Comparison of the effects and safety of dydrogesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate on endometrial hyperplasia without atypia: a randomized controlled non-inferior phase Ⅲ clinical study / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To compare the effects and safety of dydrogesterone (DG) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the treatment in patients with endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (EH). Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, prospective non-inferior randomized controlled phase Ⅲ trial. From February 2019 to November 2021, patients with EH admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University were recruited. Enrolled patients were stratified according to the pathological types of simple hyperplasia (SH) or complex hyperplasia (CH), and were randomised to receive MPA or DG. Untill May 14, 2022, the median follow-up time after complete response (CR) was 9.3 months (1.1-17.2 months). The primary endpoint was the 6-month CR rate (6m-CR rate). The secondary endpoints included the 3-month CR rate (3m-CR rate), adverse events rate, recurrence rate, and pregnancy rate in one year after CR. Results: (1) A total of 292 patients with EH were enrolled in the study with the median age of 39 years (31-45 years). A total of 135 SH patients were randomly assigned to MPA group (n=67) and DG group (n=68), and 157 CH patients were randomly assigned to MPA group (n=79) and DG group (n=78). (2) Among 292 patients, 205 patients enrolled into the primary endpoint analysis, including 92 SH patients and 113 CH patients, with 100 patients in MPA group and 105 in DG group, respectively. The 6m-CR rate of MPA group and DG group were 90.0% (90/100) and 88.6% (93/105) respectively, and there were no statistical significance (χ2=0.11, P=0.741), with the rate difference (RD) was -1.4% (95%CI:-9.9%-7.0%). Stratified by the pathology types, the 6m-CR rate of SH patients was 93.5% (86/92), and MPA group and DG group were respectively 91.1% (41/45) and 95.7% (45/47); and the 6m-CR rate of CH patients was 85.8% (97/113), and MPA group and DG group were 89.1% (49/55) and 82.8% (48/58) respectively. The 6m-CR rates of the two treatments had no statistical significance either (all P>0.05). A total of 194 EH patients enrolled into the secondary endpoint analysis, including 88 SH patients and 106 CH patients, and 96 patients in MPA group and 98 in DG group, respectively. The 3m-CR rate of SH patients were 87.5% (77/88), while the 3m-CR rates of MPA group and DG group were 90.7% (39/43) and 84.4% (38/45), respectively; the 3m-CR rate of CH patients was 66.0% (70/106), and MPA group and DG group had the same 3m-CR rate of 66.0% (35/53). No statistical significance was found between the two treatments both in SH and CH patients (all P>0.05). (3) The incidence of adverse events between MPA group and DG group had no statistical significance (P>0.05). (4) A total of 93 SH patients achieved CR, and the cumulative recurrence rate in one year after CR were 5.9% and 0 in MPA group and DG group, respectively. While 112 CH patients achieved CR, and the cumulative recurrence rate in one year after CR were 8.8% and 6.5% in MPA group and DG group, respectively. There were no statistical significance between two treatment groups (all P>0.05). Among the 93 SH patients, 10 patients had family planning but no pregnancy happened during the follow-up period. Among the 112 CH patients, 21 were actively preparing for pregnancy, and the pregnancy rate and live-birth rate in one year after CR in MPA group were 7/9 and 2/7, while in DG group were respectively 4/12 and 2/4, and there were no statistical significance in pregnancy rate and live-birth rate between the two treatment groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with MPA, DG is of good efficacy and safety in treating EH. DG is a favorable alternative treatment for EH patients.

Effect of letrozole in carcinogen-plus-estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia in mice

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of letrozole (Ltz) in carcinogen+estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia. METHODS: BALB/c female mice were divided into four groups of 12 animals each receiving an intrauterine dose of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) and weekly subcutaneous injections of estradiol hexaidrobenzoate (EHB), except for group I(control). The groups were divided in I (control), II (ENU+EHB), III (ENU+EHB+MPA) and IV (ENU+EHB+Ltz). Group III also received intramuscular injections of MPA (medroxy progesterone acetate) every four weeks, while group IV received oral doses of Ltz daily. At the end of 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum estradiol and progesterone levels. Uterine histological sections were made to evaluate the presence of endometrial proliferative lesions. Differences between groups were evaluated with student's t test, ANOVA and chi-square test. RESULTS: Groups ENU+EHB, ENU+EHB+MPA and ENU+EHB+Ltz showed varying degrees of endometrial hyperplasia. The incidence of hyperplasia in groups ENU+EHB and ENU+EHB+Ltz was higher and more severe than in group ENU+EHB+MPA. Control group showed lower levels of serum estradiol than the other groups. CONCLUSION: There was no evidence that letrozole could act as an antiestrogenic drug in the development of endometrial proliferative lesions.

Immunohistochemical phospho tensin tumor suppressor gene staining patterns in endometrial hyperplasias: A 2-year study.

Background: Endometrial carcinoma is a common neoplasm associated with the female genital tract with considerable morbidity.Eendometrial hyperplasias have been widely regarded as precursor lesions. It is of importance to the pathologist to identify the subset of hyperplasias or the associated factor which could be a possible forerunner of malignancy. Phospho tensin gene (PTEN) has gained importance as one of the factors responsible. Aim: To determine the variability in PTEN expression patterns in different types of endometrial hyperplasias. Settings and Design: The study was undertaken on samples received at the Department of Pathology from 2005 to 2007. Materials and Methods: One hundred samples with 76 showing hyperplasias of different types formed the core "study group" with simple hyperplasia without atypia predominating. The rest belonged to the control groups. PTEN intensity and percentage positivity, variability in patterns of glandular and stromal expression, the number and type of PTEN null glands in different types of hyperplasia were evaluated. Statistical analyses used were Fisher's exact test based on Monte Carlo test and chi-square test. Results: Complex hyperplasia was associated with a reduction in number of strongly PTEN positive glands, with an increase in null glands, seen in clusters. Co-existing atypia was associated with the weakest staining and in fewer glands. Conclusions: PTEN expression in endometrial hyperplasias can be used as an early warning of heightened cancer risk and a potential target for preventive treatment. However, extensive research is needed along this line to conclusively establish its effectiveness.

Hiperplasia endometrial: análisis de serie de casos diagnosticados en biopsia endometrial / Endometrial hyperplasia: analysis of cases diagnosed by endometrial biopsy

Antecedentes: La hiperplasia endometrial es una entidad en la que existe una proliferación de glándulas endometriales de tamaño y forma irregular, con mayor proporción de glándulas sobre el estroma, a consecuencia de una excesiva exposición a los estrógenos. Aproximadamente, en el 15 por ciento de legrados/biopsias endometriales de mujeres postmenopausicas con cuadro clínico de hemorragia uterina anormal, se diagnostica esta entidad. Objetivo: Describir la incidencia y hallazgos histopatológicos en legrado/biopsia endometrial en pacientes de un hospital público de tercer nivel. Métodos: Se revisaron 22.048 procedimientos realizados en el Hospital Universitario de Santander, procesados en el Departamento de Patología de la Universidad Industrial de Santander, en el periodo comprendido entre 1 de enero de 2005 y 31 de diciembre 2008, de los cuales 1.750 correspondieron a legrados/biopsias de endometrio y en 168 de estos se realizó el diagnóstico histopatológico de hiperplasia endometrial. Resultados: Se encontró que el promedio de edad de presentación de está entidad fue de 44,8 años y que el mayor porcentaje de pacientes (68,5 por ciento) estuvieron en el grupo de la hiperplasia simple sin atipia. En el 19,7 por ciento de los casos hubo evidencia de atipia. Conclusiones: El promedio de edad encontrado y los porcentajes por subgrupos de hiperplasia estuvieron en relación a otros estudios. Se destaca una menor proporción de casos con atipia.

Background: Endometrial hyperplasia is an entity in which there is a proliferation of endometrial glands of irregular size and shape, with the highest proportion of glands on the stroma, resulting from excessive exposure to estrogen. Approximately 15 percent of curettages/endometrial biopsies of postmenopausal women with clinical symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding is diagnosed this entity. Objective: To describe the incidence and pathological findings in curettage/endometrial biopsy in patients of a tertiary public hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of 22,048 surgical procedures performed in the University Hospital of Santander, processed in the Pathology Department of Industrial University of Santander in the period from 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2008, of which 1,750 corresponded to curettage/biopsy of the endometrium and in 168 of these histopathological diagnosis was made of endometrial hyperplasia. Results: We found that the average age of presentation in this institution was 44.8 years and that the greater percentage of patients (68.5 percent) were in the group of simple hyperplasia without atypia. In 19.7 percent of the cases had evidence of atypia. Conclusions: The mean age and percentages found by hyperplasia subgroups were relatively within limits with regard to other studies, although broadly outlined in a lower proportion of cases with atypia.

Detection of PTEN immunoreactivity in endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) expression in endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma as analyzed by immunohistochemistry. MATERIAL AND METHOD: PTEN protein expression was evaluated by immunohistrochemical study of 70 paraffin-embedded curettage endometrial tissue samples (10 normal endometrium, 55 endometrial hyperplasia, and 15 endometrial adenocarcinomas) selected from surgical pathology files of the Division of Gynecologic Pathology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, from 2001 to 2004. Intensity of epithelial staining of PTEN immunoreactivity in different histologic types was determined. RESULTS: Absence of PTEN protein expression was detected in 60% of endometrial carcinoma, 60% of atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and 24% of typical endometrial hyperplasia. In endometrial hyperplasia without atypia group, the majority of cases revealed moderate to strong PTEN expression, with 70% in simple hyperplasia and 47% in complex hyperplasia. There is a significant statistical difference of PTEN immunoreactivity among proliferative endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Complete loss of PTEN protein expression was most commonly found in endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia with cytologic atypia.

Preoperative and postoperative agreement of histopathological findings in cases of endometrial hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine agreement of preoperative and postoperative histopathology of endometrial hyperplasia (EH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histopathology of specimens obtained by curettage and hysterectomy within 1 year was retrospectively compared by a skilled gynecological pathologist. Patients who received hormone therapy were excluded. RESULTS: Of 79 women with a preoperative diagnosis of EH, only 32 were diagnosed as EH from hysterectomy specimens. There was no endometrial cancer. The agreement between preoperative and postoperative histology did not achieve statistical significance (Kappa 0.011). Postoperative histopathology was more severe than preoperative diagnosis in 5 (6.3%) patients, including 3 preoperative diagnoses of simple hyperplasia without atypia, 1 simple hyperplasia with atypia, and 1 complex hyperplasia without atypia. CONCLUSIONS: For EH diagnosed by curettage, we can be sure of the diagnosis. However, 6.3% had more severe histology from hysterectomy specimens. Thus, repeated curettage or other investigations should be reconsidered in women with recurrent bleeding.

Correlación anatomopatológica de las hiperplasias endometriales antes y después de la histerectomía / Histopathological correlation of endometrial hyperplasia: before and after of hysterectomy

Objetivo: Correlacionar histológicamente las biopsias del legrado uterino con las biopsias de las piezas de histerectomía en pacientes con hiperplasia endometrial (HE). Método: Se diagnosticaron con biopsia de legrado uterino 90 pacientes con HE entre enero de 2001 y diciembre de 2005. De estas pacientes, 46 correspondieron a HE con atipia (grupo 1) y 44 a HE sin atipia (grupo 2). Todas las pacientes del grupo 1 se sometieron a histerectomía total más salpingooforectomía bilateral. A 28 pacientes del grupo 2 se les realizó la misma cirugía por patologías ginecológicas asociadas. Se compararon los resultados de las biopsias pre y postoperatorias de las 74 pacientes operadas, evaluándose la concordancia entre ellas. Resultados: En la biopsia de la pieza de histerectomía del grupo 1 se observan 31 casos con HE con atipia (67,4 por ciento), 13 casos (28,3 por ciento) sin atipias y 2 casos (4,3 por ciento) de cáncer endometrial. En el grupo 2 hubo 16 casos (57,1 por ciento) con HE sin atipia, 10 casos (35,7 por ciento) con endometrio normal y 2 (7,1 por ciento) casos de HE con atipia. La concordancia fue de un 63 por ciento (p=0,000) entre ambas biopsias y resultó significativamente más baja en el subgrupo de pacientes que presentaban atipias en la biopsia preoperatorio, respecto a las pacientes sin atipias (p=0,028). El likehood ratio de la biopsia preoperatorio de pacientes con HE con atipias fue de 33,2. Conclusión: El diagnóstico con biopsia preoperatoria por legrado, de las pacientes con HE, tuvo una precisión aceptable en comparación a la biopsia de la pieza operatoria, apoyando su utilidad en el manejo de estas pacientes.

Objective: To evaluate the hystopathologic correlation between curettage and hysterectomy specimens in patients with endometrial hyperplasia. Methods: 90 patients were diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia in curettage specimens between January 2001 and December 2005. Of these patients 46 were found to have atypical hyperplasia (group 1) and 44 hyperplasia without atypias (group 2). All the patients in group 1 had a total hysterectomy plus bilateral anexectomy; 28 patients of group 2 had the same surgery because of associate gynecological pathology. Curettage and hysterectomy specimens of 74 patients were compared and evaluated the concordance between them. Results: Of hysterectomy specimens in group 1, 31 cases had atypical hyperplasia (67.4 percent), 13 cases (28.3 percent) hyperplasia without atypias and 2 cases (4.3 percent) with endometrial carcinoma. In group 2, 16 cases (57.1 percent) of hyperplasia without atypias, 10 cases (35.7 percent) with normal endometrium and 2 (7.1 percent) cases of atypical hyperplasia were found. The agreement of the hysto-pathological diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia between both biopsies was 63 percent (p=0.000) and it was significantly lower in the subgroup of patients that had atypias on the curettage biopsy with respect to the patients with hyperplasia with no atypias (p=0.028). The likehood ratio of the biopsy by curettage of patients with atypias was of 33.2. Conclusion: The accuracy of the curettage biopsies as compared with hysterectomy specimens in patients with endometrial hyperplasia was acceptable, supporting its usefulness in the management of these patients.

Hysteroscopy as a standard procedure for assessing endometrial lesions among postmenopausal women

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Endometrial cancer is the most prevalent type of malignant neoplasia of the genital tract. The objective of this study was to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and positive and negative predictive values for diagnostic hysteroscopy, in comparison with histopathological tests, for all lesions of the endometrial cavity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective descriptive study at the public tertiary-level university hospital of Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS: Diagnostic hysteroscopy was indicated in the following instances: endometrial thickness > 4 mm in asymptomatic patients; postmenopausal bleeding; and irregular endometrium or endometrium difficult to assess from ultrasound, with or without vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound evaluations were carried out no more than three months prior to hysteroscopy. RESULTS: There were 510 patients, with a mean age of 61.1 ± 2.0 years and mean time elapsed since the menopause of 12.7 ± 2.5 years. Endometrial biopsies were performed on 293 patients (57.5 percent). Histopathological analysis showed that 18 patients presented endometrial carcinoma or typical or atypical hyperplasia, and none of them presented endometrial thickness of less than 8 mm. No significant differences were found between the median thicknesses of the various benign lesions (p > 0.05). In our data, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and positive and negative predictive values for cancer or hyperplasia were 94.4 percent, 97.0 percent, 96.8 percent, 68 percent and 99.6 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that hysteroscopy is valuable as a diagnostic tool for malignant/hyperplastic and benign lesions, except for submucous myomas, for which the sensitivity was only 52.6 percent.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O câncer endometrial é o tipo mais prevalente de neoplasia maligna do trato genital. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: calcular a sensibilidade, especifi cidade e acurácia, bem como valor preditivo positivo e negativo das histeroscopias diagnósticas em comparação com a análise histopatológica de todas as lesões da cavidade endometrial. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo retrospectivo e descritivo no setor de endoscopia ginecológica do hospital universitário, terciário e público da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: A histeroscopia diagnóstica foi indicada nas seguintes situações: espessura endometrial > 4 mm em pacientes assintomáticas, sangramento na pós-menopausa, endométrio irregular ou endométrio de difícil avaliação pelo ultra-som, com ou sem sangramento vaginal. A avaliação ultra-sonográfi ca foi realizada não mais que três meses antes da histeroscopia. RESULTADOS: A idade média das pacientes foi 61,1 ± 2,0 anos, e a duração média do período pós-menopausa foi de 12,7 ± 2,5 anos. Das 510 pacientes, 293 (57,5 por cento) foram submetidas à biópsia endometrial, no estudo histopatológico, 18 pacientes apresentavam carcinoma endometrial, hiperplasia típica ou atípica e nenhuma delas apresentava espessura endometrial maior que 8 mm. Nenhuma diferença signifi cativa foi encontrada entre as espessuras medianas das várias lesões benignas (p > 0,05). A sensibilidade (94,4 por cento), especifi cidade (97 por cento), acurácia (96,8 por cento) e valores preditivos positivo e negativo (68 por cento e 99,6 por cento respectivamente) foram altos em nosso estudo. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados sugerem que a histeroscopia diagnóstica apresenta boa validade como ferramenta diagnóstica para lesões malignas e hiperplasias, bem como para lesões benignas, com exceção dos leiomiomas submucosos, para o qual a sensibilidade foi de somente 52,6 por cento.

Expression of cyclin D1 in endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma.

This study investigates the role of cyclin D1 in 30 uterine surgical resection and endometrial biopsy specimens from 30 patients with simple hyperplasia (10 cases), complex hyperplasia (6 cases) and endometrial carcinoma (14 cases). Cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry was performed on 2-4 mm thick paraffin sections using labelled streptavidin biotin kit. Cyclin D1 expression was present in 2/6 (33%) cases of complex hyperplasia, 7/14 (50%) cases of endometrial carcinoma and none in simple hyperplasia. Difference in cyclin D1 immunopositivity in simple hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma was statistically significant (p = 0.018) but the difference in cyclin D1 immunopositivity between complex hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma was not statistically significant. Our study suggests that cyclin D1 over-expression may be an early event in endometrial carcinogensis. Since there was no difference in extent and intensity of cyclin D1 expression between complex hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma, it appears that deregulation is maximal in complex hyperplasia.

Prevalência de lesões endometriais em mulheres obesas assintomáticas / Prevalence of endometrial injury in asymptomatic obese women

OBJETIVOS: A obesidade representa importante fator de risco para alterações endometriais. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a prevalência de lesões endometriais, como pólipos, hiperplasia e câncer de endométrio em mulheres obesas assintomáticas, assim como reconhecer os fatores de risco associados. MÉTODOS: Entre dezembro de 2004 e fevereiro de 2006, em estudo transversal foram avaliadas 94 mulheres obesas (índice de massa corpóreo >30Kg/m²), divididas em dois grupos com 47 participantes cada: em idade reprodutiva e após a menopausa. Foram analisados: história clínica, exame físico (antropométrico/ginecológico), determinações bioquímicas e avaliação do endométrio por ultra-sonografia endovaginal, biópsia e histeroscopia (para confirmar patologia endometrial). RESULTADOS: Nas mulheres em idade reprodutiva foram encontrados 12,8 por cento de casos de patologia endometrial, que se associaram significativamente com as elevações da idade, hipertensão arterial (HAS), colesterol e LDL-c. Após a menopausa, foram identificadas 40,4 por cento de lesões endometriais que se associaram significativamente com pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) > 140mmHg, elevação do LDL-c e da estrona. Dois casos de câncer de endométrio foram constatados, sendo um em cada grupo. CONCLUSÃO: O aumento de incidência da obesidade nos últimos anos tem elevado os fatores de risco para o câncer de endométrio. Na idade reprodutiva tivemos um pequeno tamanho amostral de alterações endometriais; com isso, poderíamos apenas sugerir, uma maior atenção àquelas com idade superior a 40 anos, que apresentem HAS e/ou elevação do LDL-c. O status menopausal eleva o risco de lesão endometrial; associado com elevações da PAS, LDL-c e/ou estrona, elas se tornarão candidatas à biópsia de endométrio, visando o diagnóstico precoce do câncer, decisivo para o prognóstico favorável da mulher.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity represents the most important risk factor for endometrial pathology. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of endometrial injuries, such as polyps, hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in asymptomatic obese women, as well as to recognize the associated risk factors . METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2004 and February 2006. Ninety-four obese (body mass index > 30 kg/m²) women were evaluated, divided in two groups of 47 participants each: pre-menopausal and postmenopausal women. Clinical characteristics, physical exams (anthropometric and gynecological), blood count and endometrial assessment by vaginal ultrasonography, biopsy, and hysteroscopy (only for confirmed endometrial pathology), were the variables appraised. RESULTS: In pre-menopausal women, 12.8 percent of cases had endometrial pathology statistically associated to age, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and LDL-c increase. In the post-menopausal women, 40.4 percent of cases had a pathology identified as statistically associated with hypertension, LDL-c and estrone increase. Two cases of endometrial cancer were identified, one in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The increased incidence of obesity over recent years has increased risk factors of endometrial cancer. In pre-menopausal women only a small number of cases with endometrial alterations was observed. Therefore, it is suggested that greater attention be given to those over 40 years of age, associated with hypertension and/or higher LDL-c . The menopausal status increases risk of endometrial injury, and when associated with hypertension, LDL-c and/or estrone increase, women become candidates to biopsy aiming for an early diagnosis of cancer, a decisive factor for a favorable prognosis.

[ case of endocervical microglandular hyperplasia which was formerly diagnosed as adenocarcinoma]

Endocervical microglandular hyperplasia is known as benign proliferation of endocervical glands. Florid form may be mistaken for adenocarcinoma. The patient is a 27-year old female referring when she was during her 37[th] week of pregnancy complaining of decreased movements of her fetus. In vaginal examination a big polypoid and fragile mass was obvious in cervix. The pathological report of the mass was adenocarcinoma. The patient refused further treatment. She safely delivered and consulted her physician 40 days after delivery. In vaginal examination, cervix was completely normal with no mass. Colposcopy and several biopsies from different points of cervix were performed and all reports were endocervical microglandular hyperplasia. She has been followed for 2 years after her delivery and fortunately she has no problem until now

Microglandular hyperplasia of the cervix: frequency in cone specimens, histological patterns, clinical aspects and immunohistochemical markers for differential diagnosis with adenocarcinoma

Although endocervical microglandular hyperplasia (MGH) is a common diagnosis, it can be confused with adenocarcinoma (ACa), mainly of the clear cell type. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the frequency of MGH diagnosis in conization specimens, their histological patterns and characterize the differential diagnosis between MGH and ACa through immunohistochemical markers, as well as some clinical aspects. METHODS: We reviewed 223 cervical cones and 50 ACa in cervical biopsies in order to: 1) assess the frequency of MGH in cones; 2) verify immunohistochemical expression of p53, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Ki67 in both lesions; 3) correlate the findings to age, parity and hormonal status. RESULTS: We found 35 cases of MGH (15.7 percent), of the following patterns: 21 glandular (60 percent); 7 reticular (20 percent); 6 trabecular (17.1 percent) and one solid (2.8 percent). Average age was 36 years and mean parity was three children. Of the MGH patients, 51.42 percent were pregnant or made use of some hormonal therapy. ACa occurred in older patients (mean: 53 years), multiparous and with no hormonal history. CEA was negative in MGH and positive in 62 percent of ACa. Ki67 was weakly positive (5 percent-10 percent stained nuclei) in 8.6 percent of MGH and strong (> 40 percent stained nuclei) in 80 percent of ACa. p53 expression was negative in MGH and only present in 10 percent of ACa. CONCLUSIONS: MGH was common in cones, mainly in young women. Half of the cases were associated with hormonal therapy or pregnancy. CEA and Ki67 were useful but p53 expression was not important for the differential diagnosis with adenocarcinoma.

Embora a hiperplasia microglandular da endocérvice (MGH) seja um diagnóstico freqüente, algumas vezes pode ser confundida com adenocarcinoma (ACa), principalmente de células claras. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a freqüência da MGH em cones de colo uterino, seus padrões histológicos e o diagnóstico diferencial entre MGH e ACa, através de marcadores imuno-histoquímicos e de alguns aspectos clínicos. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados 223 cones, bem como 50 biópsias cervicais com o diagnóstico de adenocarcioma para: 1) verificar a freqüência de MGH nos cones; 2) avaliar a expressão de p53, antígeno carcinoembrionário (CEA) e Ki67 nas lesões; 3) correlacionar as lesões com idade, paridade e estado hormonal. RESULTADOS: MGH ocorreu em 35 cones (15,7 por cento), com os padrões glandular (21 [60 por cento]); reticular (7 [20 por cento]); trabecular (6 [17,1 por cento]) e sólido (um [2,8 por cento]). A média de idade foi 36 anos e de paridade, três filhos; 51,42 por cento estavam grávidas ou usavam terapia hormonal. O ACa ocorreu em pacientes mais velhas (média: 53 anos), multíparas e sem história hormonal. CEA foi negativo em todas MGH e positivo em 62 por cento dos ACa. Ki67 apresentou reatividade baixa (5 por cento a 10 por cento dos núcleos corados) em 8,6 por cento das MGH e alta (> 40 por cento dos núcleos corados) em 80 por cento dos ACa. p53 foi negativo na MGH e positivo em apenas 10 por cento dos ACa. CONCLUSÃO: MGH foi freqüentemente encontrada em cones, principalmente em jovens, sendo metade dos casos associada a terapia hormonal ou gravidez. As expressões do CEA e do Ki67 foram importantes no diagnóstico de ACa, porém o p53 não contribuiu para diferenciar as lesões.

Endometrial aspiration cytology in dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Aspiration cytology is a safe simple and reliable technique without any complication This can be used as a safe and reliable out patient procedure with minimum discomfort to the patient. The use of a cannula as a device for endometrial aspiration provides adequate material for cytological examination. So the present study was undertaken, to assess the ease of collection of endometrial material and to assess the relative compatibility of aspiration cytology and histopathology.

Biopsia endometrial ambulatoria: experiencia preliminar / Ambulatory endometrial biopsy: initial experience

Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia inicial en el diagnóstico histológico con biopsia endometrial ambulatoria obtenida con pipelle de Cornier. Material y método: Se efectuó biopsia endometrial ambulatoria con pipelle de Cornier en 144 pacientes con sospecha clínica y/o ecográfica de patología endometrial difusa. Resultados: Se logró realizar el procedimiento a 131 pacientes (91 popr ciento), obteniéndose diagnóstico histológico satisfactorio en 110 casos (76,4 por ciento). De las 110 muestras analizadas, se diagnosticó cáncer de endometrio en 3 pacientes (2,7 por ciento) e hiperplasia con atipias en 1 paciente (0,9 por ciento). Conclusiones: La biopsia endometrial ambulatoria es un procedimiento sensible, específico, eficiente, seguro y económico, que permite aumentar la cobertura del diagnóstico precoz del cáncer de endometrio.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in blood of patients with uterine myoma, endometrial polypus, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium

Oxidative stress is considered to be involved in pathogenesis of many disorders of the female genital tract. In this study, we explored the lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in women diagnosed with different forms of uterine diseases in order to evaluate the extent of oxidative stress in blood of such patients. Blood samples of healthy subjects and gynecological patients were collected and subjected to assays for superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lipid hydroperoxides. The results show that alterations of measured parameters vary with the enzyme type and diagnosis. However, both reduction in antioxidants and elevation of lipid peroxidation were observed in general. Lipid hydroperoxides level was negatively correlated to superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as positively correlated to catalase activity. In addition, the lipid hydroperoxides/ glutathione peroxidase ratio was found to be increased, according to the type of uterine disease. The obtained results show that perturbation of antioxidant status is more pronounced in blood of patients with premalignant (hyperplastic) and malignant (adenocarcinoma) lesions, compared to those with benign uterine changes such as polypus and myoma.

Histopathologic consistency between endometrial hyperplasia diagnosis from endometrial curettage and pathologic diagnoses from hysterectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the consistency between histopathology of endometrial hyperplasia (EMH) from endometrial curettage and those from the subsequent hysterectomy specimen. The co-incidental finding of endometrial carcinoma in patients with EMH was also studied. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All patients who had a diagnosis of EMH from the curettage procedure and underwent hysterectomy, between January 1995 and December 2004, were identified. The histopathology of the curettage specimens were compared to those of the hysterectomy specimens. RESULTS: The histopathologic subtypes of EMH from the curettage specimens of 46 patients included in the study were: simple or complex hyperplasia in 30 cases and atypical simple or complex hyperplasia in 16 cases. The consistency rate of endometrial tissue from curettage and hysterectomy specimens was 41.3%. The consistency rates were 62.5% and 30.0% in patients with atypical EMH and EMH without atypia respectively. Eight cases (17.4%) of EMH also had co-incident endometrial carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The consistency rate of endometrial tissue from curettage and hysterectomy specimens was only modest. This rate was lower in EMH without atypia.

HER-2neu oncoprotein over expression; Immuno-histo-chemical study in endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma

The present research, investigation aims demonstrating the. HER-2/neu oncoprotein over expression in endometrial adenocarcinoma and hyperplasia. This retrospective study was carried out in the department of pathology, Basic Medical Sciences lnstitute, JPMC, Karachi on formaline fixed paraffin embedded blocks of cases diagnosed as cystic hyperpIasia adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma endomertium during 1996-2000. On the basis of, routine. light microscopic examination an initial diagnosis was made for immunohistochemical staining. LAB-SA [Labeled biotin streptavidine] method was preferred for its higher sensitivity arid less background staining. The cases of cystic hyperplasia subject to immunohistochemistry reveal 44.4% positively to HER-2/neu oncoprotein overexpression, the adenomatous hyperplasia revealed 55% expression to HER-2/neu oncoprotein. The over expression seen in all three grades of the adenocarcinoma being 65.5% [P=0.587]. It is concluded that the over expression to HER-2/neu oncoprotein is present in 44.4%, 55% and 65.5% in cystic hyperplasia, adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma endometrium respectively. Statistically no significant correlation is seen in the HER-2/neu,oncoprotein and other prognostic factor e.g. histological subtype, grade, stage and age of the patient

Valor diagnóstico de la imagen endometrial en histeroscopía ambulatoria / Diagnostic value of the endometrial image in ambulatory histeroscopy

Objetivo: determinar las características de la mucosa endometrial para evaluar la necesidad de obtener una biopsia y descartar la presencia de hiperplasia endometrial con la sola visualización histeroscópica. Material y método: se seleccionaron 132 histeroscopias ambulatorias realizadas entre 1997 y 1999, que presentaron un endometrio dentro de límites normales a la imagen histeroscópica y en las cuales además se obtuvo una muestra histológica. A la visualización histeroscópica los endometrios normales fueron clasificados como atróficos, irregulares, proliferativos y gruesos, siendo comparados posteriormente con el resultado de la biopsia, evaluando la presencia de atrofia, hiperplasia u otras anormalidades endometriales. Resultados: de los 132 casos se encontraron a la biopsia endometrial 17 casos de atrofia, 70 endometrios de tipo proliferativo, 22 endometrios irregulares y 23 endometrios gruesos. Del total de histeroscopias normales un 8,3 por ciento presentó hiperplasia endometrial; sin embargo ninguno de estos casos de hiperplasia se encontró dentro de la categoría de endometrios atróficos. Conclusión: se puede concluir en este trabajo que la única impresión diagnóstica que no obliga a realizar una biopsia dirigida por histeroscopia es la atrofia endometrial. Sin embargo en pacientes sintomáticas la impresión de normalidades frente a un endometrio engrosado, irregular o proliferativo obliga a efectuar siempre la biopsia dirigida para un adecuado diagnóstico histeroscópico

Análisis comparativo entre ultrasonografía transvaginal e histeroscópica dignóstica en patología endouterina / Comparative analysis between transvaginal ultrasonography and diagnostic hysteroscopy in endouterine disease

Se revisan los informes ultrasonográficos, histeroscópicos y anatomopatológicos de 163 pacientes estableciendo concordancia, sensibilidad, especifidad, VPP y VPN a fin de plantear nuevas conductas en nuestra unidad. Las pacientes se dividen en cuatro grupos: postmenopáusicas asintomáticas, premenopáusicas sintomáticas, postmenopáusicas sintomáticas y pacientes con colección líquida intracavitaria. En pacientes postmenopáusicas asintomáticas la ultrasonografía transvaginal tiene sensibilidad y VPN similares a la histeroscopia, por lo tanto sólo las pacientes con ultrasonografía anormal para cavidad uterina ameritan un estudio histeroscópico. En pacientes sintomáticas los parámetros evaluados son favorables para la histeroscopia sugiriendo que ésta debe siempre acompañar a la ultrasonografía en el estudio de sangrado uterino anormal. Es necesario realizar estudios prospectivos adecuados en este tema y que incluyan otras alternativas de evaluación de la cavidad uterina