'Blood On The Tracks' from corpora lutea to endometriomas.
OBJECTIVE
To detect a direct transition from a haemorrhagic corpus luteum to an endometriotic cyst by serial transvaginal ultrasonographic scans.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
An academic tertiary care and referral centre for women with endometriosis.


METHODS
One hundred and nine women younger than 40 years, with regular menstrual cycles, undergoing first-line surgery for endometriomas, and not wanting postoperative oral contraception.


METHODS
Three-monthly transvaginal ultrasonography during the luteal phase for 2 years after surgery.


METHODS
Sonographic identification of progression from a haemorrhagic corpus luteum to a recurrent endometriotic cyst.


RESULTS
A haemorrhagic corpus luteum was identified in 13 women. Serial ultrasonographic scans demonstrated transition to an endometriotic cyst in 11 (85%) instances and resorption in two. A unilateral endometriotic cyst without previous detection of a cystic corpus luteum was observed in 14 women.


CONCLUSIONS
Bleeding from a corpus luteum appears to be a critical event in the development of endometriomas.
Vercellini
P
P
Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. paolo.vercellini@unimi.it
Somigliana
E
E
Vigano
P
P
Abbiati
A
A
Barbara
G
G
Fedele
L
L
D000328:Adult; D003338:Corpus Luteum; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008183:Luteal Phase; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult