Subendometrial contractility in menstrual phase visualized by transvaginal sonography in patients with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the propagation direction of the subendometrial myometrial contractile wave in menstrual phase sonographically assessed in patients with and without endometriosis.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Patients and normal volunteers in a university hospital.


METHODS
Sixteen women with (study group) and 21 without (control group) endometriosis.


METHODS
Patients were examined by transvaginal sonography (midsaggital plane of the uterus) and recorded on videotape for a 5-minute period.


METHODS
Direction of propagation of contraction waves.


RESULTS
The endometriosis group showed a predominant retrograde pattern whereas the control group showed a normal antegrade.


CONCLUSIONS
This abnormal cervix-to-fundus myometrial activity could well increase the amount of peritoneal shedding of endometrial menstrual debris, increasing the probabilities of its heterotopic implantation.
Salamanca
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Granada Medical School, Spain.
Beltrán
E
E
D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014590:Uterine Contraction