adenomyotic microenvironment might contribute to CD8⁺ T-cell exhaustion by promoting NKG2A expression on CD8⁺ T cells or inhibiting the effector function of these cells. In conclusion, our data revealed a previously unrecognized role for NKG2A⁺CD8⁺ T-cell exhaustion in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, indicating that therapeutic interventions designed to target and reinvigorate exhausted CD8⁺ T cells may be beneficial for patients with adenomyosis.

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.

MRI of Adenomyosis: Where Are We Today?

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to (i) summarize the current literature regarding the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing adenomyosis, (ii) examine how to integrate MRI phenotypes with clinical symptomatology and histological findings, (iii) review recent advances including proposed MRI classifications, (iv) discuss challenges and pitfalls of diagnosing adenomyosis, and (v) outline the future role of MRI in promoting a better understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options for patients with uterine adenomyosis. Recent Findings: Recent advances and the widespread use of MRI have provided new insights into adenomyosis and the range of imaging phenotypes encountered in this disorder. Summary: Direct and indirect MRI features allow for accurate non-invasive diagnosis of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis is a complex and poorly understood disorder with variable MRI phenotypes that may be correlated with different pathogeneses, clinical presentations, and patient outcomes. MRI is useful for the assessment of the extent of findings, to evaluate for concomitant gynecological conditions, and potentially can help with the selection and implementation of therapeutic options. Nevertheless, important gaps in knowledge remain. This is in part due to the lack of standardized criteria for reporting resulting in heterogeneous and conflicting data in the literature. Thus, there is an urgent need for a unified MRI reporting system incorporating standardized terminology for diagnosing adenomyosis and defining the various phenotypes.

The effect of adenomyosis types on clinical outcomes of IVF embryo transfer after ultra-long GnRH agonist protocol

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the effect of adenomyosis types on IVF and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) after ultra-long gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol?

DESIGN

Patients who underwent the first cycle of IVF-ET with ultra-long GnRH agonist protocol were included in this retrospective cohort study. They were divided into three groups: (A) 428 patients with diffuse adenomyosis; (B) 718 patients with focal adenomyosis; and (C) 519 patients with tubal infertility. Reproduction outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with focal adenomyosis and tubal infertility, diffuse adenomyosis was negatively associated with clinical pregnancy and live birth (clinical pregnancy: A versus B: OR 0.708, 95% CI 0.539 to 0.931, P = 0.013; A versus C: OR 0.663, 95% CI 0.489 to 0.899, P = 0.008; live birth: A versus B: OR 0.530, 95% CI 0.385 to 0.730, P < 0.001; A versus C: OR 0.441, 95% CI 0.313 to 0.623, P < 0.001), but positively associated with miscarriage (A versus B: OR 1.727, 95% CI 1.056 to 2.825, P = 0.029; A versus C: OR 2.549, 95% CI 1.278 to 5.082, P = 0.008). Compared with patients with tubal infertility, focal adenomyosis was also a risk factor for miscarriage (B versus C: OR 1.825, 95% CI 1.112 to 2.995, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with patients with focal adenomyosis or tubal infertility, the reproduction outcomes of IVF-ET in patients with diffuse adenomyosis seems to be worse.

Efficacy of Transabdominal Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation in the Treatment of Symptomatic Adenomyosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of transabdominal ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (PMWA) in the treatment of symptomatic focal and nonfocal adenomyosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University.

PATIENTS

From May 2019 to October 2021, 107 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis who refused hysterectomy received PMWA.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were divided into a focal group (n = 47, including 40 focal adenomyosis and 7 adenomyoma cases) and a nonfocal group (n = 60, including 36 diffuse and 24 mixed adenomyosis cases) according to the extent of lesion involvement.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We collected and analyzed preoperative baseline data on patient characteristics; postoperative efficacy measures at 3, 6, and 12 months; and intraoperative and postoperative complications. There was a significant post-treatment reduction in the uterine corpus volume and cancer antigen 125 levels, an increase in hemoglobin levels, and an improvement in the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health-related Quality of Life scores (consisting of the Symptom Severity Scale and the Health-related Quality of Life scale), dysmenorrhea visual analog scale, and menstrual volume score (MVS) (all p <.05). One patient had recurrence. Most adverse events (72.0%) were mild. Although the nonfocal group had significantly greater anemia severity, higher Symptom Severity Scale and MVS, lower Health-related Quality of Life scale, greater extent and severity of myometrial involvement, and larger uterine corpus volume, after treatment, the uterine corpus volume, uterine corpus reduction rate, cancer antigen 125 levels, hemoglobin levels, Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health-related Quality of Life score, dysmenorrhea visual analog scale, MVS score, and clinical response rate were similar between the groups (p >.05).

CONCLUSION

PMWA had good, similar, short-term efficacy for symptomatic focal and nonfocal adenomyosis.

Application of Deep Learning Model in the Sonographic Diagnosis of Uterine Adenomyosis

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Deep Learning (DL) machine for the detection of adenomyosis on uterine ultrasonographic images and compare it to intermediate ultrasound skilled trainees.

METHODS

Prospective observational study were conducted between 1 and 30 April 2022. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) diagnosis of adenomyosis was investigated by an experienced sonographer on 100 fertile-age patients. Videoclips of the uterine corpus were recorded and sequential ultrasound images were extracted. Intermediate ultrasound-skilled trainees and DL machine were asked to make a diagnosis reviewing uterine images. We evaluated and compared the accuracy, sensitivity, positive predictive value, F1-score, specificity and negative predictive value of the DL model and the trainees for adenomyosis diagnosis.

RESULTS

Accuracy of DL and intermediate ultrasound-skilled trainees for the diagnosis of adenomyosis were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.48-0.54) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.79), respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and F1-score of DL were 0.43 (95% CI, 0.38-0.48), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.79-0.85) and 0.46 (0.42-0.50), respectively, whereas intermediate ultrasound-skilled trainees had sensitivity of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.52-0.86), specificity of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.58-0.79) and F1-score of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.43-0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

In this preliminary study DL model showed a lower accuracy but a higher specificity in diagnosing adenomyosis on ultrasonographic images compared to intermediate-skilled trainees.

Bioinformatic analysis and machine learning to identify the diagnostic biomarkers and immune infiltration in adenomyosis

Background: Adenomyosis is a hormone-dependent benign gynecological disease characterized by the invasion of the endometrium into the myometrium. Women with adenomyosis can suffer from abnormal uterine bleeding, severe pelvic pain, and subfertility or infertility, which can interfere with their quality of life. However, effective diagnostic biomarkers for adenomyosis are currently lacking. The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of adenomyosis by identifying biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for adenomyosis and analyzing their correlation with immune infiltration in adenomyosis. Methods: Two datasets, GSE78851 and GSE68870, were downloaded and merged for differential expression analysis and functional enrichment analysis using R software. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVE-RFE) were combined to explore candidate genes. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to verify the biomarkers and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of each biomarker. Single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT were used to explore immune cell infiltration in adenomyosis and the correlation between diagnostic biomarkers and immune cells. Results: A total of 318 genes were differentially expressed. Through the analysis of differentially expressed genes and WGCNA, we obtained 189 adenomyosis-related genes. After utilizing the LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms, four hub genes, namely, six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate-1 (STEAP1), translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), glycosyltransferase eight domain-containing 2 (GLT8D2), and NME/NM23 family member 5 (NME5) expressed in nucleoside-diphosphate kinase, were identified and verified by qRT-PCR. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that T helper 17 cells, CD56dim natural killer cells, monocytes, and memory B-cell may be associated with the occurrence of adenomyosis. There were significant correlations between the diagnostic biomarkers and immune cells. Conclusion: STEAP1, TOMM20, GLT8D2, and NME5 were identified as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for adenomyosis. Immune infiltration may contribute to the onset and progression of adenomyosis.

The Asian Society of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis guidelines for managing adenomyosis

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

Diagnostic Role of Transvaginal Sonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adenomyosis of the Uterus and its Correlation with Histopathology

Background and Objective

The prevalence of adenomyosis of the uterus varies from 5% to 70%, and there is no clear consensus on its imaging diagnostic criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of transvaginal sonography (TVS), combined TVS and color Doppler (TVS-CD), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

Materials and Methods

This was a tertiary care hospital-based prospective study, in which 365 clinically suspected cases of adenomyosis were enrolled. All three types of imaging (TVS, TVS-CD, and MRI) were done in 233/365 patients, followed by hysterectomy in 50. Imaging features were correlated with the histopathological examination (HPE), which was taken as the gold standard for the diagnosis. The diagnostic performance of each imaging modality was assessed.

Results

Among patients who underwent hysterectomy, 36/50 (72%) had adenomyosis on HPE, with or without associated benign gynecological abnormalities. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative PV (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy (DA) of MRI were higher than that of TVS-CD (91.67% vs. 77.78%, 85.71% vs. 78.57%, 94.29% vs. 90.32%, 80% vs. 57.89%, and 90% vs. 78%, respectively). TVS alone had lower diagnostic performance (specificity: 64.29%, PPV 84.85%, NPV 52.94%, and DA74%) than TVS-CD, but equal sensitivity (77.78%). Heterogeneous myometrium was the most sensitive (80.56%), while myometrial cyst was the most specific (92.86%) TVS feature. The maximum junctional zone thickness ≥12 mm was the most sensitive (97.22%), while the hyperintense myometrial focus was the most specific (100%) MRI feature.

Conclusion

TVS-CD should be used as an initial diagnostic imaging modality in clinically suspected cases of adenomyosis; however, MRI due to better diagnostic efficacy should be the imaging modality of choice before subjecting such patients to hysterectomy.

Uterine contractile activity in healthy women throughout the menstrual cycle measured using a novel quantitative two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound speckle tracking method

RESEARCH QUESTION

To explore normal uterine contractile function across the menstrual cycle using a novel quantitative ultrasound method.

DESIGN

This multicentre prospective observational study took place in three European centres from 2014 to 2022. Uterine contraction frequency (contractions/minute), amplitude, direction (cervix-to-fundus, C2F; fundus-to-cervix; F2C), velocity and coordination were investigated. Features were extracted from transvaginal ultrasound recordings (TVUS) using speckle tracking. Premenopausal women ≥18 years of age, with normal, natural menstrual cycles were included. A normal cycle was defined as: regular (duration 28 ± 2 days), no dysmenorrhoea, no menometrorrhagia. Four-minute TVUS were performed during the menstrual phase, mid-follicular, late follicular phase, early luteal phase and/or late luteal phase. Of the 96 recordings available from 64 women, 70 were suitable for inclusion in the analysis.

RESULTS

Contraction frequency (for the posterior wall) and velocity (for the anterior uterine wall in the F2C direction) were highest in the late follicular phase and lowest in the menstrual and late luteal phases (1.61 versus 1.31 and 1.35 contractions/min, P < 0.001 and 0.81 versus 0.67 and 0.62 mm/s, P < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was found for contraction amplitude. Contraction coordination (simultaneous contraction of the anterior and posterior walls in the same direction) was least coordinated in the mid-follicular phase (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to objectively measure uterine contraction features in healthy women during the natural menstrual cycle on TVUS. Likewise, it introduces contraction coordination as a specific feature of uterine peristalsis. Differences in uterine contractility across the menstrual cycle are confirmed, with highest activity seen in the late follicular phase, and lowest in the late luteal phase.

Transvaginal ultrasound- and laparoscopy-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for adenomyosis has short- and long-term benefits: a single-center study

OBJECTIVES

Transvaginal ultrasound- and laparoscopy-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (TLPMA) is a minimally invasive alternative technique with low risk, fast recovery and few side effects. We aimed to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of TLPMA for treating adenomyosis.

METHODS

We included 79 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis who underwent TLPMA and 44 patients with adenomyosis who received the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). We evaluated the role of laparoscopy in TLPMA as well as the short- and long-term effects of TLPMA.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 79 patients who underwent TLPMA was 41.8 years. There was no difference in the mean age between the TLPMA and LNG-IUS groups. Laparoscopy could help to separate pelvic adhesions, provide a wide antenna path, and observe the uterine surface and bowel movement. No major complications were found in patients who underwent TLPMA. There was a significant post-treatment reduction in both the uterine and lesion volumes (p < 0.001). After a median follow-up duration of 36 months (range: 1-60 months), the uterine and lesion volumes remained stable. Additionally, most patients remained without dysmenorrhea, which confirms the long-term efficacy of TLPMA.

CONCLUSIONS

TLPMA is a feasible, minimally invasive technique for the treatment of adenomyosis, which significantly decreases the uterine and lesion volumes and has a good long-term effect.

In Search of an Imaging Classification of Adenomyosis: A Role for Elastography?

Adenomyosis is a complex and poorly understood gynecological disease. It used to be diagnosed exclusively by histology after hysterectomy; today its diagnosis is carried out increasingly by imaging techniques, including transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the lack of a consensus on a classification system hampers relating imaging findings with disease severity or with the histopathological features of the disease, making it difficult to properly inform patients and clinicians regarding prognosis and appropriate management, as well as to compare different studies. Capitalizing on our grasp of key features of lesional natural history, here we propose adding elastographic findings into a new imaging classification of adenomyosis, incorporating affected area, pattern, the stiffest value of adenomyotic lesions as well as the neighboring tissues, and other pathologies. We argue that the tissue stiffness as measured by elastography, which has a wider dynamic detection range, quantitates a fundamental biologic property that directs cell function and fate in tissues, and correlates with the extent of lesional fibrosis, a proxy for lesional "age" known to correlate with vascularity and hormonal receptor activity. With this new addition, we believe that the resulting classification system could better inform patients and clinicians regarding prognosis and the most appropriate treatment modality, thus filling a void.

Maintenance dienogest therapy following adjuvant gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment after uterus-sparing surgery in adenomyosis: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of adjuvant gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) treatment followed by maintenance dienogest (DNG) therapy after uterus-sparing surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study. A total of 190 patients with severe adenomyosis underwent uterus-sparing surgery between January 2010 and June 2020. Of these patients, 90 were analyzed. Forty-six patients (control group) received adjuvant 6-month GnRH-a therapy alone after uterus-sparing surgery, and 44 patients (maintenance group) received postoperative 6-month GnRH-a treatment followed by maintenance DNG therapy (2 mg/day orally). The median follow-up period was 18 months. The study was analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

At baseline, the characteristics of patients in each group were comparable. Compared with the control group, the maintenance group had a significant improvement in the visual analog scale score of dysmenorrhea (P < 0.001), hemoglobin level (P = 0.004), and uterine volume (P = 0.004) from baseline to 18 months after uterus-sparing surgery. The symptom recurrence rate was significantly lower in the maintenance group than in the control group (4.6% vs. 37.0%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that combinatorial treatment with GnRH-a (adjuvant treatment) and DNG (maintenance therapy) represents a safe and effective short-term therapy after uterus-sparing surgery for adenomyosis.

Immunohistochemical expression of Drosha is reduced in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of Dicer, Drosha, and Exportin-5 in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis. Twenty-two paired ectopic and eutopic endometrium from women with adenomyosis and 10 eutopic endometrium samples from control women undergoing hysterectomy were included in the study. Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were cut and stained for immunohistochemistry. The percentage of epithelial cells positively marked was identified digitally after an automated slide scanning process. Mann-Whitney test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed for independent and paired groups, respectively. A lower expression of Drosha was observed in the eutopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis than in the eutopic endometrium of women without the disease (69.9±3.4% vs 85.2±2.9%, respectively) (P=0.016; 95%CI: 3.4 to 27.4%). We also detected lower Drosha expression in the ectopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis than in the eutopic endometrium of the same women (59.6±3.2% vs 69.9±3.4%, respectively) (P=0.004; 95%CI: 2.3 to 16.7%). Additionally, we observed a correlation between Drosha expression in the ectopic and paired eutopic endometrium (P=0.034, rho=0.454). No significant difference in Dicer or Exportin expression was observed. Predominant pattern of cytoplasmic staining for the anti-Drosha antibody and both a nuclear and cytoplasmic pattern for the anti-Exportin antibody were observed. Drosha expression was significantly lower in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis compared to the eutopic endometrium of asymptomatic women without the disease. Furthermore, its expression was lower in the ectopic endometrium but correlated to the paired eutopic endometrium.

Uterine junctional zone and adenomyosis: comparison of MRI, transvaginal ultrasound and histology

The uterine junctional zone is the subendometrial area in the myometrium that contributes to peristalsis and aids in spermatozoa and blastocyst transport. Alterations in the appearance of the junctional zone on transvaginal sonography (TVS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with adenomyosis. The lack of standardization of description of its appearance and ill-defined boundaries on both histology and imaging hamper understanding of the junctional zone and limit its role in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The objectives of this review were to investigate the accordance in definition of the junctional zone across different diagnostic approaches and to examine how imaging findings can be linked to histological findings in the context of diagnosis of adenomyosis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted of articles describing the appearance on imaging and the histological structure of the uterine junctional zone. Our review suggests that the junctional zone is distinguished from the middle and outer myometrium by gradual changes in smooth-muscle cell density, extracellular space, connective tissue, water content and vascular properties. However, while the signal intensity from the junctional zone to the middle myometrium changes abruptly on MRI, the histopathological changes are gradual and its border may be difficult or impossible to distinguish on two-dimensional TVS. Moreover, the thickness of the junctional zone measured on MRI is larger than that measured on TVS. Thus, these two imaging modalities reflect this zone differently. Although a thickened junctional zone is often used to diagnose adenomyosis on MRI, the presence of adenomyosis can be described more accurately as interruptions of the junctional zone by endometrial tissue, which leads to direct signs on imaging such as subendometrial lines and buds on two- and three-dimensional TVS or bright foci on MRI. The histopathological criteria for diagnosis are based on enlargement of the uterus with severe adenomyosis, and might not reflect its early stages. Clinicians should be aware that findings on MRI cannot be extrapolated readily to ultrasound. An understanding of this is necessary when investigating the uterine junctional zone as a functional unit and the association between visualization of direct features of adenomyosis in the junctional zone and clinical symptoms. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Misdiagnosis of intramural ectopic pregnancy and invasive gestational trophoblastic disease on ultrasound: A challenging case at Tu Du Hospital in Vietnam in COVID-19 pandemic peak and mini-review of literature

Differentiation between intramural ectopic pregnancy and molar ectopic pregnancy is very difficult because of their exceptional rarity. Herein, we present a misdiagnosed case of intramural pregnancy and invasive trophoblastic disease on ultrasound. A 45-year-old female patient was admitted to our tertiary referral hospital due to abdominal pain and unusual ultrasonography findings. Initially, a diagnosis of intramural ectopic pregnancy was identified based on transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography, 3-dimensional ultrasound, and serial serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, thus the patient underwent laparotomy with hysterectomy. However, the histopathological endpoint showed an invasive trophoblastic disease. Clinically, this pathology should be included in the differential diagnosis of intramural ectopic pregnancy since an imaging scan remains quite unclear.

Sonographic Assessment of Uterine Biometry for the Diagnosis of Diffuse Adenomyosis in a Tertiary Outpatient Clinic

Background: to compare several uterine biometric parameters at transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) between adenomyosis and non-adenomyosis uteri and evaluate their role for the diagnosis of diffuse adenomyosis. Methods: prospective observational study conducted between the 1 February 2022 and the 30 April 2022. In this case, 56 patients with TVUS diagnosis of adenomyosis were included. A 1:1 ratio age and parity-matched group of non-adenomyosis patients was selected. We compared sonographic uterine biometric parameters (longitudinal (LD), anteroposterior (APD) and transverse (TD) diameters, volume, simple and complex diameter ratios) and investigated their diagnostic performance. Results: all sonographic parameters were significantly different between the study groups, except for TD/(LD+APD). Optimal cut-off values of APD and LD/APD showed the best sensitivity and specificity. APD diameter equal or superior to 39.5 mm (95% CI, 36.2–42.8) had sensitivity of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.57–0.80), specificity of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.59–0.82) and accuracy of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.66–0.84). LD/APD equal or inferior to 2.05 (95% CI, 1.96–2.13) showed sensitivity and specificity of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.57–0.80) each and accuracy of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.62–0.81). Conclusions: several biometric uterine parameters at TVUS in fertile-aged women were statistically different between adenomyosis and non-adenomyosis uteri, though their optimal cut-off values showed low accuracy in diagnosing adenomyosis.

Implantation Failure in Endometriosis Patients: Etiopathogenesis

Embryo implantation requires adequate dialogue between a good quality embryo and a receptive endometrium. This implantation is still considered as the black box of reproductive medicine. Endometriosis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease, concerning about 10% of women of reproductive age and is one of the major causes of female infertility. The mechanisms involved in endometriosis-related infertility, an event not yet completely understood, are multifactorial and include anatomical changes, reduction in ovarian reserve, endocrine abnormalities, genetic profile, immunity markers, inflammatory mediators, or altered endometrial receptivity. In this article, we will focus on the impact of endometriosis on embryo quality and on endometrial receptivity. Results: Poor oocyte and embryo quality seem to promote a lower pregnancy rate, more than the endometrium itself in women with endometriosis. Other studies report the contrary. In addition, hormonal imbalance observed in the endometrium could also alter the embryo implantation. Conclusions: Controversial results in the literature add difficulties to the understanding of the mechanisms that lead to embryo implantation disorders. Furthermore, either oocyte/embryo impairment, altered endometrium, or both may cause impaired implantation. New prospective, randomized, and controlled studies are necessary to determine the origin of the defects that make conception more difficult in the case of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Uterine Evaluation Using Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment Diagnostic Protocol: A Literature Review

Background: Myometrial lesion is one of the major causes of the need for gynecologic surgeries. Ultrasonography (USG) is the primary modality in myometrial radiological examination. Thus a consistent procedure for reporting evaluation findings is needed.  Method: We reviewed literature from textbooks and journals from 2000 to 2019 containing information about myometrial sonographic evaluation.  Results: MUSA (Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment) is a consensus statement on terms, definitions, and measurements that may be used to describe findings and report the sonographic features of the myometrium using gray-scale sonography, colour/power Doppler and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging. The procedure consists of reports on the sonographic features of the uterine corpus, myometrium, and myometrial lesion.   Conclusion: The need for a standardized terminology to describe sonographic findings of the myometrium, both normal and pathological, has given this protocol an advantage to show its benefit, that is not only just for a clinical background but also research purposes. We suggest researchers and clinicians continue to develop further and study the relevance and use of the consensus, especially the correlation of sonographic findings with clinical and histological features. 

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for symptomatic adenomyosis: More areas of concern for more uniform and promising outcomes

Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disease in reproductive women, which causes serious dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, anemia, and infertility, and has a serious impact on the physical and mental health of women. Considering that the efficacy of the traditional medication and surgical treatment is not ideal, an increasing number of patients are searching for more effective and less invasive therapies. Ultrasound (US)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) has emerged as a new effective and minimally invasive alternative treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis, and it is widely being used in clinical settings. Several studies have proven that it is an efficient and safe treatment modality for symptomatic adenomyosis, but a significant variance in clinical outcomes reported in previous studies was also observed. Herein, we have analyzed the potential causes of this problem from the aspects of the diagnosis of adenomyosis, symptom evaluation before ablation, steps of US-guided ablation treatment, and outcome evaluation after ablation. Simultaneously, the clinical problems existing in the ablation treatment of adenomyosis are discussed, and the directions of future research are pointed out.