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Zajicek M, Berkowitz E, Yulzari V, Kassif E, Burke Y, Elizur S, Inbar Y, Zolti M, Weisz B, Soriano D. Ultrasound appearance of decidualized non-ovarian endometriotic lesions during pregnancy and after delivery. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:258-262. [PMID: 37740663 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the changes in the ultrasound characteristics of decidualized non-ovarian endometriotic lesions that occur during pregnancy and after delivery. METHODS This was a prospective observational cohort study carried out at a single tertiary center between December 2018 and October 2021. Pregnant women with endometriosis underwent a standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination with color Doppler imaging once in every trimester and after delivery. Non-ovarian endometriotic lesions were measured and evaluated by subjective semiquantitative assessment of blood flow. Lesions with moderate-to-marked blood flow were considered decidualized. The size and vascularization of decidualized and non-decidualized lesions were compared between the gravid state and after delivery. Only patients with non-ovarian endometriotic lesion(s) who underwent postpartum examination were included in the final analysis. RESULTS Overall, 26 pregnant women with a surgical or sonographic diagnosis of endometriosis made prior to conception were invited to participate in the study, of whom 24 were recruited. Of those, 13 women with non-ovarian endometriosis who attended the postpartum examination were included. In 7/13 (54%) cases, the lesion(s) were decidualized. In 4/7 (57%) women with decidualized lesion(s), the size of the largest lesion increased during pregnancy, while in 3/7 (43%), the size was unchanged. The size of non-decidualized lesions did not change during pregnancy. On postpartum examination, only seven lesions were observed, of which three were formerly decidualized and four were formerly non-decidualized. Lesions that were detected after delivery appeared as typical endometriotic nodules and were smaller compared with during pregnancy. The difference in maximum diameter between the gravid and postpartum states was statistically significant in decidualized lesions (P < 0.01), but not in non-decidualized lesions (P = 0.09). The reduction in mean diameter was greater in decidualized compared with non-decidualized lesions (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Decidualization was observed in 54% of women with non-ovarian endometriotic lesion(s) and resolved after delivery. Our findings suggest that the sonographic features of decidualization, which might mimic malignancy, are pregnancy-related and that expectant management and careful monitoring should be applied in these cases. Clinicians should be aware of the changes observed during pregnancy to avoid misdiagnosing decidualized lesions as malignancy and performing unnecessary surgery. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zajicek
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecological Imaging and Fetal Therapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - E Berkowitz
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Endometriosis Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - V Yulzari
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecological Imaging and Fetal Therapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - E Kassif
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecological Imaging and Fetal Therapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Y Burke
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Endometriosis Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - S Elizur
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Endometriosis Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Y Inbar
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Radiology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - M Zolti
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Endometriosis Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - B Weisz
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecological Imaging and Fetal Therapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - D Soriano
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Endometriosis Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Barba M, Morciano A, Melocchi T, Cola A, Inzoli A, Passoni P, Frigerio M. Superinfection of Rectovaginal Endometriosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091514. [PMID: 37174906 PMCID: PMC10177285 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A peculiar complication of endometriosis is a superinfection. However, the superinfection of extra-ovarian endometriosis is anecdotal, and only a few cases have been described. We wanted to present the first cases of the superinfection of rectovaginal endometriosis and to perform a literature review of the superinfection of extra-ovarian endometriosis. METHODS We present a case of a 24-year-old woman who was referred to our Pelvic Floor Unit for rectal-perineal pain, dyspareunia, and recurrent episodes of dense purulent vaginal discharge for one year, in which the superinfection of rectovaginal endometriosis was diagnosed. Moreover, we performed a systematic search of the literature indexed on PubMed up to 31 January 2023. RESULTS Laparoscopic drainage was successful in managing this condition. In the literature, clinical presentation and instrumental and microbiological findings are very heterogeneous. However, the gold standard of management is represented by surgical or percutaneous drainage. CONCLUSIONS In the case of a pelvic abscess, the superinfection of endometriosis lesions should be suspected, and this can represent the onset symptom of endometriosis. Ultrasonography may show nodular or flat hypoechoic lesions with hyperechoic debris and peripheral positive color/power Doppler intensities. The goal of management is to drain the abscess, either percutaneously or via traditional surgery, followed by proper hormonal therapy to reduce recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barba
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pelvic Floor Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Morciano
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Panico Pelvic Floor Center, Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", 73039 Tricase, Italy
| | - Tomaso Melocchi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pelvic Floor Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Alice Cola
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pelvic Floor Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Inzoli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Paolo Passoni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, ASST Monza, Ospedale San Gerardo, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Matteo Frigerio
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pelvic Floor Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Saleh M, Kim AF, Gardner A, Sun K, Brubaker S. Peritoneovaginal Fistula and Appendicitis-Related Pelvic Abscess in Pregnancy. AJP Rep 2020; 10:e129-e132. [PMID: 32309013 PMCID: PMC7159981 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Appendicitis in pregnancy is the most common nonobstetric surgical emergency. Pregnancy causes changes in anatomy, which could lead to uncertainty regarding the diagnosis of appendicitis. This case report describes a case of appendicitis presenting with peritoneovaginal fistula in a pregnant woman in the second trimester, with interesting finding of isolated appendiceal endometriosis on pathology. The importance of complete physical examination, including speculum examination, is emphasized in the pregnant patient presenting with acute-onset abdominal pain. Imaging criteria for diagnosis of appendicitis should be adjusted to account for the gravid uterus, which may cause appendiceal abscess to appear in a variety of locations, such as posterior to the cervix, as in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Saleh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Antonia Francis Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | - Andrew Gardner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Sun
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Sara Brubaker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
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Leone Roberti Maggiore U, Inversetti A, Schimberni M, Viganò P, Giorgione V, Candiani M. Obstetrical complications of endometriosis, particularly deep endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:895-912. [PMID: 29202964 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, a new topic in the field of endometriosis has emerged: the potential impact of the disease on pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize in detail the available evidence on the relationship between endometriosis, particularly deep endometriosis (DE), and obstetrical outcomes. Acute complications of DE, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, bowel perforation, and uterine rupture, may occur during pregnancy. Although these events represent life-threatening conditions, they are rare and unpredictable. Therefore, the current literature does not support any kind of prophylactic surgery before pregnancy to prevent such complications. Results on the impact of DE on obstetrical outcomes are debatable and characterized by several limitations, including small sample size, lack of adjustment for confounders, lack of adequate control subjects, and other methodologic flaws. For these reasons, it is not possible to draw conclusions on this topic. The strongest evidence shows that DE is associated with higher rates of placenta previa; for other obstetrical outcomes, such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and hypertensive disorders, results are controversial. Although it is unlikely that surgery of DE may modify the impact of the disease on the course of pregnancy, no study has yet investigated this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Schimberni
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Giorgione
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Murphy SJ, Kaur A, Wullschleger ME. Endometrial decidualization: a rare cause of acute appendicitis during pregnancy. J Surg Case Rep 2016; 2016:rjw053. [PMID: 27106612 PMCID: PMC4840569 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjw053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Appendicular endometriosis is a rare and poorly understood pathology that affects women in their reproductive years. In the gravid woman, ectopic endometrial tissue undergoes decidualization. This physiological process can result in acute appendicitis in exceptional cases. Here we describe a patient in her second trimester of pregnancy who presented with right iliac fossa pain and clinical, laboratory and imaging findings consistent with acute appendicitis. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed with intraoperative findings suspicious for malignancy. Histological analysis made the surprising diagnosis of decidualized endometriosis causing luminal constriction resulting in acute appendicitis. We also detail the challenging diagnostic and management issues faced by clinicians in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skyle J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
| | - Anupinder Kaur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
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Leone Roberti Maggiore U, Ferrero S, Mangili G, Bergamini A, Inversetti A, Giorgione V, Viganò P, Candiani M. A systematic review on endometriosis during pregnancy: diagnosis, misdiagnosis, complications and outcomes. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:70-103. [PMID: 26450609 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditionally, pregnancy was considered to have a positive effect on endometriosis and its painful symptoms due not only to blockage of ovulation preventing bleeding of endometriotic tissue but also to different metabolic, hormonal, immune and angiogenesis changes related to pregnancy. However, a growing literature is emerging on the role of endometriosis in affecting the development of pregnancy and its outcomes and also on the impact of pregnancy on endometriosis. The present article aims to underline the difficulty in diagnosing endometriotic lesions during pregnancy and discuss the options for the treatment of decidualized endometriosis in relation to imaging and symptomatology; to describe all the possible acute complications of pregnancy caused by pre-existing endometriosis and evaluate potential treatments of these complications; to assess whether endometriosis affects pregnancy outcome and hypothesize mechanisms to explain the underlying relationships. METHODS This systematic review is based on material searched and obtained via Pubmed and Medline between January 1950 and March 2015. Peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles examining the impact of endometriosis on pregnancy and vice versa were included in this article. RESULTS Changes of the endometriotic lesions may occur during pregnancy caused by the modifications of the hormonal milieu, posing a clinical dilemma due to their atypical appearance. The management of these events is actually challenging as only few cases have been described and the review of available literature evidenced a lack of formal estimates of their incidence. Acute complications of endometriosis during pregnancy, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, bowel and ovarian complications, represent rare but life-threatening conditions that require, in most of the cases, surgical operations to be managed. Due to the unpredictability of these complications, no specific recommendation for additional interventions to the routinely monitoring of pregnancy of women with known history of endometriosis is advisable. Even if the results of the published studies are controversial, some evidence is suggestive of an association of endometriosis with spontaneous miscarriage, preterm birth and small for gestational age babies. A correlation of endometriosis with placenta previa (odds ratio from 1.67 to 15.1 according to various studies) has been demonstrated, possibly linked to the abnormal frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions observed in women affected. Finally, there is no evidence that prophylactic surgery would prevent the negative impact of endometriosis itself on pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSIONS Complications of endometriosis during pregnancy are rare and there is no evidence that the disease has a major detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome. Therefore, pregnant women with endometriosis can be reassured on the course of their pregnancies although the physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of placenta previa. Current evidence does not support any modification of conventional monitoring of pregnancy in patients with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Ferrero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mangili
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Alice Bergamini
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Inversetti
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Veronica Giorgione
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy
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Lebastchi AH, Prieto PA, Chen C, Lui FY. Appendiceal endometriosis in a pregnant woman presenting with acute perforated appendicitis. J Surg Case Rep 2013; 2013:rjt104. [PMID: 24968435 PMCID: PMC3888003 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjt104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common disease in women of childbearing age and is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in organs outside of the uterine cavity. Appendiceal endometriosis is very uncommon and accounts for a small fraction of all cases of extrapelvic endometriosis. Cases of that which occur during pregnancy are extremely rare with an incidence that ranges between 3 and 8 deliveries per 10 000. This makes the diagnosis extremely difficult and represents a challenge in the management of the patient. In this report we describe the case of a pregnant woman who underwent ileocecectomy for perforated appendicitis stemming from endometriosis and subsequent pre-term delivery of a 31-week-old fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir H Lebastchi
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Peter A Prieto
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Charlie Chen
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Felix Y Lui
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care and Surgical Emergencies, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Appendiceal endometriosis and carcinoid presented as acute appendicitis in pregnancy: a rare case report and review of the literature. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2013; 2013:360459. [PMID: 23533862 PMCID: PMC3600218 DOI: 10.1155/2013/360459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 22-year-old pregnant woman presented at the twenty-seventh week of gestation in the Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain and right iliac fossa tenderness. Urgent MRI was done and was suggestive of acute appendicitis. A laparoscopy was performed that confirmed an inflamed and purulent appendix that was removed. The technique used is described in detail. The histopathologic findings were those of acute appendicitis, carcinoid, and endometriosis of the appendix. We report the first case of this extremely rare triad presented in pregnancy.
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Saleem A, Navarro P, Munson JL, Hall J. Endometriosis of the appendix: Report of three cases. Int J Surg Case Rep 2010; 2:16-9. [PMID: 22096677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis of the appendix is an entity of extragonadal endometriosis. It commonly affects women in the childbearing age with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Women can present with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis or chronic pelvic pain. The surgical management varies from simple appendectomy to right hemicolectomy depending on the clinical findings. We report 3 cases of endometriosis of the appendix presenting with appendiceal intussusception. The surgical literature is reviewed and current surgical management is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Saleem
- Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Boston, MA, United States
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