Histologic appearance of endometriosis infiltrating uterosacral ligaments in women with painful symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the histologic appearance of deep endometriosis infiltrating the uterosacral ligaments (USL).


METHODS
Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
One hundred forty-nine women with pain due to endometriosis.


METHODS
Resection of one or both USL.


RESULTS
One hundred seventy-two USL were examined by histology after unilateral resection in 126 patients (84.6%) and bilateral resection in 23 (15.4%). Two-thirds of women (122, 70.9%) had a classic appearance of endometriosis. Lesions of myoproliferative endometriosis with a histologic appearance of so-called adenomyotic nodules were observed in 25 (14.5%). Associated fibrosis was most frequent in patients with positive compared with negative histology (85, 69.7% vs 18, 36.0%).


CONCLUSIONS
Anatomicopathologic lesions of deep endometriosis infiltrating the USL are heterogeneous. Adenomyotic nodules are not frequently observed.
Bonte
Hélène
H
Service de Chirurgie Gynécologique, Clinique Universitaire Baudelocque, Cochin Port-Royal, 123 Boulevard Port-Royal, 75014 Paris, France.
Chapron
Charles
C
Vieira
Marco
M
Fauconnier
Arnaud
A
Barakat
Habib
H
Fritel
Xavier
X
Vacher-Lavenu
Marie-Cécile
MC
Dubuisson
Jean-Bernard
JB
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001956:Broad Ligament / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index