Importância do diagnóstico por imagem em pacientes com sangramento uterino anormal / Importance of diagnostic imaging in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding

O sangramento uterino anormal é diagnóstico sindrômico comum no consultório do ginecologista e pode comprometer substancialmente a qualidade de vida. O objetivo no diagnóstico de sangramento uterino anormal é distinguir pacientes com causas estruturais (anatômicas), como pólipo, adenomiose, leiomioma, malignidade e hiperplasia, de pacientes que apresentam anatomia normal, nas quais o sangramento pode ser devido a alteração dos mecanismos de coagulação, distúrbios ovulatórios, distúrbios primários do endométrio, iatrogenia, ou ter outra causa não classificada. O diagnóstico se inicia a partir de anamnese detalhada e exame físico geral e ginecológico completos, seguidos da solicitação de exames complementares (laboratoriais e de imagem), conforme indicado. O exame de imagem de primeira linha para identificação das causas estruturais inclui a ultrassonografia pélvica. Histerossonografia, histeroscopia, ressonância magnética e amostragem endometrial para exame de anatomia patológica são opções que podem ser incluídas no diagnóstico a depender da necessidade. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a relevância dos exames de imagem na investigação das causas de sangramento uterino anormal.

Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the commonest presenting complaints encountered in a gynecologist's office and may substantially affect quality of life. The aim in the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding is to distinguish women with anatomic causes such as polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy and hyperplasia from women with normal anatomy where the cause may be coagulopathy, ovulatory disorders, endometrial, iatrogenic and not otherwise classified. Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination followed by appropriate laboratory and imaging tests as indicated. The primary imaging test for the identification of anatomic causes include ultrasonography. Saline infusion sonohysterography, magnetic resonance, hysteroscopy, endometrial sampling are options that can be included in the diagnosis depending on the need. The aim of this article is to present the relevance of imaging exams in the investigation of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Malformação arteriovenosa uterina: um relato de caso / Uterine arteriovenous malformation: a case report

O presente estudo tem como objetivo relatar o caso de uma paciente com malformação arteriovenosa uterina, efetivamente tratada com embolização seletiva e com fertilidade preservada. A malformação arteriovenosa uterina é uma alteração vascular rara até então pouco descrita na literatura. A paciente do sexo feminino apresentou quadro de sangramento uterino anormal, com início 30 dias após um abortamento, sem realização de curetagem, de uma gestação resultante de fertilização in vitro. Foram, então, realizados exames de imagem, que levaram ao diagnóstico de malformação arteriovenosa uterina. O tratamento de escolha foi a embolização arterial seletiva, com resolução do caso. Após sete meses, nova fertilização in vitro foi realizada, encontrando-se na 36a semana de gestação. São necessários mais estudos sobre essa malformação a fim de que sejam estabelecidos os métodos mais eficazes para o manejo de casos futuros, especialmente quando há desejo de gestar.

The present study aims to report the case of a patient with uterine arteriovenous malformation, effectively treated with selective embolization and with preserved fertility. Uterine arteriovenous malformation is a rare vascular disorder that has so far been rarely described in the literature. Female patient presented with abnormal uterine bleeding, starting 30 days after an abortion without subsequent curettage, of a pregnancy resulting from in vitro fertilization. Imaging tests were then performed that led to the diagnosis of uterine arteriovenous malformation. The treatment of choice was selective arterial embolization, with successful results. After seven months, a new in vitro fertilization was performed, being in the 36th week of pregnancy. Further studies on this pathology are needed in order to establish the most effective methods for the management of future cases, especially when there is a desire to become pregnant.

Prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Classification (PALM-COEIN) among reproductive-aged women admitted in a tertiary hospital in Las Piñas

Objective@#To determine the prevalence of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding based on the FIGO (PALM-COEIN) Classification, among patients admitted at a tertiary hospital in Las Pinas City@*Methods@#A cross sectional (retrospective) study was done. Patients aged 15-50 years old who were admitted due to abnormal uterine bleeding from January 2017 to December 2019 were included. Patients with AUB due to pregnancy, vaginitis, bleeding before menarche, and bleeding after menopause were excluded from the study. Patient’s data as to age, obstetrical score, co-morbidity, bleeding patterns were tabulated.@*Results@#A total of 455 subjects were included in the study. Results showed that the most common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding among admitted patients in Perpetual Help Medical Center Las Piñas from January 2017 – December 2019 were due to structural causes (91%). Most prevalent was bleeding due to polyps (50.5%), followed by adenomyosis (18.8%), leiomyoma (16.04%), and malignancy (6.2%). Prevalence of non-structural causes of bleeding was 0.4% for coagulopathy, 3.3% due to ovulatory dysfunction, 4.6% due to endometrial dysfunction, and 0.2% for AUB-N.@*Conclusion@#Based on this 3-year retrospective study, structural causes are the most common causes of AUB, comprising about 91% of all patients admitted for AUB. The most common structural causes are AUB-P (50.5%), followed by AUB-A, AUB-L and AUB-M. Prompt recognition of the causes of AUB is very important, to prevent complications such as severe anemia and shock. Proper treatment, be it surgical or medical, also depends on the exact cause of AUB.

Tumor rupture and partial gut obstruction: Atypical presentations in a patient with adenomyosis / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

@#A 49-year-old woman, Gravida 8 Para 8 (8007), came in due to vomiting and enlarging abdominal mass. Initial diagnosis was partial gut obstruction and acute kidney injury probably secondary to adenomyosis versus colonic pathology. Ultrasound showed adenomyosis but computed tomography scan showed a uterine mass with possible tumor rupture and mass effects. Emergency hysterectomy was done and showed an ill-defined endometrial mass with multiple areas of rupture. It was diagnosed with malignant but final histopathology revealed extensive adenomyosis with acute inflammation and necrosis with no malignancy identified. Unusual symptoms such as uterine rupture and mass effects can accompany adenomyosis, alongside typical signs like pain and bleeding. Ultrasound aided the diagnosis, although it missed uterine rupture, highlighting its limitations. Magnetic resonance imaging could have been useful. Ultimately, histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosing adenomyosis.

Preoperative MR T2WI signal characteristics of adenomyosis are closely related with the outcome of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation: a propensity score-matched cohort study / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the correlation of magnetic resonance (MR) T2-weighted image (T2WI) signal characteristics of adenomyosis and the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation.@*METHODS@#Based on the presence or absence of patchy hyperintense foci on preoperative MR T2WI, the patients with adenomyosis undergoing HIFU treatment were divided into homogeneous signal group and heterogeneous signal group, and the heterogeneous group was further divided into heterogeneous hypointense group and heterogeneous isointense group according to signal intensity of the lesions. The patients in heterogeneous signal group were matched with the patients in the homogeneous group at a 1:1 ratio using the propensity score matching, and similarly, the patients in the heterogeneous hypointense group were matched with those in the heterogeneous isointense group at a 1:1 ratio. The non-perfused volume ratio (NPVR) and relief of dysmenorrhea were used to assess the therapeutic efficacy in the 4 groups.@*RESULTS@#A total of 299 patients were enrolled, who had a median preoperative dysmenorrhea score of 7.0 (6.0, 8.0) and a median NPVR of 53.5% (35.4, 70.1)%. After propensity score matching, the NPVR in homogeneous signal group was significantly higher than that in heterogeneous signal group [(60.3 ± 21.8)% vs (44.6±21.6)%, P < 0.05]. At 3, 6 and 12 months after HIFU, dysmenorrhea relief rates were higher in homogeneous signal group than in heterogeneous signal group, and the difference was statistically significant at 12 months (91.1% vs 76.8%, P < 0.05). The NPVR of heterogeneous hypointense group was higher than that of heterogeneous isointense group [(54.0±22.0) % vs (47.3± 22.9) %, P < 0.05]. At 6 months after HIFU, dysmenorrhea relief rate was significantly higher in heterogeneous hypointense group than in heterogeneous isointense group (91.5% vs 80.9%, P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The signal characteristics of adenomyosis on T2WI are closely related with the outcome of HIFU ablation, and its efficacy is better for homogeneous than for heterogeneous adenomyosis, and better for heterogeneous hypointense adenomyosis than for heterogeneous isointense adenomyosis.

Investigation of familial tendency of endometriosis / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To investigate the familial heritability of endometriosis and to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with or without a family history of endometriosis. Methods: From January 2020 to June 2022, 850 patients with endometriosis confirmed by laparotomy or laparoscopy in Peking University Third Hospital were included in this study. Clinical data were collected, family history was followed up, and the differences of clinical indicators between patients with and without family history of endometriosis were compared. Results: A total of 850 patients were enrolled, with an average age of (33.8±7.0) years old, 315 (37.1%, 315/850) patients in stage Ⅲ and 496 (58.4%, 496/850) patients in stage Ⅳ. There were 100 patients with family history of endometriosis, accounting for 11.8% (100/850). Most of the 113 relatives involved were mothers, daughters and sisters (76.1%, 86/113), 81.5% (22/27) of the second and third degree relatives were maternal relatives. The median ages of patients with and without family history of endometriosis were 30 and 33 years old respectively at the time of diagnosis. The unmarried rate of patients with family history was higher [42.0% (42/100) vs 26.3% (197/750)]. The percentage of dysmenorrhea patients with family history was higher [89.0% (89/100) vs 55.5% (416/750)]. The medians of dysmenorrhea score in patients with and without family history were 6 and 2, and the median durations of dysmenorrhea were 10 and 1 years. There were significant differences in age, marital status, percentage of dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhea score and duration (all P<0.001). The median levels of serum cancer antigen (CA) 125 in patients with family history and patients without family history at the time of diagnosis were 57.5 and 46.9 kU/L respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in nationality, bady mass index, menarche age, menstrual cycle, menstrual period, menstrual volume, serum CA19-9 level, cyst location and size, stage, history of adverse pregnancy and childbirth, infertility, adenomyosis and deep infiltrating endometriosis (all P>0.05). By comparing the specific conditions of dysmenorrhea patients with and without family history of endometriosis, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the age of onset of dysmenorrhea, duration of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, and progressive aggravation of dysmenorrhea (all P>0.05). The difference in the degree of dysmenorrhea in dysmenorrhea patients with family history of endometriosis was significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of endometriosis has a familial tendency, and most of the involved relatives are the first degree relatives. Compared with patients without family history of endometriosis, endometriosis patients with family history are diagnosed at an earlier age, with higher percentage of dysmenorrhea, had more severe dysmenorrhea and higher serum CA125 level.

Analysis of the relationship between MRI imaging characteristics and clinical symptoms and therapeutic efficacy in adenomyosis patients / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To investigate the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging characteristics and clinical symptoms and therapeutic efficacy in adenomyosis patients. Methods: The clinical characteristics of the adenomyosis questionnaire was self-designed. This was a retrospective study. From September 2015 to September 2020, totally 459 patients were diagnosed with adenomyosis and underwent pelvic MRI examination at Peking University Third Hospital. Clinical characteristics and treatment were collected, MRI was used to determine the lesion location, and to measure the maximum lesion thickness, the maximum myometrium thickness, uterine cavity length, uterine volume, the minimum distance between the lesion and serosa or endometrium, and whether combined with ovarian endometrioma. The difference of MRI imaging characteristics in patients with adenomyosis and its relationship with clinical symptoms and therapeutic efficacy were analyzed. Results: (1) Among the 459 patients, the age was (39.1±6.4) years. There were 376 patients (81.9%, 376/459) with dysmenorrhea. Whether patients had dysmenorrhea were related to uterine cavity length, uterine volume, ratio of the maximum lesion thickness to the maximum myometrium thickness, and whether patients had ovarian endometrioma (all P<0.001). Multivariate analysis suggested that ovarian endometrioma was the risk factor for dysmenorrhea (OR=0.438, 95%CI: 0.226-0.850, P=0.015). There were 195 patients (42.5%, 195/459) with menorrhagia. Whether patients had menorrhagia were related to age, whether patients had ovarian endometrioma, uterine cavity length, the minimum distance between lesion and endometrium or serosa, uterine volume, ratio of the maximum lesion thickness to the maximum myometrium thickness (all P<0.001). Multivariate analysis suggested that ratio of the maximum lesion thickness to the maximum myometrium thickness was the risk factor for menorrhagia (OR=774.791, 95%CI: 3.500-1.715×105, P=0.016). There were 145 patients (31.6%, 145/459) with infertility. Whether the patients had infertility were related to age, the minimum distance between lesion and endometrium or serosa, and whether patients had ovarian endometrioma (all P<0.01). Multivariate analysis suggested that young and large uterine volume were risk factors for infertility (OR=0.845, 95%CI: 0.809-0.882, P<0.001; OR=1.001, 95%CI: 1.000-1.002, P=0.009). (2) The success rate of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) was 39.2% (20/51). Dysmenorrhea, high maximum visual analogue scale score and large uterine volume affected the success rate of IVF-ET (all P<0.05). The smaller the maximum lesion thickness, the smaller the distance between the lesion and serosa, the larger the distance between the lesion and endometrium, the smaller the uterine volume, and the smaller the ratio of the maximum lesion thickness to the maximum myometrium thickness, the better the therapeutic efficacy of progesterones (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Concomitant ovarian endometrioma increases the risk of dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis. The ratio of the maximum lesion thickness to the maximum myometrium thickness is an independent risk factor for menorrhagia. Young and large uterine volume may increase the risk of infertility. Severe dysmenorrhea and large uterine volume affect the success rate of IVF-ET. The therapeutic efficacy of progesterones is relatively better when the lesion is small and far away from the endometrium.

Factors associated with deep infiltrating endometriosis, adenomyosis and ovarian endometrioma

INTRODUCTION@#To compare epidemiological features and clinical presentations of deep infiltrating endometriosis with endometrioma and adenomyosis, as well as to identify risk factors for the respective histologically confirmed conditions.@*METHOD@#Patients undergoing index surgery at the National University Hospital, Singapore for endometriosis or adenomyosis over a 7-year period-from 2015 to 2021-were identified from hospital databases using the Table of Surgical Procedures coding. Social and epidemiological features of cases with histologically confirmed diagnoses of endometrioma only, adenomyosis only, and deep infiltrating endometriosis were compared. Significant variables from univariate analysis were entered into 3 binary multivariate logistic regression models to obtain independent risk factors for: deep infiltrating endometriosis versus endometrioma only, deep infiltrating endometriosis versus adenomyosis only, and adenomyosis only versus endometrioma only.@*RESULTS@#A total of 258 patients were included with 59 ovarian endometrioma only, 47 adenomyosis only, and 152 deep infiltrating endometrioses. Compared to endometrioma only, deep infiltrating endometriosis was associated with higher rates of severe dysmenorrhoea (odds ratio [OR] 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-7.70) and out-of-pocket private surgical care (OR 4.72, 95% CI 1.85-12.04). Compared to adenomyosis only, deep infiltrating endometriosis was associated with a higher fertility desire (OR 13.47, 95% CI 1.01-180.59) and a lower body mass index (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79-0.99). In contrast, heavy menstrual bleeding was the hallmark of adenomyosis, being less common in patients with endometriosis.@*CONCLUSION@#Deep infiltrating endometriosis is associated with severe dysmenorrhoea, pain related to urinary and gastrointestinal tracts, higher fertility desire and infertility rate. Patients with pain symptomatology and subfertility should be referred early to a tertiary centre with the capability to diagnose and manage deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Adenomiosis apendicular: reporte de dos casos / Appendicular adenomiosis: report of two cases

Resumen Los adenomiomas son tumoraciones benignas constituidas por un agregado nodular de músculo liso, glándulas endometriales y estroma endometrial. La presencia de adenomiomas fuera del útero es un hallazgo infrecuente. Presentamos dos casos de adenomiomas extrapélvicos localizados en el apéndice. El estudio histológico resultó esencial para el diagnóstico.

Abstract Adenomyomas are a benign tumor compound of smooth muscle nodular aggregate, endometrial glands and endometrial stroma. Adenomyomas presenting outside uterus are a rare finding. Here we report two extrapelvic adenomyomas of the appendix. Histological examination was essential for diagnosis.

Association of 2D and 3D transvaginal ultrasound findings with adenomyosis in symptomatic women of reproductive age: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) findings with adenomyosis symptoms. METHODS: This prospective study conducted between January and December 2018 enrolled 78 women aged 18 to 40 years with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), infertility, and/or pelvic pain. All patients underwent 2D and 3D TVUS. Signs of adenomyosis on TVUS were identified according to the consensus of the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment group. RESULTS: The prevalence of adenomyosis on TVUS was 55.12%. Patients with adenomyosis were older (p=0.002) and had more dysmenorrhea, AUB, and endometriosis than those without adenomyosis. When comparing the presence of symptoms with each adenomyosis feature, on 2D TVUS, severe dyspareunia was significantly associated with the presence of a poorly defined junctional zone (JZ) (p=0.023) and on 3D TVUS, patients with AUB had a more irregular (p=0.003), poorly defined (p=0.028), and interrupted JZ (p=0.011). After logistic regression analysis, signs of adenomyosis on TVUS remained significantly associated only with age over 30 years (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.0-1.2) and AUB (OR: 7.65; 95% CI: 2-29). Patients with diffuse adenomyosis were older and presented with more infertility and AUB than patients with focal or no adenomyosis. CONCLUSION: The findings of adenomyosis by 2D and 3D TVUS showed association with age and AUB. 3D TVUS alterations in the JZ were associated with AUB and dyspareunia. Diffuse adenomyosis was associated with older age, a greater prevalence of infertility, and AUB.

Pharmacological treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis: a systematic review / Tratamento farmacológico para adenomiose sintomática: revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective To assess the efficacy of non-surgical treatment for adenomyosis. Data Sources A search was performed by two authors in the Pubmed, Scopus, and Scielo databases and in the grey literature from inception to March 2018, with no language restriction. Selection of Studies We have included prospective randomized studies for treating symptomaticwomen with adenomyosis (abnormal uterine bleeding and/or pelvic pain) diagnosed by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Data Collection Studies were primarily selected by title and abstract. The articles that were eligible for inclusion were evaluated in their entirety, and their data was extracted for further processing and analysis. Data Synthesis From567retrieved records only 5 remained for analysis. The intervention groups were: levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)(n= 2), dienogest (n= 2), and letrozole (n= 1). Levonorgestrel intrauterine system was effective to control bleeding when compared to hysterectomy or combined oral contraceptives (COCs). One study assessed chronic pelvic pain and reported that LNG-IUS was superior to COC to reduce symptoms. Regarding dienogest, it was efficient to reduce pelvic pain when compared to placebo or goserelin, but less effective to control bleeding than gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog. Letrozolewas as efficient asGnRHanalog to relieve dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, but not for chronic pelvic pain. Reduction of uterine volumewas seen with aromatase inhibitors, GnRH analog, and LGN-IUD. Conclusion Levonorgestrel intrauterine system and dienogest have significantly improved the control of bleeding and pelvic pain, respectively, in women with adenomyosis. However, there is insufficient data from the retrieved studies to endorse eachmedication for this disease. Further randomized control tests (RCTs) are needed to address pharmacological treatment of adenomyosis.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de tratamento não cirúrgico para adenomiose. Fontes de dados: Uma pesquisa foi realizada por dois autores nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo e na literatura cinzenta desde o início de cada base de dados até março de 2018, sem restrição de idioma. Seleção de estudos: Incluímos estudos prospectivos randomizados para tratamento de mulheres sintomáticas com adenomiose (sangramento uterino anormal e/ou dor pélvica) diagnosticadas por ultrassonografia ou ressonância magnética. Coleta de dados: Os estudos foram selecionados principalmente por título e resumo. Os artigos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão foram avaliados na íntegra, e seus dados foram extraídos para posterior processamento e análise. Síntese dos dados: De 567 registros recuperados, somente 5 permaneceram para análise. Os grupos de intervenção foram: sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG) (n= 2), dienogest (n= 2), e letrozol (n= 1). O SIU-LNG foi efetivo no controle do sangramento quando comparado à histerectomia ou aos contraceptivos orais combinados (COCs).Umestudo avaliou a dor pélvica crônica e relatou que o SIU-LNGfoi superior ao COC para reduzir os sintomas.Emrelação ao dienogest, este foi eficienteemreduzir a dor pélvica quando comparado ao placebo ou à goserelina, mas foi menos eficaz no controle do sangramento do que o análogo do hormônio liberador de gonadotropina (GnRH). O letrozol foi tão eficiente quanto o análogo do GnRH para aliviar a dismenorreia e a dispareunia, mas não para a dor pélvica crônica. Redução do volume uterino foi observada com inibidores de aromatase, análogo de GnRH, e SIU-LNG. Conclusão: O SIU-LNG e dienogest apresentaram bons resultados para o controle de sangramento e dor pélvica, respectivamente, em mulheres com adenomiose. No entanto, não há dados suficientes para endossar cada medicação para tratar essa doença. Futuros estudos randomizados são necessários para avaliar o tratamento farmacológico da adenomiose.

Therapeutic efficacy of Mirena in gynecologic disease

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was originally developed as a method of contraception and was first marketed in Finland in 1990. In Korea, the only LNG-IUS approved for non-contraceptive use is Mirena, a T-shaped device with a vertical stem containing a reservoir of 52 mg of levonorgestrel, which releases 20 µg of levonorgestrel per day. The device's strong local effects on the endometrium benefit women with gynecological conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, leiomyoma, adenomyosis, and endometriosis. There is also evidence to support its role in endometrial protection during postmenopausal estrogen therapy and in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia and, possibly, early endometrial cancer. Because of its effectiveness, safety, and high patient satisfaction, the LNG-IUS will continue to provide important benefits in women's reproductive health.

Stratified treatment and management of adenomyosis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

In recent years, surgical and non-surgical excision and drug therapy have replaced hysterectomy as the main therapeutic modalities for adenomyosis. It is suggested that the precise clinical diagnosis should be based on the reconstruction of digitized three-dimensional model with original image data of adenomyosis. Patients' age and clinical manifestations should also be considered, and the patients should be stratified according to reproductive requirements, so as to determine the best treatment. In view of the infiltration and diffuse growth of adenomyosis lesions in the myometrium of the uterus, it is suggested that long-term drug management should be adopted after surgical or non-surgical lesion resection.Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, dienogest and short-acting oral contraceptives should be recommended to consolidate the curative effect in order to delay the progress of the disease and prevent recurrence.

Efficacy and adverse effects of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in treatment of adenomyosis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) in the treatment of adenomyosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 75 patients with adenomyosis who had Mirena insertion in Women's Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine from September 2013 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up to 39 months. The efficacy and adverse effects were assessed.@*RESULTS@#Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) scores were decreased significantly after Mirena insertion both in patients with menorrhea (118±13 vs. 29±33, 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Mirena is effective and safe in the long term management of adenomyosis, but about one third patients may require further treatment because of the expulsion or ineffectiveness of Mirena.

The second generation endometrial ablation (NovaSure) improves efficacy of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in management of adenomyosis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the efficacy of second generation endometrial ablation (NovaSure) combined with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) in the treatment of adenomyosis.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of patients with adenomyosis admitted in Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 66 patients, 44 received Mirena placement only (control group) and 22 received Mirena placement and NovaSure treatment (study group). The menstruation blood loss, dysmenorrhea score, uterine size, expulsion rate of Mirena and the patients' satisfaction rate were assessed in two groups.@*RESULTS@#There was a significant reduction in menstruation blood loss (0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#NovaSure can improve the efficacy of Mirena in treatment of adenomyosis.

Progress on medical treatment in the management of adenomyosis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Drug therapy plays an important role in alleviating the symptoms related to adenomyosis, improving the curative effect of surgery, delaying the progress of disease and promoting assisted reproduction. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first choice to control pain associated with adenomyosis, and are the only choice for patients with recent fertility requirements; steroid hormones, gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists and mifepristone can effectively relieve pain and control uterine bleeding, among which oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel-releasing intranterine system (Mirena) and dienogest are more effective and commonly used in clinic. Drug selection should be based on patient's age, symptoms, uterine size, fertility requirements and economical conditions. At present, there is no specific drug for adenomyosis, and symptoms are easy to recur after drug withdrawal, so the long-term drug use needs further study.

Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma Originated from Adenomyosis / 이화의대지

A 66-year-old postmenopausal woman received routine gynecologic check-up. Transvaginal ultrasonography and abdominal and pelvic computed tomography showed about 5-cm cystic mass in uterus with solid component and the patient had thin endometrium and the serum level of CA 125 was normal. We performed a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and found tumor which had brownish cystic fluid and about 2 cm sized and colored in light yellowish, polypoid protruding solid mass, located within the myometrial wall. Histopathological examination of frozen section revealed malignancy. The tumor was confined within the myometrium and its histologic type was clear cell adenocarcinoma. Finally we identified that the myometrial mass was clear cell adenocarcinoma originated from adenomyosis pathologically. The malignant transformation of adenomyosis is very rare. When we find a cystic change with solid component in adenomyosis patients, clear cell adenocarcinoma should be suspected as a differential diagnosis and magnetic resonance imaging should be considered for further evaluation.

Artificial Neural Network Analysis of Spontaneous Preterm Labor and Birth and Its Major Determinants

BACKGROUND: Little research based on the artificial neural network (ANN) is done on preterm birth (spontaneous preterm labor and birth) and its major determinants. This study uses an ANN for analyzing preterm birth and its major determinants.

Polycystic ovarian morphology is associated with primary dysmenorrhea in young Korean women

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at identifying a correlation between polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) and the severity of primary dysmenorrhea in young Korean women. METHODS: A total of 592 patients who visited a tertiary hospital from March 2008 to March 2015 for dysmenorrhea were examined. After excluding those with secondary causes of menstrual pain (for example, myoma, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease), 361 women were recruited and retrospectively analyzed. Severe dysmenorrhea was defined as a visual analog scale (VAS) score ≥6. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 23.0±4.0 years, the average menstrual cycle length was 34.4±23.7 days, and the average pain intensity was VAS 6.7±0.1 at baseline. PCOM was assessed by ultrasound in 54 women (15%). Patients with severe menstrual pain were more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles (P=0.03) and heavy menstrual flow (P=0.01) than those with mild menstrual pain. After adjusting for weight, height, menstrual cycle interval, and menstrual flow in the logistic regression analysis, PCOM (odds ratio [OR], 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–4.97; P=0.04) and heavy menstrual flow (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.05–3.28; P=0.04) were found to be significant independent factors influencing pain. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that PCOM may have a correlation with the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. Since PCOM may play a role in the development of menstrual pain, patients with PCOM should be under active surveillance with resources for prompt pain management readily available. It may also be necessary to further investigate the molecular mechanisms of pain development in primary dysmenorrhea.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Leiomyomas and Adenomyosis: A Pictorial Essay Based on Our Experience from 1300 Cases

Since its introduction in 1995, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become an established option for the treatment of leiomyomas. Identification of a leiomyoma using arteriography improves the ability to perform effective UAE. UAE is not contraindicated in a pedunculated subserosal leiomyoma. UAE in a cervical leiomyoma remains a challenging procedure. A leiomyoma with high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging responds well to UAE, but a malignancy with similar radiological features should not be misdiagnosed as a leiomyoma. Administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists before UAE is useful in selected patients and is not a contraindication for the procedure. The risk of subsequent re-intervention 5 years after UAE is approximately 10%, which represents an acceptable profile. UAE for adenomyosis is challenging; initial embolization using small particles can achieve better success than that by using larger particles. An intravenous injection of dexamethasone prior to UAE, followed by a patient-controlled analgesia pump and intra-arterial administration of lidocaine after the procedure, are useful techniques to control pain. Dexmedetomidine is an excellent supplemental sedative, showing a fentanyl-sparing effect without causing respiratory depression. UAE for symptomatic leiomyoma is safe and can be an alternative to surgery in most patients with a low risk of re-intervention.