title: Relation between anatomical courses of the intramural portions of the uterine tubes and pelvic endometriosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Endometriosis may originate from implants of endometrium due to retrograde flow of menstrual blood. The flow may be stimulated by anatomical anomalies of uterine tubes or uterus. The aim of the study was to find links between anatomical courses of the intramural portions of the uterine tubes and endometriosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective comparative study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women (n = 227) operated on because of various gynecological indications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Total or subtotal abdominal hysterectomies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pathological reports correlated with courses of the intramural parts of uterine tubes. To evaluate the intramural courses of uterine tubes, specimens were injected with barium sulfate and x-rayed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intramural portions were categorized into three patterns: straight, curved, or tortuous. Logistic regression identified the course of the intramural portion of the uterine tubes and the parity to be associated with endometriosis. Endometriosis was more frequent in women with straight courses and was infrequent in women with tortuous ones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest that a tortuous course of the intramural portion of the uterine tubes constitutes a normal anatomical finding. It controls the retrograde flow of blood during menstruation and limits the possibility of developing endometriosis. Straight or curved intramural portions represent an anatomical abnormality that may predispose women to endometriosis.
authors: Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
authors: Stanislaw
authors: S
authors: Rozewicki
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Radomska
authors: Rafal
authors: R
authors: Kurzawa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology