Endometriosis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
[[Endometriosis]] is defined as the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the [[uterine cavity]]. The most common sites affected are the [[ovaries]], [[Broad ligament of the uterus|broad ligaments]] and the surrounding pelvic structures. It can also affect distant sites such as the [[lungs]], [[ureters]], and [[CNS]]. The exact pathogenesis of [[endometriosis]] is not clear and several theories have attempted to describe its pathogenesis. The Sampson theory of retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia theory, and [[lymphatic]] and [[vascular]] dissemination theory explain the mechanisms of implantation and invasion of the endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is a cause of [[dysmenorrhea]] and [[dyspareunia]]; it must be differentiated from other conditions presenting with similar features such as [[adenomyosis]], [[pelvic inflammatory disease]], pelvic congestion syndrome and | [[Endometriosis]] is defined as the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the [[uterine cavity]]. The most common sites affected are the [[ovaries]], [[Broad ligament of the uterus|broad ligaments]] and the surrounding pelvic structures. It can also affect distant sites such as the [[lungs]], [[ureters]], and [[CNS]]. The exact pathogenesis of [[endometriosis]] is not clear and several theories have attempted to describe its pathogenesis. The Sampson theory of retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia theory, and [[lymphatic]] and [[vascular]] dissemination theory explain the mechanisms of implantation and invasion of the endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is a cause of [[dysmenorrhea]] and [[dyspareunia]]; it must be differentiated from other conditions presenting with similar features such as [[adenomyosis]], [[pelvic inflammatory disease]], pelvic congestion syndrome and submucosal [[uterine fibroids]]. The goal of medical therapy is pain management and reduction in the endometrial implant size. Therapeutic options include [[GnRH agonist|GnRH agonists]] and [[danazol]]. Surgical therapy is reserved for patients with severe disease or failure to improve with medical therapy. | ||
== Historical Perspective == | == Historical Perspective == | ||
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= Differential Diagnosis = | = Differential Diagnosis = | ||
[[Endometriosis]] is a cause of [[dysmenorrhea]] and [[dyspareunia]]. Endometriosis must be differentiated from other conditions presenting with similar features such as [[adenomyosis]], [[pelvic inflammatory disease]], pelvic congestion syndrome, and | [[Endometriosis]] is a cause of [[dysmenorrhea]] and [[dyspareunia]]. Endometriosis must be differentiated from other conditions presenting with similar features such as [[adenomyosis]], [[pelvic inflammatory disease]], pelvic congestion syndrome, and [[submucosal]] [[uterine fibroids]]. | ||
== Epidemiology and Demographics == | == Epidemiology and Demographics == | ||
[[Endometriosis]] affects approximately around 11% of the female population in the reproductive age group. [[Endometriosis]] is more common in | [[Endometriosis]] affects approximately around 11% of the female population in the reproductive age group. [[Endometriosis]] is more common in Caucasians than African American population. The disease accounts for the majority of cases with [[chronic pelvic pain]] and [[infertility]]. | ||
== Risk Factors == | == Risk Factors == | ||
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== Natural History, Complications and Prognosis == | == Natural History, Complications and Prognosis == | ||
[[Endometriosis]] is a condition affecting [[females]] in the reproductive age group. It has a wide spectrum of presentations. It can be [[asymptomatic]] or present with premenstrual spotting and | [[Endometriosis]] is a condition affecting [[females]] in the reproductive age group. It has a wide spectrum of presentations. It can be [[asymptomatic]] or present with [[premenstrual]] spotting and cyclic [[abdominal pain]] or present with [[infertility]] or [[chronic pelvic pain]] or as deep [[endometriosis]] presenting with [[dyspareunia]], [[dyschezia]], and cyclic [[rectal bleeding]]. Complications of [[endometriosis]] include [[infertility]], [[fibrosis]], [[Chocolate cyst of the ovary|chocolate cyst]], and rarely affecting other organs such as, [[lung|lungs]]. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
=== History and Symptoms === | === History and Symptoms === | ||
[[Endometriosis]] is a condition affecting women in the reproductive age group. The presenting features include | [[Endometriosis]] is a condition affecting women in the reproductive age group. The presenting features include cyclic [[abdominal pain]], [[dysmenorrhea]], [[Dyschezia|dyschezia]], and [[Dyspareunia|dyspareunia]]. | ||
=== Physical Examination === | === Physical Examination === | ||
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=== Ultrasound === | === Ultrasound === | ||
Abdominal [[ultrasound]] is useful to differentiate endometriosis from other cystic lesions of female reproductive system. The [[Endometrium|endometrial]] lesions have increased vascularity and will demonstrate increased [[Doppler ultrasound|doppler]] flow. [[Transvaginal ultrasound]] is more sensitive than abdominal ultrasound. | |||
=== Other Imaging Findings === | === Other Imaging Findings === | ||
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=== Medical Therapy === | === Medical Therapy === | ||
The primary goal of medical therapy is pain management and regression of the endometrial [[lesions]]. [[NSAIDS]] are useful for pain management. There are many therapeutic options available to reduce the size of endometrial lesions. [[Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist|Gonadotrophin releasing hormone]] agonists and [[danazol]] are widely used. Continuous [[Combined oral contraceptive pill|oral contraceptive pill]] use is also helpful in patients with mild to moderate [[endometriosis]]. | The primary goal of medical therapy is pain management and regression of the endometrial [[lesions]]. [[NSAIDS]] are useful for pain management. There are many therapeutic options available to reduce the size of endometrial lesions. [[Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist|Gonadotrophin releasing hormone]] agonists and [[danazol]] are widely used. Continuous [[Combined oral contraceptive pill|oral contraceptive pill]] (OCP) use is also helpful in patients with mild to moderate [[endometriosis]]. | ||
=== Surgical Therapy === | === Surgical Therapy === | ||
Revision as of 15:34, 1 August 2017
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S[2]
Overview
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The most common sites affected are the ovaries, broad ligaments and the surrounding pelvic structures. It can also affect distant sites such as the lungs, ureters, and CNS. The exact pathogenesis of endometriosis is not clear and several theories have attempted to describe its pathogenesis. The Sampson theory of retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia theory, and lymphatic and vascular dissemination theory explain the mechanisms of implantation and invasion of the endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is a cause of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia; it must be differentiated from other conditions presenting with similar features such as adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic congestion syndrome and submucosal uterine fibroids. The goal of medical therapy is pain management and reduction in the endometrial implant size. Therapeutic options include GnRH agonists and danazol. Surgical therapy is reserved for patients with severe disease or failure to improve with medical therapy.
Historical Perspective
In the early 19th century, endometriosis was described as adenomyomas. In the 1920s, endometriosis was differentiated from adenomyosis and a detailed description of the disease was given by Cullen and Sampson. Sampson proposed the theory of retrograde menstruation as the pathogenesis of the disease.
Classification
Endometriosis is classified into four stages of severity based on revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine scoring system. The staging is based on the distribution of the lesions and the presence of adhesions.
Pathophysiology
The exact pathogenesis of endometriosis is not clear and several theories have made an attempt to describe the pathogenesis. The Sampson theory of retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia theory, and lymphatic and vascular dissemination theory explain the implantation and invasion of the endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Immunologic factors and genetic factors are also thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Causes
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown; the disease is thought to be multifactorial in origin.
Differential Diagnosis
Endometriosis is a cause of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia. Endometriosis must be differentiated from other conditions presenting with similar features such as adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic congestion syndrome, and submucosal uterine fibroids.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Endometriosis affects approximately around 11% of the female population in the reproductive age group. Endometriosis is more common in Caucasians than African American population. The disease accounts for the majority of cases with chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
Risk Factors
The risk factors predisposing women for the development of endometriosis include early age at menarche, nulliparity, positive family history, and the presence of congenital cervical stenosis or obstructive lesions in the uterovaginal tract.
Screening
Standard screening for endometriosis is not recommended.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Endometriosis is a condition affecting females in the reproductive age group. It has a wide spectrum of presentations. It can be asymptomatic or present with premenstrual spotting and cyclic abdominal pain or present with infertility or chronic pelvic pain or as deep endometriosis presenting with dyspareunia, dyschezia, and cyclic rectal bleeding. Complications of endometriosis include infertility, fibrosis, chocolate cyst, and rarely affecting other organs such as, lungs.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Endometriosis is a condition affecting women in the reproductive age group. The presenting features include cyclic abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, and dyspareunia.
Physical Examination
Examination findings on digital vaginal examination and speculum examination include a fixed retroverted uterus, palpable nodularity of the uterosacral ligaments, and cul-de-sac with narrowing of the posterior fornix.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings associated with endometriosis include features of iron deficiency anemia and increased levels of cancer antigen-125 and interleukin 1.
EKG
There are no specific EKG findings associated with endometriosis.
Chest X-Ray
On chest x-ray, chest endometriosis is characterized by small bubbles at the level of the right diaphragm associated with pneumothorax.
CT
CT of endometriosis is not the most sensitive noninvasive method for the diagnosis; MRI is more useful. On CT, endometriosis shows catamenial pneumothorax, hemothorax, and lung nodules.
MRI
MRI is useful for the assessment of the anatomical locations and severity of the disease. The typical appearance of endometriosis includes a characteristic hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and a hypointensity on T2-weighted images.
Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound is useful to differentiate endometriosis from other cystic lesions of female reproductive system. The endometrial lesions have increased vascularity and will demonstrate increased doppler flow. Transvaginal ultrasound is more sensitive than abdominal ultrasound.
Other Imaging Findings
There are no associated other imaging findings with endometriosis.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Diagnostic laparoscopy is the gold standard to assess the severity and extent of the disease.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
The primary goal of medical therapy is pain management and regression of the endometrial lesions. NSAIDS are useful for pain management. There are many therapeutic options available to reduce the size of endometrial lesions. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists and danazol are widely used. Continuous oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use is also helpful in patients with mild to moderate endometriosis.
Surgical Therapy
Patients with failed medical therapy and patients with stage 3 or stage 4 disease are candidates for surgical therapy. Laser and excision are done for isolated lesions, while total hysterectomy is reserved for patients with extensive disease.
Primary Prevention
There are no primary preventive measures for endometriosis; however reduced intake of exogenous estrogen is advised for elderly women.
Secondary Prevention
There are no secondary preventive measures for endometriosis.