Association rate between deep peritoneal endometriosis and other forms of the disease: pathogenetic implications

Authors: Edgardo Somigliana¹; Mirco Infantino¹; Massimo Candiani¹; Michele Vignali²; Annalisa Chiodini¹; Mauro Busacca²; Mario Vignali¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 19, Number 1, January 2004 , pp. 168-171(4)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $44.11 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested recently that deep endometriosis and the other forms of the disease do not share a common pathogenetic mechanism. In this study, we hypothesize that, if this is true, deep peritoneal endo metriosis and the other forms should not be significantly associated. METHODS: Clinical and surgical records of all women who were referred to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinica ‘L.Mangiagalli’ between January 1995 and June 2002 and who were diagnosed with deep peritoneal pelvic endometriosis at the time of surgery were retrieved. The concomitant presence of superficial endometriotic implants, endometriomas and pelvic adhesions was evaluated. A binomial probability distribution model was used to calculate the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the association rates. RESULTS: Ninety-three women with deep peritoneal endometriosis were identified. The presence of superficial endometriotic implants, endometriomas and pelvic adhesions was documented in 61.3% (95% CI 51.4–71.2%), 50.5% (95% CI 40.3–60.7%) and 74.2% (95% CI 65.3–83.1%) of patients with deep endometriotic nodules, respectively. Overall, deep peritoneal endometriosis was the only form of the disease in only 6.5% (95% CI 2.8–12.3%) of cases. No relevant differences regarding these associations were observed according to the location and the size of the deep endometriotic nodules. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study do not support the hypothesis that deep endometriosis should be considered as a distinct entity of the disease.

Keywords: adhesion/deep endometriosis/endometriosis/pathogen

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deg513

Affiliations: 1: II Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinica ‘L.Mangiagalli’ and 2: Macedonio Melloni Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

Publication date: 2004-01-01

More about this publication?

Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Association rate between deep peritoneal endometriosis and other forms of the disease: pathogenetic implications

Buy & download fulltext article:

Tools

Key

Text size:

Useful pages