Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis (add-en-o-my-OH-sis) is a condition where endometrial tissue (cells that normally line the inside of the uterus) grows into the muscle of the uterus resulting in thickening of the lining or forming a mass-like adenomyoma. The border is not well defined, instead, it appears more infiltrative.  The condition is also referred to as endometriosis of the uterus.

Adenomyosis causes symptoms of pelvic pain, painful menstruation, and heavy menstrual cycle. It can coexist with uterine fibroid and, not uncommonly, mistaken for uterine fibroid on Ultrasound.

Limited epidemiology data suggested that East/South Asian women has a higher incident of adenomyosis, estimated at 31%. Afro/Caribbean women followed closely at 23%.

Risk factors are multifactorial. However, a significant number of women with adenomyosis are multiparous, having multiple children. They may also have a prior history of uterine surgery or ectopic pregnancy.

Adenomyosis is difficult to treat and hysterectomy was the historical treatment of choice. Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), also known as UFE, offer an effective alternative for patient who are not yet ready, nor wish to undergo a hysterectomy.