Natural progression of deep pelvic endometriosis in women who opt for expectant management

Introduction: The natural history of endometriosis is poorly understood, and despite numerous studies, the rate of the disease progression and optimal treatment planning in women who are asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms not requiring treatment are unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the behavior of deep endometriosis in women who are managed expectantly without any medical or surgical intervention. Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with deep endometriosis on transvaginal ultrasound scan at the Department of Gynecology, University College London Hospitals and The Gynecology Ultrasound Centre, London, UK, from April 2007 to April 2022. All women attended for at least two ultrasound scans which were carried out by a single expert ultrasound examiner and at least 6 months apart. The number and position of endometriotic nodules were recorded, and the mean diameter of each nodule was calculated from measurements taken in three orthogonal planes. Results: During the study period, 1922 women were found to have moderate or severe deep endometriosis on pelvic ultrasound examination. A total of 135 premenopausal women who were managed expectantly fitted the inclusion criteria. The median number of endometriotic nodules per woman at the initial visit was 2 (range: 0–7), and the median follow-up time was 666 days (181–2984). In the follow-up period, 50/135 women (37%, 95% CI: 29–46) developed additional nodules or experienced an increase in nodule size, and 17/135 women (13%, 95% CI: 8–19) had a regression in the number or size of the nodules. In the remaining 68/135 women (50%, 95% CI: 42–59) the disease remained static during the follow-up. The median change in mean diameter of nodules during the study period per woman was +0.13 mm (−11.67 − +5.83), with an annual growth rate of +0.09 mm/year (−6.65 − +6.45). Conclusions: In our study we found evidence of deep endometriosis progression in just over a third of women. In view of this, asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic women diagnosed with deep endometriosis could be reassured that their disease is unlikely to worsen with time

Adenomyosis. Diagnosis and steps towards a molecular analysis

Adenomyosis is a common condition of the uterus and is closely associated with endometriosis. About 70% of the women that have adenomyosis suffer from symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and pain during menstruation, but adenomyosis can also cause infertility and complications during pregnancy and labor. In order to prevent disease progression and choose optimal treatment options, it is essential to diagnose adenomyosis early. In this work, we investigated the role of 3-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. As a result, we developed a diagnostic prediction model that helps clinicians diagnose adenomyosis easier. We surprisingly found that a well-established marker for adenomyosis-diagnosis in MRI was not significant in a younger population, but found a new, specific predictor. We further investigated if it would be possible to obtain adenomyosis tissue without removing the uterus. We managed to obtain adenomyosis samples with ultrasound-guided biopsies without serious complications. We found that those biopsies can be used for a variety of molecular investigations. Those can help understanding adenomyosis on a deeper level

Patients’ and relatives’ perspectives on best possible care in the context of developing a multidisciplinary center for endometriosis and adenomyosis: findings from a national survey

Background Endometriosis and adenomyosis are common benign conditions compromising both physical and psychological health, with a negative impact on quality of life. This survey aimed to establish what the users’ perspectives are on best possible care in the context of developing a multidisciplinary center for endometriosis and adenomyosis in Norway. Methods An electronic questionnaire was developed in collaboration between the Norwegian Patient’s Endometriosis Society (NPES) and gynecologists with special interest in endometriosis and adenomyosis. The questionnaire was distributed digitally to the members of NPES in May 2021. Results 938 participants answered the questionnaire. Better patient information, long term therapeutic plans and integration of their partners into their care were the main concerns. Multidisciplinary care was a key issue for the majority, with (n = 775) 89% stating a need for a consultation with a psychologist, (n = 744) 86% at least one consultation with a nutritionist, (n = 733) 85% a physiotherapist, and (n = 676) 78% needing a sex therapist and (n = 935) 99,7% consider research and (n = 934) 99,8% consider quality assurance initiated by the endometriosis center to be important. The qualitative analysis of free text answers revealed a great need for updated and easily accessible information, meeting competent health care professionals and being taken seriously/listened to. Conclusions This survey shows similar perceptions and a high level of agreement regarding their needs amongst people with endometriosis and/or adenomyosis. This survey supports recommendations by the experts that endometriosis/adenomyosis care should be centralized in specialized, multidisciplinary centers. The results of the present work will be valuable for the future planning and development of a multidisciplinary endometriosis center