Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a gynecologic condition characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue within the uterine myometrium. First described in 1860 by the German pathologist Carl von Rokitansky, the histopathologic finding was termed “cystosarcoma adenoids uterinum.” Presenting signs and symptoms vary, but most commonly are painful menses and/or heavy menstrual bleeding. Historically, the condition was a histologic diagnosis that required biopsy or more often hysterectomy. Presently, the diagnosis can be made non-invasively using ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The definitive treatment for women who no longer desire pregnancy is hysterectomy, while a variety of other medical and minimally invasive therapies are available for those who want to preserve fertility or want to avoid more extensive surgery.