Endometriosis

In: Gynecologic Endocrinology · 1987 · pp. 387–404 · doi:10.1007/978-1-4613-2157-6_18 · W4211209144
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Despite historical descriptions and advances, the etiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis remain poorly understood.

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This paper is a brief historical and conceptual overview of endometriosis, noting early descriptions (von Rokitansky, Russell) and the later coining of the term by Sampson, while emphasizing that despite advances, the etiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. It references a wide range of prior work spanning medical and surgical treatment, hormonal and immune mechanisms, prostaglandin/prostanoid pathways, and clinical observations including incidence/management and fertility-related associations. A stated limitation is that the overall causes and biological development of endometriosis are still not well clarified. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it provides the historical framing and highlights the incomplete understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis.

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Abstract

The original histological description of endometriosis dates back to 1860 by von Rokitansky.1 In 1899 Russell described the disease. However, it was not until six decades ago that the term “endometriosis” was coined by Sampson.2 Although significant advances have been made in many aspects of endometriosis, its etiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Preview Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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Fertil Steril 31: 396, 1979 Bergqvist A, Rannevik G, Thoreil J: Estrogen and progesterone cytosol receptor concentration in endometriotic tissue and intrauterine endometrium. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand [Suppl] 101: 53, 1981 Janne O, Kauppila A, Kokko E, et al: Estrogen and progestin receptors in endometriosis lesions: Comparison with endometrial tissue. Am J Obstet Gynecol 141: 562, 1981 Gould SF, Shannon JM, Cunha GR: Nuclear estrogen binding sites in human endometriosis. Fertil Steril 39: 520, 1983 Coutinho EM: Treatment of endometriosis with gestrinone (R-2323), a synthetic antiestrogen, antiprogesterone. Am J Obstet Gynecol 144: 895, 1982 Author information Authors and Affiliations Editor information Editors and Affiliations Rights and permissions Copyright information © 1987 Plenum Publishing Corporation About this chapter Cite this chapter Dawood, M.Y. (1987). Endometriosis. In: Gold, J.J., Josimovich, J.B. (eds) Gynecologic Endocrinology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2157-6_18 Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2157-6_18 Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9272-2 Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-2157-6 eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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