Abstract
Adenomyosis seems to be the most widespread coexistent pathology included under the umbrella of common benign disorders of the human uterus. The incidence of adenomyosis is under discussion since different imaging criteria are used. In the majority of cases, prevalence is determined among women with uterine fibroids and endometriosis or severe gynecological symptoms. This common benign pathology is asymptomatic in 1/3 of cases. Up to 50% of women with infertility are affected by adenomyosis. It seems to be an important risk factor for spontaneous pre-term delivery and pre-term premature rupture of the membranes. Nowadays, the etiology of adenomyosis is still unclear and requires deeper investigation. This review summarizes the aspects of prevalence, co-existence, risk factors, classification, mechanisms of pathogenesis, genes and immunological features, main histological features, animal models, and clinical manifestation of adenomyosis. It might facilitate understanding of the independent nature of such a dual enigma as adenomyosis.
Highlights
Adenomyosis is a benign condition of the uterus characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma below the endometrial-myometrial junction.[1,2] The focuses of endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrium are typically surrounded by its hyperplastic tissue.[3]
This review summarizes the aspects of prevalence, co-existence, risk factors, classification, mechanisms of pathogenesis, genes and immunological features, main histological features, animal models, and clinical manifestation of adenomyosis
The majority of adenomyosis cases are detected in autopsy and coexist with endometriosis and uterine fibroids, which explain a wide range of distribution according to literature data.[4,7]
Summary
Adenomyosis is a benign condition of the uterus characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma below the endometrial-myometrial junction (at a depth of at least 2.5 mm below the basal layer of the endometrium).[1,2] The focuses of endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrium are typically surrounded by its hyperplastic tissue.[3]. Adenomyosis is a benign condition of the uterus characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma below the endometrial-myometrial junction (at a depth of at least 2.5 mm below the basal layer of the endometrium).[1,2] The focuses of endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrium are typically surrounded by its hyperplastic tissue.[3] Lymphatic and vascular channels carry out penetration of normal myometrium.[4,5] The level of endometrial invasion into a myometrium has been the issue of heated debate.[6] The majority of cases are observed in multiparous premenopausal women.
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