Müllerian duct anomalies coincident with endometriosis: a review

The association between obstructed müllerian duct anomalies and endometriosis has been well established and the pathogenesis is attributed to the theory of retrograde menstruation. However, this relationship with endometriosis is less clear in women with unobstructed müllerian duct anomalies and in those with rudimentary uterine structures that lack functioning endometrial tissue. This article reviews the embryology, genetics, pathophysiology, and American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification for müllerian duct anomalies together with the genetics and pathophysiology of endometriosis to provide a framework for understanding the complex relationship between these two entities. Available published data examining the coexistence of endometriosis in relationship to müllerian duct anomalies, including studies that stratify this relationship according to specific classes of anomalies, are reviewed and organized. Awareness of the increased prevalence of endometriosis among patients with uterine anomalies, particularly those with outflow obstruction, may facilitate early diagnosis of endometriosis and subsequent intervention, with the potential to reverse disease symptoms and arrest disease progression. Similar content being viewed by others

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Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding author Additional information Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article Pitot, M.A., Bookwalter, C.A. & Dudiak, K.M. Müllerian duct anomalies coincident with endometriosis: a review. Abdom Radiol 45, 1723–1740 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-020-02465-y Published: Version of record: Issue date: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-020-02465-y