Mediocentral Compartment: Uterus: External Adenomyosis

In: Imaging of Endometriosis: A Comparative Guide of US, MRI and Surgery · 2025 · pp. 143–158 · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_8 · W4410896923
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External adenomyosis is a form of deep infiltrative endometriosis within the outer myometrium or uterine serosa, distinct from internal adenomyosis and associated with DIE or endometriomas.

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This paper describes “external adenomyosis” as a distinct MRI-related entity involving deep infiltrative endometriosis arising in the outer myometrium/uterine serosa, with variable myometrial invasion depth but an intact junctional zone, and it distinguishes it from internal adenomyosis. It summarizes associations and typical anatomic patterns, noting that posterior external adenomyosis is almost always linked with extensive posterior-compartment DIE, whereas anterior external adenomyosis is often present with or without continuity to bladder, uterovesical fold, or round ligaments. A key limitation is that the discussion is primarily definitional and anatomical, emphasizing an importance for treatment decision-making without providing new prospective outcome data. Relevance to endometriosis: the paper defines external adenomyosis as deep infiltrative endometriosis occurring in the outer myometrium/serosa and emphasizes its strong association with extensive DIE, though it is mainly a descriptive MRI compartment-focused classification framework.

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Abstract

External adenomyosis refers to deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) arising within the outer myometrium/uterine serosa with a variable depth of the invasion of the myometrium but with an intact junctional zone. It has been recently introduced into the literature as a separate entity to describe in MRI. Even if the spelling contains the term adenomyosis, external and internal adenomyosis are different conditions. External adenomyosis is highly associated with DIE or with endometriomas. The by far more common posterior type of external adenomyosis is almost always found in association with extensive DIE of the posterior compartment. Anterior external adenomyosis is typically found with or without continuity to DIE of the bladder, the uterovesical fold, or the round ligaments. Having exact information on the location, extent, and severity is an important criterion for treatment decisions. Access this chapter Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout Purchases are for personal use only Similar content being viewed by others

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(eds) Imaging of Endometriosis: A Comparative Guide of US, MRI and Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_8 Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_8 Published: Publisher Name: Springer, Cham Print ISBN: 978-3-031-82749-5 Online ISBN: 978-3-031-82750-1 eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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