Endometriosis pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
The exact [[pathogenesis]] of [[endometriosis]] is not clear and several theories exist regarding it. Sampson theory of retrograde [[menstruation]], coelomic [[metaplasia]] theory, [[lymphatic]] and [[vascular]] dissemination theory explain the implantation and invasion of the [[Endometrium|endometrial tissue]] outside the [[uterine cavity]]. [[Immunological|Immunologic]] factors and [[genetic]] factors are also thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of [[endometriosis]].
The exact [[pathogenesis]] of [[endometriosis]] is not clear; several theories have been set forth. The Sampson theory of retrograde [[menstruation]], the coelomic [[metaplasia]] theory, and the [[lymphatic]] and [[vascular]] dissemination theory explain the implantation and invasion of the [[Endometrium|endometrial tissue]] outside the [[uterine cavity]]. [[Immunological|Immunologic]] factors and [[genetic]] factors are also thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of [[endometriosis]].


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
===Pathogenesis===
===Pathogenesis===
====Translocation of the endometrial cells====
====Translocation of the endometrial cells====
The exact pathogenesis of [[endometriosis]] is still unknown. However, several theories have been put forward to explain the presence the of viable and hormonally active [[endometrium]] outside the [[uterine cavity]]. The theories proposed include the following:<ref name="Bulun2009">{{cite journal|last1=Bulun|first1=Serdar E.|title=Endometriosis|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=360|issue=3|year=2009|pages=268–279|issn=0028-4793|doi=10.1056/NEJMra0804690}}</ref><ref name="pmid27165051">{{cite journal| author=Greene AD, Lang SA, Kendziorski JA, Sroga-Rios JM, Herzog TJ, Burns KA| title=Endometriosis: where are we and where are we going? | journal=Reproduction | year= 2016 | volume= 152 | issue= 3 | pages= R63-78 | pmid=27165051 | doi=10.1530/REP-16-0052 | pmc=4958554 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27165051  }} </ref><ref name="pmid26949527">{{cite journal| author=Nothnick W, Alali Z| title=Recent advances in the understanding of endometriosis: the role of inflammatory mediators in disease pathogenesis and treatment. | journal=F1000Res | year= 2016 | volume= 5 | issue=  | pages=  | pmid=26949527 | doi=10.12688/f1000research.7504.1 | pmc=4760268 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=26949527  }} </ref><ref name="pmid23416836">{{cite journal| author=Begum T, Chowdhury SR| title=Aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis - a review. | journal=Mymensingh Med J | year= 2013 | volume= 22 | issue= 1 | pages= 218-21 | pmid=23416836 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23416836  }} </ref><ref name="pmid22819188">{{cite journal| author=Benagiano G, Habiba M, Brosens I| title=The pathophysiology of uterine adenomyosis: an update. | journal=Fertil Steril | year= 2012 | volume= 98 | issue= 3 | pages= 572-9 | pmid=22819188 | doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.044 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22819188  }} </ref>
The exact pathogenesis of [[endometriosis]] is still unknown. However, several theories have been put forward to explain the presence of viable and hormonally active [[endometrium]] outside the [[uterine cavity]]. These  proposed theories are:<ref name="Bulun2009">{{cite journal|last1=Bulun|first1=Serdar E.|title=Endometriosis|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=360|issue=3|year=2009|pages=268–279|issn=0028-4793|doi=10.1056/NEJMra0804690}}</ref><ref name="pmid27165051">{{cite journal| author=Greene AD, Lang SA, Kendziorski JA, Sroga-Rios JM, Herzog TJ, Burns KA| title=Endometriosis: where are we and where are we going? | journal=Reproduction | year= 2016 | volume= 152 | issue= 3 | pages= R63-78 | pmid=27165051 | doi=10.1530/REP-16-0052 | pmc=4958554 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27165051  }} </ref><ref name="pmid26949527">{{cite journal| author=Nothnick W, Alali Z| title=Recent advances in the understanding of endometriosis: the role of inflammatory mediators in disease pathogenesis and treatment. | journal=F1000Res | year= 2016 | volume= 5 | issue=  | pages=  | pmid=26949527 | doi=10.12688/f1000research.7504.1 | pmc=4760268 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=26949527  }} </ref><ref name="pmid23416836">{{cite journal| author=Begum T, Chowdhury SR| title=Aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis - a review. | journal=Mymensingh Med J | year= 2013 | volume= 22 | issue= 1 | pages= 218-21 | pmid=23416836 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23416836  }} </ref><ref name="pmid22819188">{{cite journal| author=Benagiano G, Habiba M, Brosens I| title=The pathophysiology of uterine adenomyosis: an update. | journal=Fertil Steril | year= 2012 | volume= 98 | issue= 3 | pages= 572-9 | pmid=22819188 | doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.044 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22819188  }} </ref>
*'''Sampson's theory of retrograde menstruation'''
*'''Sampson's theory of retrograde menstruation'''
**The theory postulates that the viable [[Endometrium|endometrial tissue]] passes in a retrograde fashion via the [[fallopian tube]]<nowiki/>s to reach the [[peritoneal cavity]] and subsequently implants onto the pelvic structures and organs.
**This theory postulates that the viable [[Endometrium|endometrial tissue]] passes in a retrograde fashion via the [[fallopian tube]]<nowiki/>s to reach the [[peritoneal cavity]] and subsequently implants onto the pelvic structures and organs.
**Factors favoring the theory include the higher risk of developing [[endometriosis]] in patients with cervical stenosis and congenital outflow obstructions which result in a greater retrograde efflux, and resulting in the implantation of endometrial tissue in the [[peritoneal cavity]].
**Factors favoring this theory include the higher risk of developing [[endometriosis]] in patients with cervical [[stenosis]] and congenital outflow obstructions which result in a greater retrograde efflux, resulting in the implantation of endometrial tissue in the [[peritoneal cavity]].
**This theory, however, doesn't explain the disease process in premenarcheal girls and new borns.<ref name="pmid19344855">{{cite journal| author=Templeman C| title=Adolescent endometriosis. | journal=Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am | year= 2009 | volume= 36 | issue= 1 | pages= 177-85 | pmid=19344855 | doi=10.1016/j.ogc.2008.12.005 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19344855  }} </ref>
**This theory, however, doesn't explain the disease process in premenarcheal girls and newborns.<ref name="pmid19344855">{{cite journal| author=Templeman C| title=Adolescent endometriosis. | journal=Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am | year= 2009 | volume= 36 | issue= 1 | pages= 177-85 | pmid=19344855 | doi=10.1016/j.ogc.2008.12.005 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19344855  }} </ref>
*'''Coelomic metaplasia theory'''
*'''Coelomic metaplasia theory'''
**This theory postulates that [[endometriosis]] is a result of [[metaplasia]] of the cells lining the [[Visceral peritoneum|visceral]] and [[parietal peritoneum]] following various [[hormonal]], environmental, or infectious stimuli.  
**This theory postulates that [[endometriosis]] is a result of [[metaplasia]] of the cells lining the [[Visceral peritoneum|visceral]] and [[parietal peritoneum]] following various [[hormonal]], environmental, or infectious stimuli.  
**This theory is supported by the evidence that the abdominal, pelvic, and thoracic peritoneum, the [[Mullerian ducts]], the [[germinal epithelium]] of the [[ovary]] and the [[endometrium]] are all derived from the coelomic wall epithelium, explaining the occurrence of [[endometriosis]] at these sites.
**This theory is supported by the evidence that the abdominal, pelvic, and thoracic [[peritoneum]], the [[Mullerian ducts]], the [[germinal epithelium]] of the [[ovary]], and the [[endometrium]] are all derived from the coelomic wall epithelium, explaining the occurrence of [[endometriosis]] at these sites.
*'''Embryonic rest theory'''
*'''Embryonic rest theory'''
**This theory proposes that [[Endometrium|endometrial tissue]] arises from the cells remaining from [[Müllerian duct|Mullerian duct]] migration during embryonic development, following [[estrogen]] stimulation.
**This theory proposes that [[Endometrium|endometrial tissue]] arises from the cells remaining from [[Müllerian duct]] migration during embryonic development, following [[estrogen]] stimulation.
*'''The stem cell theory:'''  
*'''The stem cell theory:'''  
**This theory is based on experimental evidence explaining the fact that the [[Endometrium|endometrial]] stem cells from the [[Endometrium|basalis]] layer and the [[bone marrow]]-derived [[stem cells]] can travel via the retrograde fashion or via the [[Lymphatic system|lymphatic]] or [[vascular system]] resulting in [[endometriosis]].
**This theory is based on experimental evidence explaining the fact that the [[Endometrium|endometrial]] stem cells from the [[Endometrium|basalis]] layer and the [[bone marrow]]-derived [[stem cells]] can travel via the retrograde fashion or via the [[Lymphatic system|lymphatic]] or [[vascular system]] resulting in [[endometriosis]].


====Implantation of the endometrial cells====
====Implantation of the endometrial cells====
* The presence of [[Endometrium|endometrial]] cells alone outside the endometrial tissue is not [[endometriosis]]. The translocated [[Endometrium|endometrial cells]] must attach to the surrounding tissues, survive the [[Immune system|immune defense]] and be receptive to the hormonal changes of [[estrogen]]. This is facilitated by various factors which influence the disease process:
* The presence of [[Endometrium|endometrial]] cells alone outside the endometrial tissue is not [[endometriosis]]. The translocated [[Endometrium|endometrial cells]] must attach to the surrounding tissues, survive [[Immune system|immune defense]], and be affected by hormonal changes ([[estrogen]]). This is facilitated by various factors that influence the disease process:
**The [[Endometrium|endometrial]] [[stromal cells]] are essential for the attachment of the [[Endometrium|endometrial cells]] to the surrounding [[tissue]].
**The [[Endometrium|endometrial]] [[stromal cells]] are essential for the attachment of the [[Endometrium|endometrial cells]] to the surrounding [[tissue]].
**Ectopic [[Endometrium|endometrial cells]] in [[endometriosis]] are resistant to [[cell mediated immunity]] and have increased proliferative capacity.
**[[Ectopic]] [[Endometrium|endometrial cells]] in [[endometriosis]] are resistant to [[cell mediated immunity]] and have increased proliferative capacity.
**The ectopic endometrial cells have an increased [[aromatase]] expression leading to increased [[estrogen]] concentrations.
**The [[ectopic]] [[Endometrium|endometrial cells]] have an increased [[aromatase]] expression leading to increased [[estrogen]] concentrations.
**Aberrant [[integrin]] expression has also been described as a factor involved in the process of implantation.
**Aberrant [[integrin]] expression has also been described as a factor involved in the process of implantation.


====Invasion and growth of the endometrial cells====
====Invasion and growth of the endometrial cells====
*The [[Endometrium|endometrial]] glandular cells are involved in the process of invasion.<ref name="pmid27424048">{{cite journal| author=Smarr MM, Kannan K, Buck Louis GM| title=Endocrine disrupting chemicals and endometriosis. | journal=Fertil Steril | year= 2016 | volume= 106 | issue= 4 | pages= 959-66 | pmid=27424048 | doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.06.034 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27424048  }} </ref>
*The [[Endometrium|endometrial]] glandular cells are involved in the process of invasion.<ref name="pmid27424048">{{cite journal| author=Smarr MM, Kannan K, Buck Louis GM| title=Endocrine disrupting chemicals and endometriosis. | journal=Fertil Steril | year= 2016 | volume= 106 | issue= 4 | pages= 959-66 | pmid=27424048 | doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.06.034 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27424048  }} </ref>
*Degradation of the [[extracellular matrix]] due to the increased [[proteolytic]] activity allows in the invasion of the [[Endometrium|endometrial]] cells.
*Degradation of the [[extracellular matrix]] due to the increased [[proteolytic]] activity allows for invasion of the [[Endometrium|endometrial]] cells.
*Numerous [[Proteases|metalloproteases]] and [[plasmin]] help in the degradation of the [[extracellular matrix]] and in the establishment of an endometrial lesion outside the [[uterine cavity]].
*Numerous [[Proteases|metalloproteases]] and [[plasmin]] facilitate the degradation of the [[extracellular matrix]] and the establishment of an endometrial [[lesion]] outside the [[uterine cavity]].


====Proliferation of the endometrial cells====
====Proliferation of the endometrial cells====
*The functional [[endometrium]] in the [[uterine cavity]] proliferates in response to the increase in [[estrogen]] levels. The [[estrogen]] levels are dependent on the [[aromatase]] activity which catalyzes the conversion of ovarian [[androstenedione]] into [[estrone]].<ref name="pmid28109841">{{cite journal| author=Patel S| title=Disruption of aromatase homeostasis as the cause of a multiplicity of ailments: A comprehensive review. | journal=J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol | year= 2017 | volume= 168 | issue=  | pages= 19-25 | pmid=28109841 | doi=10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.01.009 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=28109841  }} </ref>
*The functional [[endometrium]] in the [[uterine cavity]] proliferates in response to increased [[estrogen]] levels. The [[estrogen]] levels are dependent on the [[aromatase]] activity which catalyzes the conversion of ovarian [[androstenedione]] into [[estrone]].<ref name="pmid28109841">{{cite journal| author=Patel S| title=Disruption of aromatase homeostasis as the cause of a multiplicity of ailments: A comprehensive review. | journal=J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol | year= 2017 | volume= 168 | issue=  | pages= 19-25 | pmid=28109841 | doi=10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.01.009 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=28109841  }} </ref>
*Endometrial cells in patients with [[endometriosis]] have increased levels in the [[aromatase]] levels leading to increased [[estrogen]] levels resulting in excess proliferation.  
*[[Endometrial]] cells in patients with [[endometriosis]] have increased levels of [[aromatase]], leading to increased [[estrogen]] levels, resulting in excess proliferation.  
*The endometrial cells also have resistance to [[progesterone]] which controls the [[proliferation]] of the endometrial cells. The resistance to [[progesterone]] results in uncontrolled proliferation.  
*[[Endometrial]] cells also have resistance to [[progesterone]] which controls the [[proliferation]] of the endometrial cells. [[Progesterone]] resistance results in uncontrolled proliferation.  
*The reduction of excess [[estrogen]] and resistance to [[progesterone]] forms the basic principle for the medical therapy of [[endometriosis]].
*The reduction of excess [[estrogen]] and resistance to [[progesterone]] forms the basic principles for the medical therapy of [[endometriosis]].


====Commonly affected sites in endometriosis====
====Commonly affected sites in endometriosis====
*[[Endometriosis]] lesions commonly occur in the dependent areas with [[ovaries]] being the most common site.<ref name="pmid17275210">{{cite journal| author=Fritel X| title=[Endometriosis anatomoclinical entities]. | journal=J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris) | year= 2007 | volume= 36 | issue= 2 | pages= 113-8 | pmid=17275210 | doi=10.1016/j.jgyn.2006.12.003 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17275210  }} </ref>
*[[Endometriosis]] [[lesions]] commonly occur in the dependent areas with [[ovaries]] being the most common site.<ref name="pmid17275210">{{cite journal| author=Fritel X| title=[Endometriosis anatomoclinical entities]. | journal=J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris) | year= 2007 | volume= 36 | issue= 2 | pages= 113-8 | pmid=17275210 | doi=10.1016/j.jgyn.2006.12.003 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17275210  }} </ref>
*Other common sites affected by endometriosis include:
*Other common sites affected by endometriosis include:
**Pelvic [[peritoneum]] lining the [[uterus]]
**Pelvic [[peritoneum]] lining the [[uterus]]
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**[[Urinary bladder]]
**[[Urinary bladder]]
**[[Kidney]]<ref name="pmid19476941">{{cite journal| author=Dirim A, Celikkaya S, Aygun C, Caylak B| title=Renal endometriosis presenting with a giant subcapsular hematoma: case report. | journal=Fertil Steril | year= 2009 | volume= 92 | issue= 1 | pages= 391.e5-7 | pmid=19476941 | doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.013 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19476941  }} </ref>
**[[Kidney]]<ref name="pmid19476941">{{cite journal| author=Dirim A, Celikkaya S, Aygun C, Caylak B| title=Renal endometriosis presenting with a giant subcapsular hematoma: case report. | journal=Fertil Steril | year= 2009 | volume= 92 | issue= 1 | pages= 391.e5-7 | pmid=19476941 | doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.013 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19476941  }} </ref>
**[[Lung]]
**[[Lung]]<nowiki/>s
**Arms
**Arms
**Legs
**Legs
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===Genetics===
===Genetics===
*[[Cell-mediated immunity|Cell mediated immunity]] defenses and [[aromatase]] activity are essential for the growth of the translocated tissue. [[Polymorphisms]] in the [[genes]] coding for them are described in women with [[endometriosis]] explaining the genetic predisposition to develop [[endometriosis]].<ref name="pmid27525656">{{cite journal| author=Fan W, Huang Z, Xiao Z, Li S, Ma Q| title=The cytochrome P4501A1 gene polymorphisms and endometriosis: a meta-analysis. | journal=J Assist Reprod Genet | year= 2016 | volume= 33 | issue= 10 | pages= 1373-1383 | pmid=27525656 | doi=10.1007/s10815-016-0783-4 | pmc=5065559 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27525656  }} </ref><ref name="pmid27252161">{{cite journal| author=Blakemore J, Naftolin F| title=Aromatase: Contributions to Physiology and Disease in Women and Men. | journal=Physiology (Bethesda) | year= 2016 | volume= 31 | issue= 4 | pages= 258-69 | pmid=27252161 | doi=10.1152/physiol.00054.2015 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27252161  }} </ref>
*[[Cell-mediated immunity|Cell mediated immunity]] defenses and [[aromatase]] activity are essential for the growth of the translocated tissue. [[Polymorphisms]] in the [[genes]] coding for them are described in women with [[endometriosis]], explaining the genetic predisposition to development of [[endometriosis]].<ref name="pmid27525656">{{cite journal| author=Fan W, Huang Z, Xiao Z, Li S, Ma Q| title=The cytochrome P4501A1 gene polymorphisms and endometriosis: a meta-analysis. | journal=J Assist Reprod Genet | year= 2016 | volume= 33 | issue= 10 | pages= 1373-1383 | pmid=27525656 | doi=10.1007/s10815-016-0783-4 | pmc=5065559 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27525656  }} </ref><ref name="pmid27252161">{{cite journal| author=Blakemore J, Naftolin F| title=Aromatase: Contributions to Physiology and Disease in Women and Men. | journal=Physiology (Bethesda) | year= 2016 | volume= 31 | issue= 4 | pages= 258-69 | pmid=27252161 | doi=10.1152/physiol.00054.2015 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27252161  }} </ref>
*[[Polymorphisms]] in the genes coding for the [[cytokines]] and toll like receptors are also described to increase the risk of [[endometriosis]].  
*[[Polymorphisms]] in genes coding for the [[cytokines]] and [[toll-like receptors]] are also described to increase the risk of [[endometriosis]].  
*Postive family history of [[endometriosis]] in the [[first degree relative|first-degree relative]] is associated with a six times higher risk of developing [[endometriosis]].
*Postive family history of [[endometriosis]] in a [[first degree relative|first-degree relative]] is associated with a six times higher risk of developing [[endometriosis]].
*[[Heterogeneity|Heterogenicity]] of [[chromosome 17]] and [[aneuploidy]] is described in patients with endometriosis.
*[[Heterogeneity|Heterogenicity]] of [[chromosome 17]] and [[aneuploidy]] is described in patients with endometriosis.


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===Gross Pathology===
===Gross Pathology===
*The gross appearance of the endometriosis lesions depends on the site, activity, day of the menstrual cycle, duration of the disease, and the presence of [[fibrosis]].
*The gross appearance of the endometriosis [[lesions]] depends on the site, activity, day of the menstrual cycle, duration of the disease, and the presence of [[fibrosis]].
*On laparoscopy, [[endometriosis]] affecting the pelvic organs appears as raised dark non-hemorrhagic lesions. They can also appear brown, black, white, yellow, pink or clear lesions based on the amount of blood supply.
*On [[laparoscopy]], [[endometriosis]] affecting the pelvic organs appears as raised, dark non-hemorrhagic [[lesions]]. They can also appear brown, black, white, yellow, pink, or clear [[lesions]] based on the amount of blood supply.
*[[Endometriosis]] of the [[ovary]] appears as a dark necrotic tissue and is coined as [[Chocolate cyst of the ovary|"chocolate cyst]]".
*[[Endometriosis]] of the [[ovary]] appears as a dark necrotic tissue and is called [[Chocolate cyst of the ovary|"chocolate cyst]]."
*Extensive [[endometriosis]] can result in [[fibrosis]] of the pelvic structures which can be visualized on [[Laparoscopy|abdominal laparoscopy]].
*Extensive [[endometriosis]] can result in [[fibrosis]] of the pelvic structures which can be visualized on [[Laparoscopy|abdominal laparoscopy]].



Latest revision as of 12:11, 17 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

The exact pathogenesis of endometriosis is not clear; several theories have been set forth. The Sampson theory of retrograde menstruation, the coelomic metaplasia theory, and the 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.

Pathophysiology

Pathogenesis

Translocation of the endometrial cells

The exact pathogenesis of endometriosis is still unknown. However, several theories have been put forward to explain the presence of viable and hormonally active endometrium outside the uterine cavity. These proposed theories are:[1][2][3][4][5]

Implantation of the endometrial cells

Invasion and growth of the endometrial cells

Proliferation of the endometrial cells

Commonly affected sites in endometriosis

Genetics

Associated Conditions

Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.[17][18]

Gross Pathology

Microscopic Pathology

References

  1. Bulun, Serdar E. (2009). "Endometriosis". New England Journal of Medicine. 360 (3): 268–279. doi:10.1056/NEJMra0804690. ISSN 0028-4793.
  2. Greene AD, Lang SA, Kendziorski JA, Sroga-Rios JM, Herzog TJ, Burns KA (2016). "Endometriosis: where are we and where are we going?". Reproduction. 152 (3): R63–78. doi:10.1530/REP-16-0052. PMC 4958554. PMID 27165051.
  3. Nothnick W, Alali Z (2016). "Recent advances in the understanding of endometriosis: the role of inflammatory mediators in disease pathogenesis and treatment". F1000Res. 5. doi:10.12688/f1000research.7504.1. PMC 4760268. PMID 26949527.
  4. Begum T, Chowdhury SR (2013). "Aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis - a review". Mymensingh Med J. 22 (1): 218–21. PMID 23416836.
  5. Benagiano G, Habiba M, Brosens I (2012). "The pathophysiology of uterine adenomyosis: an update". Fertil Steril. 98 (3): 572–9. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.044. PMID 22819188.
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