Modern approaches to classification of adenomyosis

In: Journal of obstetrics and women's diseases · 2023 · vol. 72(1) , pp. 97–108 · doi:10.17816/jowd121307 · W4361272693
article OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 1 in-corpus citation
Full text JSON View on OpenAlex View at publisher
AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-09

This review analyzes current adenomyosis classifications by clinical presentation, imaging, and histology, highlighting shortcomings and proposing a unified system incorporating clinical, genetic, molecular, and imaging data for improved diagnosis and therapy.

One-sentence paraphrase of the abstract; not a substitute for reading it. No clinical advice. How this works

AI-generated deep summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-09 · read from full text

This paper is a literature-based review of modern classifications of adenomyosis, organizing them by clinical course, prevalence of disease, ultrasound and MRI findings, and histological verification, while also drawing on domestic and foreign sources, federal recommendations, and the authors’ own research. The review finds that despite the existence of many different rubricators, there are still stated shortcomings, and it emphasizes the need for a classification that integrates clinical picture, genetic and molecular profiles, non-invasive assessment results, and alignment with histology. The authors argue that a unified classification could improve scientific and practical work by enabling more accurate, earlier diagnosis, defining risk groups for aggressive disease, and supporting timely selection of pathogenetic therapy, without adding new empirical outcome data. This paper is centrally about endometriosis and/or adenomyosis—endometriosis is tangentially referenced via the shared context of “genital endometriosis” classification, but the paper’s main focus is classification of adenomyosis.

Read from the paper's body, not the abstract. Not a substitute for reading the paper. No clinical advice. How this works

Abstract

This article presents a modern review of the main classifications of adenomyosis based on the clinical course, the prevalence of the pathological process, the results of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and histological verification. The analysis is based on domestic and foreign literature, federal clinical recommendations, and results of our own research. Despite the large number of different classifications of the disease, there are still shortcomings noted in this review. Based on the available rubricators, we emphasized the need to create a classification of adenomyosis with an assessment of the clinical picture, genetic and molecular profiles, the results of non-invasive assessment methods, and a correlation with the histological conclusion. A unified classification would solve many problems in scientific and practical activities for accurate and early diagnosis of adenomyosis, identification of risk groups for patients with an aggressive course of the pathological process, selection of reasonable recommendations, and timely appointment of pathogenetic therapy.
Full text 10,416 characters · extracted from oa-doi-fallback · 2 sections · click to expand

Abstract

This article presents a modern review of the main classifications of adenomyosis based on the clinical course, the prevalence of the pathological process, the results of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and histological verification. The analysis is based on domestic and foreign literature, federal clinical recommendations, and results of our own research. Despite the large number of different classifications of the disease, there are still shortcomings noted in this review. Based on the available rubricators, we emphasized the need to create a classification of adenomyosis with an assessment of the clinical picture, genetic and molecular profiles, the results of non-invasive assessment methods, and a correlation with the histological conclusion. A unified classification would solve many problems in scientific and practical activities for accurate and early diagnosis of adenomyosis, identification of risk groups for patients with an aggressive course of the pathological process, selection of reasonable recommendations, and timely appointment of pathogenetic therapy.

Keywords

Full Text About the authors Maria I. Yarmolinskaya The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott; North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov Email: [email protected] ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6551-4147 SPIN-code: 3686-3605 Scopus Author ID: 7801562649 ResearcherId: P-2183-2014 MD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg; Saint PetersburgMaria A. Shalina The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott Author for correspondence. Email: [email protected] ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5921-3217 Scopus Author ID: 57200072308 ResearcherId: A-7180-2019 MD, Cand. Sci. (Med.) Russian Federation, Saint PetersburgStanislava V. Nagorneva The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott; Sestroretskaya Multiprofile Clinic Ltd. Email: [email protected] ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0402-5304 SPIN-code: 5109-7613 ResearcherId: К-3723-2018 MD, Cand. Sci. (Med.) Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg; Saint PetersburgReferences - Zhai J, Vannuccini S, Petraglia F, et al. Adenomyosis: mechanisms and pathogenesis. Semin Reprod Med. 2020;38(2−3):129−143. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1716687 - Habiba M, Benagiano G, Brosens I. The pathophysiology of adenomyosis. In: Uterine adenomyosis. Ed. by M. Habiba, G. Benagiano. Heidelberg: Springer; 2016: 45–70. - The international statistical classification of diseases and related health problems. 11th revision (ICD-11). (In Russ.). [cited 2022 Dec 21]. Available from: https://mkb11.online/ - Yarmolinskaya MI, Aylamazyan EK. Genital’nyy endometrioz. Razlichnye grani problemy. Saint Petersburg: Eco-Vector; 2017. (In Russ.). - Aylamazyan EK, Yarmolinskaya MI, Molotkov AS, et al. Classifications of endometriosis. Journal of Obstetrics and Women’s Diseases. 2017;66(2):77–92. (In Russ.). doi: 10.17816/JOWD66277-92 - Endometrioz. Klinicheskie rekomendatsii / OOO “Rossiyskoe obshchestvo akusherov-ginekologov” (ROAG), MZ RF. Moscow, 2020: 42. (In Russ.). [cited 2022 Dec 21]. Available from: https://minzdrav.permkrai.ru/dokumenty/153568/ - Adamjan LV, Kulakov VI. Endometriozy. Moscow: Medicina; 1998. (In Russ.). - Gordts S, Grimbizis G, Campo R. Symptoms and classification of uterine adenomyosis, including the place of hysteroscopy in diagnosis. Fertil Steril. 2018;109(3):380–388. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.01.006 - Tskhay VB. Adenomioz. Kontraversii sovremennosti. Boli. Krovotecheniya. Besplodie. Ed. by V.E. Radzinskiy. Moscow: StatusPraeses; 2020. (In Russ.). - Van den Bosch T, Dueholm M, Leone FP, et al. Terms, definitions and measurements to describe sonographic features of myometrium and uterine masses: a consensus opinion from the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) group. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;46(3):284–298. doi: 10.1002/uog.14806 - Pistofidis G, Makrakis E, Koukoura O, et al. Distinct types of uterine adenomyosis based on laparoscopic and histopathologic criteria. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2014;41(2):113–118. - Brosens I, Gordts S, Habiba M, et al. Uterine cystic adenomyosis: a disease of younger women. J PediatrAdolesc Gynecol. 2015;28(6):420–426. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2014.05.008 - Koukoura O, Kapsalaki E, Daponte A, et al. Laparoscopic treatment of a large uterine cystic adenomyosis in a young patient. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2015-210358 - Grimbizis GF, Mikos T, Tarlatzis B. Uterus-sparing operative treatment for adenomyosis. Fertil Steril. 2014;101(2):472–487. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.10.025 - Yarmolinskaya MI, Ailamazyan EK, Arutyunyan AF, et al. Sclerotic adenomyosis: a case report. Journal of Obstetrics and Women’s Diseases. 2018;67(6):119–123. (In Russ.). doi: 10.17816/JOWD676119-123 - Kishi Y, Suginami H, Kuramori R, et al. Four subtypes of adenomyosis assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and their specification. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;207(2):114.e1−114.e1147. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.06.027 - Bourdon M, Oliveira J, Marcellin L, et al. Adenomyosis of the inner and outer myometrium are associated with different clinical profiles. Hum Reprod. 2021;36(2):349–357. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deaa307 - Khan KN, Fujishita A, Mori T. Pathogenesis of human adenomyosis: current understanding and its association with infertility. J Clin Med. 2022;11(14). doi: 10.3390/jcm11144057 - Brosens JJ, de Souza NM, Barker FG. Uterine junctional zone: function and disease. Lancet. 1995;346:558–560. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(95)91387-4 - Naftalin J, Jurkovic D. The endometrial-myometrial junction: a fresh look at a busy crossing. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2009;34:1–11. doi: 10.1002/uog.6432 - Zhang Y, Zhou L, Li TC, et al. Ultrastructural features of endometrial-myometrial interface and its alteration in adenomyosis. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2014;7:1469–1477. - Chapron C, Tosti C, Marcellin L, et al. Relationship between the magnetic resonance imaging appearance of adenomyosis and endometriosis phenotypes. Hum Reprod. 2017;32:1393–1401. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dex088 - Khan KN, Fujishita A, Koshiba A, et al. Biological differences between intrinsic and extrinsic adenomyosis with coexisting deep infiltrating endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019; 39(2):343–353. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.210 - Tuttlies F, Keckstein J, Ulrich U, et al. ENZIAN-score, a classification of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Zentralbl Gynakol. 2005;127:275–281. doi: 10.1055/s-2005-836904 - Bazot M, Darai E. Role of transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of uterine adenomyosis. Fertil Steril. 2018;109:389–397. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.01.024 - Vercellini P, Vigano P, Somigliana E, et al. Adenomyosis: epidemiological factors. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2006;20(4):465–477. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.01.017 - Bromley B, Shipp TD, Benacerraf B. Adenomyosis: sonographic findings and diagnostic accuracy. J Ultrasound Med. 2000;19(8):529–534. doi: 10.7863/jum.2000.19.8.529 - Vannuccini S, Petraglia F. Recent advances in understanding and managing adenomyosis. F1000Res. 2019;8. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.17242.1 - Patent RUS No. 2764106 / 13.01.2022 Byul. No. 2 Nagorneva SV, Shalina MA, Yarmolinskaya MI, et al. Sposob diagnostiki adenomioza. (In Russ.). [cited 2022 Dec 21]. Available from: https://patenton.ru/patent/RU2764106C1.pdf - Nagorneva SV, Shalina MA, Yarmolinskaya MI, et al. Comprehensive method of ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis. Journal of Obstetrics and Women’s Diseases. 2021;70(6):73–82. doi: 10.17816/JOWD83066 - Tamai K, Togashi K, Ito T, et al. MR imaging findings of adenomyosis: correlation with histopathologic features and diagnostic pitfalls. Radiographics. 2005;25(1):21−40. doi: 10.1148/rg.251045060 - Exacoustos C, Manganaro L, Zupi E. Imaging for the evaluation of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014;28(5):655–681. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2014.04.010 - Champaneria R, Abedin P, Daniels J, et al. Ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of adenomyosis: systematic review comparing test accuracy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2010;89(11):1374–1384. doi: 10.3109/00016349.2010.512061 - Kunz G, Beil D, Huppert P, et al. Adenomyosis in endometriosis-prevalence and impact on fertility. Evidence from magnetic resonance imaging. Hum Reprod. 2005;20:2309–2316. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dei021 - Khan KN, Fujishita A, Kitajima M, et al. Biological differences between functionalis and basalis endometria in women with and without adenomyosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2016;203:49–55. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.05.012 - Gordts S, Brosens JJ, Fusi L, et al. Uterine adenomyosis: a need for uniform terminology and consensus classification. Reprod Biomed Online. 2008;17(2):244–248. doi: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60201-5 - Kobayashi H, Matsubara S. A classification proposal for adenomyosis based on magnetic resonance imaging. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2020;85(2):118–126. doi: 10.1159/000505690 - Novellas S, Chassang M, Delotte J, et al. MRI characteristics of the uterine junctional zone: From normal to the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Am J Roentgenol. 2011;196(5):1206–1213. doi: 10.2214/AJR.10.4877 - Togashi K, Kawakami S, Kimura I, et al. Uterine contractions: possible diagnostic pitfall at MR imaging. J MagnReson Imaging. 1993;3(6):889–893. doi: 10.1002/jmri.1880030616 - Zheleznov BI, Strizhakov AN. Genital’nyy endometrioz. Moscow: Meditsina. 1985. (In Russ.). - Donnez J, Donnez O, Dolmans MM. Introduction: uterine adenomyosis, another enigmatic disease of our time. Fertil Steril. 2018;109(3):369–370. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.01.035

Text is read by the "Ask this paper" AI Q&A widget below. Extraction quality varies by source — PMC NXML preserves structure cleanly, OA-HTML may include some navigation residue, and OA-PDF can have broken hyphenation. The publisher copy (via DOI) is the canonical version.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

Ask this paper AI returns verbatim quotes from the full text · source: oa-doi-fallback

Answers must be backed by verbatim quotes from this paper's full text. Hallucinated quotes are dropped automatically; if no verbatim passage answers the question, we say so. How this works

Condition tags

adenomyosis

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (34)

Cited by (1)

Source provenance

openalex
last seen: 2026-06-04T00:00:01.174412+00:00
License: CC0 · commercial use OK