Adenomyosis in hysterectomy specimens: prevalence and correlation with age, parity and associated pathology

ABSTRACT

To determine the prevalence of adenomyosis in hysterectomy specimens and to correlate it with age, parity and associated pathologies. Descriptive Study. This study was carried out at the pathology department, Railway hospital, Islamic International Medical College trust Rawalpindi, from Jan 2008-Dec, 2010. Two hundreds and four hysterectomy specimens were included in the study. Standard histological techniques were followed and at least three sections were taken from the uterine wall. Adenomyosis was diagnosed if endometrial glands and stroma were found at least one low-power field away from the endometrial-myometrial junction. Out of 204 hysterectomy specimens received in the pathology laboratory during three year study period 47 [23%] had adenomyosis. The age of patients with adenomyosis ranged from 32-64 years, a significantly higher prevalence being reported in those aged 40-59 years. A high prevalence of adenomyosis was found in multiparous women. No adenomyosis was found in nulliparous women. The analysis of other pathological entities [one or more in a single specimen], associated with adenomyosis showed uterine leiomyomas in 16 [34%], endometrial hyperplasia in 4 [8.5%] and endometrial polyps in 2 [4.2%] women. Adenomyosis is commonly found in multiparous women. Definite association with fibroids, endometrial polyps and endometrial hyperplasia cannot be established