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DIAGNOSTIC STRATEGY FOR INTRAUTERINE LESIONS The diagnostic strategy for intrauterine lesions is a question that arises very frequently in gynecological consultations. Endometrial cancer is more frequent in postmenopausal women and bleeding is the first clinical sign in more than 90% of cases. Pelvic ultrasound and endometrial biopsy have a very important place in the diagnostic strategy. After a single episode of abnormal uterine bleeding and when the ultrasound estimates the thickness of the endometrium to be less than or equal to 4 mm, it is possible to postpone further uterine exploration. In the event of recurrent abnormal uterine bleeding or when the thickness of the endometrium is greater than 4 mm in a postmenopausal woman, additional uterine explorations (hysteroscopy and histology) are recommended. If endometrial cancer is discovered, the key examination is lumbopelvic MRI., Competing Interests: J. Belghiti déclare des interventions ponctuelles pour Intuitive Surgical. - S. Egels déclare n’avoir aucun lien d’intérêts - G. Canlorbe déclare des liens durables avec Intuitive Surgical et avoir été pris en charge à l’occasion de déplacement pour congrès par Applied Medical.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which lesions resembling endometrial tissue are found outside the uterus, mainly in the pelvis or abdomen. It may affect 10% of women of childbearing age. It is the cause of a significant alteration in quality of life and a major cost to the health system. Few research teams are working on this subject, and its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. This article proposes avenues of reflection for research on endometriosis in France, notably based on the mobilization of related scientific communities (involved in cancer, development, epigenetics, and neurosciences research studies)., (© 2022 médecine/sciences – Inserm.)

Introduction: Morbid obesity may lead to difficulties for management of endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was the assessment of management of endometrial cancer for morbidly obese women and the implementation of recommendations., Methods: this is retrospective study including women with BMI =40kg/m 2 treated for endometrial cancer between November 2010 and April 2017 in the university hospital in Nantes and the Cancer Center René Gauducheau in Nantes. Patients' demographics, pre-operative intra operative, post-operative data and survival were analyzed., Results: Twenty patients met the inclusion criteria with a median age of 65.5 (28-86) and a median BMI of 47kg/m 2 (40-60). Type I histologic was identified in 90% and of a stage I FIGO I in 75% of the cases. All the patients have benefited from a biopsy of endometrium before surgery. 70% of the patients have benefited from a MRI before surgery (14/20). The surgery was realized by laparotomy in 40%, by mini invasive surgery in 50% and by vaginal procedure in 10% of. Mini invasive surgery was converted in laparotomy in 40% (4/10). A discrepancy of the ESMO's recommandation was observed in 40% of the cases (8/20). Two patients did not benefit from the adjuvant radiotherapy recommended because of delay of healing., Discussion: Although good prognosis, the endometrial cancer of morbidly obese women seem to be under treat. These patients do not seem benefited an optimal pre-operative assessment. The surgery is mainly realized by laparotomy with a not complete surgical stadification for one more than a third of the patients., (Copyright © 2018 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Endometrial osseous metaplasia (EOM) is a rare condition characterised by the presence of bone in the uterine cavity. Some patients with this condition present with secondary infertility due to the presence of a foreign body in the endometrium. We report a case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with secondary infertility due to EOM. EOM is a rare cause of infertility that can be easily managed by hysteroscopic removal of the bony fragments., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Endometrial cancer is the fourth cause of cancer in women in France and is the second most common cancer of the gynecologic cancer after breast cancer with 7275 new cases in 2012. The incidence of this neoplasm tends to increase with population aging, diabetes and obesity's augmentation. In rare cases, a hereditary factor has been described: Lynch's syndrome. The therapeutic management of the patient depends on the endometrial biopsy which specifies the histological type and the histo-prognostic grade as well as the MRI which allow the tumor staging. Within the last decade, improvement in technologies such as genomic, transcriptomic and histological analyses, allowed the establishment of new and finer classifications of endometrial carcinomas. The latest classification proposed by The Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA), has been made routinely applicable through the international consortium TransPORTEC. It consists of 4 groups listed from good to poor prognosis: (1) ultra-mutated "POLE"; (2) hyper-mutated "MSI"; (3) low copy number "NSMP" and (4) high number of copies "TP53 mutated" (serous-like). This integrated characterization combined with mutational data opens new opportunities for therapeutic strategies., (Copyright © 2017 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy and the safety parameters for Greenlight(®) laser to vaporise myoma., Materials and Methods: We studied 6 utero after hysterectomies for myoma and used the Greenlight(®) laser with different level of power and duration on myoma and normal myometer. We compared the tissue effect with the monopolar and bipolar resection. We studied the tissue effect by histological exam., Results: The Greenlight(®) laser is able to vaporize myoma with a low side effect on normal myometer of 85μm (199μm with bipolar and 254μm with monopolar)., Conclusion: The laser Greenlight(®) is efficient to vaporize myoma in vitro and presents some safety parameter. This study could lead to a clinical prospective study to demonstrate its ability to treat symptomatic myoma., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Menometrorrhagia is a frequent cause of medical consulting. After exclusion of pregnancy, main aetiologies are the uterine (polyp, myoma, adenomyosis, cancer) or adnexial abnormality (ovarian cyst or cancer), the disorders of hemostasis (Willebrand...), the dysfunctional uterine bleeding. A clinical examination is necessary to provide an accurate diagnosis and find complications such as anaemia. Pelvic ultrasound examination and endometrial biopsy are required to eliminate endometrial cancer. The treatment of menometrorrhagia consists of symptomatic treatment (tranexamic acid, levonorgestrel intrauterine device) and specific treatment of its cause (hysteroscopic resection of myom, polyp, endometrectomy, hysterectomy).

Purpose: To assess the relevance of MRI, endometrial biopsy and curettage in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer at high risk of lymph node metastasis., Patients and Methods: A retrospective study on continuous series of patients treated for endometrial cancer limited to the uterus between 2004 and 2008, results of preoperative evaluation of tumor stage using MRI, histological type and grade by endometrial curettage and biopsies were compared to final histological examination., Results: One hundred and sixty-nine patients were included in the study. Ninety (53.3%) had MRI, 112 (66.2%) curettage and 61 (36.6%) endometrial biopsy using Pipelle de Cornier. Sensibility (SN), specificity (SP), positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of MRI, in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer at high risk of lymph nodes metastases were of 65.6%, 87.2%, 77.7%, 79.2%. For EB and curettage SN, SP, PPV and NPV were of 42.9%, 96.9%, 85%, 79.5%; 80.6%, 98.3%, 96.2% and 90.6% respectively. 37.8% of cancers diagnosed to be at low risk of lymph node metastasis were at high risk in definitive histologic examination., Discussion and Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation by MRI, endometrial curettage and biopsy has good diagnostic value in the identification of endometrial cancer susceptible to benefit from lymphadenectomy. Underestimation, however, is encountered in approximately one third of cases., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier SAS.)

Objective: Hysteroscopic endometrial resection or destruction in the indication of abnormal uterine bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding represents an alternative to hysterectomy, as it carries a lower morbidity rate. In case of failure of such procedure though, hysterectomy will most often be proposed as a second line of treatment. The place of the repetition of an endometrial destruction procedure has not yet been evaluated. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficiency and the satisfaction after two consecutive techniques of endometrial destruction in case of abnormal uterine bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding., Material and Methods: Nineteen patients presenting with recurring abnormal uterine bleeding after one procedure of endometrial destruction, underwent in our department, between 2004 and 2011, a second conservative endometrial procedure., Results: No complication occurred during the repeated procedure. Sixteen of the nineteen patients (84.2 %) included answered a questionnaire. The mean delay since the second procedure was 27 months [25; 29]. Eight patients (i.e. 50 %) later underwent a hysterectomy, with 5 of them (31.25 % of all 16 patients) being directly attributed to treatment failure. Patients said to be satisfied with the management of their condition in 68.75 % of cases, and 93.75 % of them would recommend it to a friend., Conclusion: Our results suggest that a second conservative management in case of recurrence of AUB is effective. Hysterectomy could be avoided in 50 % of cases. A second conservative treatment could be an interesting option for patients with medical contra-indication for heavier surgery, as well as for patients willing to keep their uterus., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the interest of systematic endometrial biopsy at the time of vaginal reconstructive surgery with uterine preservation., Methods: We performed a retrospective monocentric study on all women who had vaginal reconstructive surgery with uterine preservation from 2005 to 2012. All following parameters have been studied: baseline characteristics (age, parity, BMI, hormonal status, medical history), prolapse stage using the POP-Q, preoperative pelvic ultrasound (endometrial thickness), and type of surgery. Women with previous hysterectomy were excluded., Results: Four hundred and fourteen patients were operated during this period, and 268 have uterine preservation (64.7%). Baseline characteristics were mean age 64.7±10.7 (39 to 92), mean parity 2.6±1.5, mean BMI 25.5±4.2, menopause 238 (88.8%), HRT 32 (12%), previous breast cancer 16 (6%), diabetes mellitus 31 (11.6%), and hypertension 87 (32.5%). Prolapse were at stage II in 127 (47.3%), stage III in 99 (36.9%) and stage IV in 17 (6.3%). Preoperative pelvic ultrasound has been done in 255 patients (95.2%), and mean endometrial thickness was 5.1mm (range 1.6-16). Overall, 152 intra-operative endometrial biopsies were assessable (56.7%). In 24 cases (15.8%), samples were too small to be interpretable. Finally, the 128 interpretable biopsies (82.2%) have shown one carcinoma (0.8%), four hyperplasia (3.2%), two endometrial polyps (1.6%), and 121 normal endometria (94.5%). The only cancer was discovered on a 77 year old patient, with a history of previous breast cancer, and with a preoperative endometrial thickness of 7 mm. No patient with normal preoperative ultrasound endometrial screening had abnormal endometrial biopsy., Conclusion: Vaginal reconstructive surgery with uterine preservation implicates a preoperative endometrial evaluation by ultrasound. Intra-operative endometrial biopsy does not seem to be justified., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To review the evidence relating to the epidemiology of endometrial cancer and its diagnostic workups., Options: Women with possible endometrial cancer can undergo an endometrial evaluation by office biopsy, hysteroscopy, or dilatation and curettage. To assist in treatment planning, pelvic ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be considered., Outcomes: The identification of optimal diagnostic tests to evaluate patients with possible endometrial cancer., Evidence: Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library, using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., endometrial neoplasms) and key words (e.g., endometrium cancer, endometrial carcinoma). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to December 31, 2011. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, national and international medical specialty societies, and recent conference abstracts., Values: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table)., Benefits, Harms, and Costs: This document is intended to guide the development of a standardized cost-effective investigation of patients with suspected endometrial cancer., Validation: The guideline was reviewed for accuracy by experts in pathology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. Guideline content was also compared with relevant documents from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Objective: To evaluate the reproductive safety and long-term efficacy of hysteroscopic superficial endometrial resection for polypoid endometrium in symptomatic patients (menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and unexplained infertility)., Patients and Methods: The present retrospective descriptive case series study included 44 patients of reproductive age who underwent superficial hysteroscopic endometrial resection between January 1st, 2004 and December 31, 2009. Reproductive outcome, and the patients' perceptions of menstrual symptoms after the surgical intervention were collected from the clinical notes and a semi-structured telephone interview., Results: Of the patients presenting abnormal uterine bleeding, 59% reported long-term improvement of this symptom; of those with dysmenorrhea, 52% reported long-term relief. Among 26 infertile women who wanted to become pregnant immediately after the procedure, 58% succeeded (n=15), with a live-born rate of 38%. The pregnancy rate in primary and secondary infertility cases was respectively 53% (n=8/15) and 64% (n=7/11)., Conclusion: Superficial endometrial resection is an alternative for treating polypoid endometrium when it is associated with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and infertility. It treats menstrual symptoms successfully, with no adverse impact on fertility., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Objectives: To evaluate the expression of five members of the neurotrophins family in ovarian endometriotic cyst (endometrioma) (OMA), compared to eutopic endometrium (EE) and to examine the correlation between the levels of induction and the pain intensity., Patients and Methods: Twelve Caucasian women in luteal phase, operated for painful stage IV endometriosis were assigned to 2 groups according to a total Visual Analog Scale (tVAS) score above 15 or below 10. tVAS takes into account all VAS scores for dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, non cyclic chronic pelvic pain, gastrointestinal and lower urinary symptoms. Samples of OMA and EE were processed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for NGF, BDNF, NT-3, NT-4/5 and NTRK2 mRNA expression. Expression levels in OMA were compared to those in EE on one hand and between two groups of 6 mild painful and 6 highly painful patients on the other., Results: All neurotrophins were significantly higher expressed in OMA than in EE, in particular NGF and BDNF (induction ratios: 20.6 and 9.7, respectively). In contrast, no correlation was observed between induction ratios and pain intensity., Conclusion and Discussion: This is the first study reporting an over-expression of all neurotrophins in endometriosis, as only NGF was previously documented. It confirms the central role of this family in the genesis and modulation of pain in endometriosis. Anti-neurotrophin selective therapy might be a promising way of analgesia in the future., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Endometriosis is a very frequent and debilitating disease responsible for a considerable socio-economic toll. In spite of that, its pathogenesis remains enigmatic. Endometriosis is hold for a multifactorial pathology resulting from the mixed effects of environmental and genetic factors. To date, few susceptibility factors have been reported, with the exception of some polymorphisms in estrogen and progesterone receptors. Large-scale expressional studies have clearly demonstrated that endometriosis is a hormone-dependant disease, characterized by three main features: (i) inflammation, (ii) excessive production of estrogens, and (iii) progesterone resistance. Endometriosis is also considered as a benign metastatic disease, closely linked to cancer. However, the risk of malignant transformation appears to be very limited, likely by a systematic repression of the genes involved in cell cycle and a specific regulation of the HOX genes. Lastly, endometriosis might result from abnormalities of the eutopic endometrium, which show the same molecular alterations than the ectopic endometrium, to a lesser extent however. These alterations, possibly occurring during the embryonic life through epigenetic and genetic predisposition, could lead to an earlier and non-invasive diagnosis for endometriosis., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Post-menopausal uterine bleeding is the reason for nearly 70% of gynaecological consultations. Because the cause may be a malignant disease, a thorough work-up is necessary to attempt to identify an organic cause., Patients and Methods: This retrospective study examined 94 cases of post-menopausal bleeding in which both a hysteroscopic and a histological examination were performed in the gynaecology and obstetrics department of the Hedi Chaker University of Sfax from 1 January 2004 to 28 February 2005. We examined correlations between the hysteroscopy and histology findings as well as the causes determined., Results: By hysteroscopy, we observed atrophic uterine linings in 53 patients (56%), endometrial polyps in 43 patients (45%), endometrial hyperplasia in 23 patients (24%) and myomas in 24 patients (25.5%). This examination suggested malignancy in 12 patients, among 6 of whom endometrial cancer was confirmed histologically. The sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy were relatively poor for the diagnosis of endometrial atrophy (about 48.7% and 68.5%), acceptable for endometrial polyps (75% and 86.6%), endometrial hyperplasia (64.7% and 85.5%), and endometrial cancer (60% and 92.7%)., Conclusion: Hysteroscopy is the most reliable technique for exploration, offering a direct view of the uterine cavity and allowing direct biopsy. Its sensitivity varies according to the indication and diagnosis and is sometimes very good. However, histology remains the reference examination for diagnosis of the cause of post-menopausal uterine bleeding.

The association of a pseudomyxoma peritonei with a mucinous tumor of the appendix and/or the ovary is regularly reported in the literature. However, in this context, endometrial or endocervical lesions remain exceptional. We report the case of a 57-year-old patient, with pseudomyxoma peritonei associated with a low-grade mucinous neoplasia of appendix and both ovaries. The systematic sampling of endometrium and endocervix showed small segments of intestinal epithelium admixed with native epithelium. Histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of this epithelium were quite comparable to those observed in the appendix and ovaries. The endocervical and endometrial lesions might represent an implantation of mucinous epithelium from appendix, emphasizing the capacity of this epithelium to implant at a distance from the original lesion.

Chronic endometritis is a rare entity characterized by an endometrial plasmocytic infiltrate. The lymphoid infiltrate may be abundant and simulate a lymphoma of the uterus. We report two cases of lymphoma-like lesions of the endometrium in two postmenopausal women of 79 and 89 year-old, who presented with abundant vaginal discharge. Ultrasound examination revealed in both cases an intrauterin polypoid lesion. Histologically, a predominantly plasmocytic infiltrate was seen in the endometrium destroying endometrial glandes and extending into the superficial myometrium, in the first case. Immunohistochemical study showed a polymorphic lymphoid infiltrate with a predominance of Tcells. Molecular study revealed a polyclonalB cell population, distinguishing the lesion from a marginal zone lymphoma. Lymphoma-like lesions of female genital tract must be distinguished from malignant lymphoma that rarely occurs in this site.

A strategy to establish the diagnosis and the etiology of menorrhagia is necessary for an adaptated therapeutic care. The cross-examination must endeavour to assess bleedings and their clinical impact, and concentrate on specific pathology (such as hemostasis disorders). Clinical examination may eliminate cervical vaginal pathologies and estimate uterine volume. The diagnosis of pregnancy should always be considered and eliminated and that of iron deficiency anemia will be helpful. Explorations of hemostasis balance will be recommended according to clinical and biological features. Hormonal measurement are not contributive, except in diagnosis of SOPK. Endometrium biopsy with the Pipelle will be systematically performed after 40 years of age or in case of risk factors of endometrial cancer. Transvaginal ultrasonography is the first line exam to recommend in case of proved menorrhagia. Hysteroscopy and hysterosonography will be recommended if ultrasonography is not informative enough, or in case of medical treatment failure. MRI is recommended in an second intention (in case of multiple uterine fibroids, or suspected adenomyosis, and if an arterial embolization is required).

Office hysteroscopy may be performed without anaesthesia. Endometrial biopsy can be performed during hysteroscopy. Antalgics or other treatment to reduce discomfort are not indicated. Prophylactic antibiotics are not indicated. Diagnostic value of hysteroscopy for endometrial pathology is interesting. Pipelle is the most appropriate instrument for endometrial biopsy.

We report two cases of endometrial atypical complex hyperplasia with an extensive squamous hyperplasia occurring in two women aged 48 and 31 years old. The histological study showed an increase in the gland to stroma ratio with a false crowding aspect due to an extensive area of squamous metaplasia; some metaplastic areas were centered by necrosis. There was glandular cytologic atypia. Histologic examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and to definitively rule out adenocarcinoma.

Objective: To evaluate the risk of finding an infiltrating endometrial carcinoma when atypical hyperplasia (AH) or FIGO stage IA carcinoma were diagnosed on endometrial biopsy by Novak curette during ambulatory hysteroscopy or on pathological analysis of endometrial ablation product during operatoring hysteroscopy., Method: Retrospective unicentric study from 2000 to 2006 including 107 patients. Total hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was performed on 95 of them. All patients had initial diagnosis of AH or FIGO stage IA carcinoma realised either by biopsy with Novak curette performed according to hysteroscopic data (52 cases), or on product of endometrial ablation (43 cases). AH and stage IA carcinoma were voluntarily studied together because of the same surgical treatment and because it is acknowledged that no complementary treatment is necessary if lesion remains intramucous. However, in presence of myometrial infiltration, the risk of lymph node infiltration exists and lymphadenectomy must be discussed., Results: Out of the 95 hysterectomy specimens, 20 infiltrating endometrial carcinoma were diagnosed (21%). The risk of discovering an infiltrating endometrial carcinoma when diagnosis of AH or stage IA carcinoma is done by biopsy with Novak curette is 32.7% (17 out of 52 patients). Let's note that 30% of these ambulatory hysteroscopies (5 out of 17) were non suspect. When diagnosis is done on the products of endometrial ablation, infiltrating carcinoma is observed on the hysterectomy piece in 6.9% of cases (3 out of 43 patients)., Discussion and Conclusion: Presence of AH or stage IA endometrial carcinoma on endometrial biopsies or on products of endometrial ablation can be associated with infiltrating endometrial carcinoma. In presence of AH or stage IA carcinoma diagnosed on biopsy with Novak curette, the incidence of infiltrating carcinoma on hysterectomy product is sizeable (32.7%) and check-up of infiltrating endometrial carcinoma should be realised with the view to state the prognostic factors and the possible indication of lymphadenectomy. Besides, in the case of a patient presenting with post menopausal bleeding with non suspect hysteroscopy, biopsic examination is necessary.

Objective: To elaborate a strategy of endometrial follow-up for premenopausal women treated with Tamoxifen as adjuvant hormonal treatment of breast cancer., Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of 152 premenopausal patients treated with Tamoxifen in Nantes Comprehensive Cancer Center for a breast cancer from January 2003 to December 2005. Vaginal sonography was used in the follow-up of 70 of them., Results: Endometrial hypertrophy was found in 26 patients. Sonohysterography and hysteroscopy allowed to find 11 polyps and three hyperplasias in the 19 women who were investigated. In our study, endometrial pathology was found in 20% of premenopausal women treated with Tamoxifen (polyps or hyperplasia). Uterine bleeding was found in half patient of this group., Discussion and Conclusion: Vaginal sonography monitoring could be proposed to premenopausal women treated with Tamoxifen among whom endometrial pathology is usual.

Endometriosis, defined by the development of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, is a benign disease responsible for infertility and pelvic pain. The diagnosis based on a detailed gynecological history and a careful clinical examination should be done as early as possible in order to treat patients correctly. Medical treatment is not appropriate in all cases and surgical treatment should be proposed but morbidity is related to the severity of the lesion. Ectopic implantation of endometrial cells needs complex interactions between host tissue and epithelial endometrial cells. The conditions for the development of endometriosis are estrogeno-dependent growth of endometrial cells, induction of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Principal cellular and molecular factors of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and fibrosis should be identified in order to develop new therapeutic strategies of endometriosis.

Introduction: In to respect the principles of oncological surgery and to reduce the operative morbidity, the authors of this study propose to find the proper place of the laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in the surgery of endometrial carcinomas., Patients and Methods: Between the 1st of June 2002 and 31 of May 2005, we realize a retrospective and comparative study for 36 laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and 20 laparotomies concerning 56 patients., Results: In primary stages (stages I and II of FIGO), laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy is as powerful as the laparotomy whereas in more advanced stages, laparotomy was more complete and effective (p=0,07). One conversion case was observed (2.8%) in a context of peritoneal carcinosis (stage IIIc). There was not statistically significant difference about the operatives complications (p = 0.51). On the other hand, the postoperative comfort was so far better in the laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy group (p=0.0002). The average delay of followed without relapses was 22,3 months in the laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy group versus 23 months in the laparotomy group (p=0.51)., Conclusion: Considering these results, the authors retain that, in primary stages (I-II, FIGO), laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy represents a real option in the surgery of endometrial carcinoma. On the other hand, the advanced stages should be reserved for laparotomy.

Endometrial hyperplasias can be divided into two categories based on the presence or absence of cytological atypia and further classified as simple or complex according to the extent of architectural abnormalities. They are usually diagnosed because of irregular bleeding in perimenopause. Hysteroscopy with a biopsy gives a more accurate diagnosis than transvaginal ultrasonography, sonohysterography, or blind curettage. Endometrial hyperplasias with no cytological atypia, regarded as a response to unopposed endogenous estrogenic stimulation, are normally treated with progestins. The intra-uterine route (levonorgestrel intra-uterine system) is more effective and better tolerated than the oral route. Either conservative surgery (endometrial resection, thermal ablation) or radical surgery (hysterectomy) in the case of other genital diseases is performed on women who did not respond to medical treatment. Endometrial hyperplasias with cytological atypia, considered as intra-epithelial neoplasias, are traditionally treated by hysterectomy. The absence of management protocols in the literature offers various treatment options and indications. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, danazol, or aromatase inhibitor are effective, but have adverse effects and are expensive. Endometrial ablation can be performed as a first line therapy in women suffering from bleeding related to hyperplasia without cytological atypia. Medical treatment may be offered to young women suffered from hyperplasias with cytological atypia and desiring pregnancy.

Transvaginal sonographic evaluation of endometrial texture and thickness may be an indicator of the likelihood of achieving pregnancy. Very few pregnancies occur when the endometrial thickness was less than 6 mm. When type C endometrium (multilayered endometrium consisting of prominent outer and midline hyperechogenic lines and inner hypoechogenic regions) greater than or equal to 6 mm thick was seen, the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer is goods. MR imaging is highly accurate in helping to diagnose adenomyosis which is a cause of repeated implantation failures in women undergoing IVF. Furthermore the MRI evaluation of junctional zone thickness (AJZ>7 mm and MJZ>10 mm) is the best negative predictive factor of implantation failure (97%). Thus, we advocate the measurement of junctional zone thickness with MRI in women with 2 consecutive implantation failure following IVF.

Unlabelled: Postmenopausal uterine bleeding is frequent in gynecology. This symptom can reveal benign causes as well as cancers. So it's essential to rule out organic pathology., Materials and Methods: We propose a retrospective study of 65 postmenopausal women who had uterine bleeding for two years., Objectives: - To study the relative frequency of different causes of postmenopausal uterine bleeding. - To evaluate the different investigation procedures., Results: In 65 cases of postmenopausal bleeding, we found: - 6 cases of cancer (9.2 %): 4 cases of cancer of uterine corpus and 2 cases of cancer of uterine cervix. - Benign pathology was more frequent (59 cases : 90.8%), essentially represented by endometrial atrophy (37 cases) and hyperplasia (11 cases). - Hysteroscopic aspect in the 4 cases of endometrial cancer: - Polypoid hypertrophy: 2 cases. - Simple hyperplasia: 2 cases., Conclusion: Despite the fact that benign pathology is more frequent than malignancy as a cause postmenopausal uterine bleeding, we must always rule out a cancer by oriented biopsy.

Menstruation was thought to be the consequence of ischemic necrosis of the endometrium, resulting from vasoconstriction of the spiral arterioles. However, a new paradigm recently emerged when it was shown that human endometrium produces a lot of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPS) at menstruation. These MMPS are active and degrade almost all constituents of the extracellular matrix at neutral pH, allowing for tissue fragmentation and shedding. The tight control of their expression by progesterone and the close relationship in time and space between their expression and the lysis of the mucosa suggest their involvement in triggering menses as well as abnormal bleeding. A proof of their involvement was provided by culturing explants in conditions that mimic ex vivo the menstrual degradation of the endometrium, because specific inhibitors of MMPS prevent lysis of the extracellular matrix. Several cytokines have been shown to focally modulate the inhibition of MMPs expression by progesterone in a paracrine way.

The histological changes underwent by endometrium during a natural menstrual cycle were described more than 50 years ago. Dating yields several methodological flaws, with intra- and inter-observer variability and shows questionable relationship to endometrial receptivity. The best studied endometrial factors involved in implantation include the formation of luminal epithelial "pinopodes", expression of adhesion molecules and of cytokines. Ovarian stimulation for IVF is known to affect luteal phase function. Factors influencing the endometrial receptivity in such cycles are poorly understood. Studies comparing the endometrium in IVF cycles with natural cycle controls have shown premature secretory changes in the postovulatory and early luteal phase of IVF cycles. These findings suggest a profound modification of luteal endometrial development in stimulated cycles. Studies exploring the endometrium within the cycle of embryo transfer have shown a deleterious effect of severe periovulatory maturation advancement exceeding 3 days, as no clinical pregnancies were observed in this condition.

Pathophysiology of deeply infiltrating endometriosis remains controversial whereas physiopathologic mechanism of superficial endometriosis is nearly demonstrated. Superficial peritoneal implants derive from adhesion and proliferation of endometrial cells regurgitated in peritoneum with retrograde menstruation. Peritoneal inflammation involving cytokines as TNFalpha and aromatase over-expression might be involved in the endometriosis invasion processus. Specific molecular defects of both eutopic and ectopic endometrium have been identified for each of the processes involved in the disease development. Aromatase inhibitors decrease endometriosis lesions in a mouse model of endometriosis which was induced surgically. Few studies report efficacy of aromatase inhibitors in human endometriosis. Theoretically, aromatase inhibitors should not be used alone in premenopausal women because of the resultant increase in gonadotropin levels. Nevertheless, in premenopausal women, aromatase inhibitors may be used in association with Gn-RH agonists. TNFalpha is a secretory factor of macrophages that is known to be increased in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. Granulosa cells from these women produce higher levels of TNFalpha. This cytokine can stimulate adhesion and proliferation of endometrial cells and enhances metalloproteasis expression, making thus endometrial cell invasion easier. It also stimulates angiogenesis by regulating expression of IL-8. TNFalpha is also cytotoxic to gametes. In mice and baboon models with induced endometriosis, anti-TNFalpha (TNF binding protein-1) decreases AFS score stage and reduces in size the endometriotic foci. No clinical assay has studied TNFalpha efficacy on human endometriosis.

The endometrial carcinoma is the third most common cancer in women. The endometrioid adenocarcinomas represent 75% to 80% of the pathologic sub-types, and 90% of the lesions are stages I or II at diagnosis. The treatment strategies are based upon surgery and radiotherapy, but the respective place of external irradiation and vaginal cuff brachytherapy is not strictly established. The role of the pelvic lymphadenectomy and the role of chemotherapy for aggressive histologies or locally advanced diseases remain also controversial issues. The question "which radiotherapy for which patient?" is still a current question, however, the answers we will bring do not permit yet to remove all uncertainties.

The ossification of the endometrium is a rare disease. The common feature in most reported cases is previous history of abortion with retention of foetal bones. However, the physiopathology is unknown. Clinical presentation may include secondary infertility as well as chronic inflammation of endometrium. About one recent observation and with help of publications, we will discuss physiopathology, symptomatology and therapeutics of this disease.

Objectives: Define indications for endometrial biopsy and diagnostic hysteroscopy in ectopic pregnancy diagnosis. Define the indication of endometrial biopsy and diagnostic hysteroscopy in ectopic pregnancy diagnosis., Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 15 women with a poorly localized pregnancy (ectopic or intrauterine localization not identified at ultrasound) who had an abnormal HCG curve and low progesteronemia., Results: In 8 patients, an empty cavity was identified at diagnostic hysteroscopy and the endometrial biopsy was negative. In 2 patients hysteroscopy was non-contributive (pregnancy and intra uterine device with blood in the cavity) and the endometrial biopsy was negative. In 3 patients who had an early abortion hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy demonstrated villosities. Finally, in 2 patients who had an early abortion hysteroscopy identified villosities and endometrial biopsy was non-contributive. The sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy for the diagnosis of EP was 100% but the sensitivity of endometrial biopsy was 50% with a specificity of 100%., Conclusion: If pregnancy cannot be correctly localized at ultrasonography, hysteroscopy appears to be better than endometrioal biopsy to discriminate between EP and early abortion.

Objectives: New and much debated data of the endometrial cancer concerning the preoperative assessment of myometrial invasion, the surgical staging, and the adjuvant treatment., Patients and Methods: Medline (1998-2002): searching for "endometrial carcinoma"., Results: The pap smears are useful when it is difficult to have a transvaginal ultrasonography or an MRI. We can perform the pap smears and the endometrial biopsy in the clinic. If a patient has pap smears with malignant cells or elevated preoperative CA 125, it probably is a cancer with poor prognostic factors. Surgical staging with abdominal and node evaluation is necessary. The MRI seems to be the best preoperative imaging because we have information about adnexal and abdominal metastases, pelvic or aortic nodes and the invasion of the myometrium. So it gives us information on the surgical route, and provides indication for a lymphadenectomy. The surgical staging is a part of the treatment of the endometrial cancer: an exploration of the peritoneal cavity, a pelvic lymphadenectomy, a para-aortic lymphadenectomy if the pelvic nodes are positive or if there are factors of bad prognosis (deep stage IC, grade 3, adnexal or abdominal involvement, serous carcinoma of the endometrium). It can be performed if technical conditions are correct. The adjuvant teletherapy in the documented stage IpN0 (surgical staging with pelvic lymphadenectomy) does not seem to be necessary. But we can perform an adjuvant brachytherapy (high-dose rate if it is possible) in patients with a high local recurrence (stage IC, stage I with grade 3, stage IB grade 2)., Conclusion: The preoperative MRI is useful choosing the surgical approach, and the depth of the myometrial invasion, which can be an indication for a pelvic lymphadenectomy. The surgical staging must be a part of the treatment of the endometrial cancer. So the adjuvant teletherapy in patients with stage IpN0 documented should not be used.

Actinomyces is an aerobic, Gram positive bacteria saprophyte of the genital tract. The endometrial involvement is extremely rare. The authors report two cases of pelvic actinomycosis in a 58 and 55 year old women, the second using intrauterine device for 11 years.

Hysterosonography, which consists in the injection of some cc of saline in the uterine cavity during sonography, allows an exploration of the uterine cavity and of the endometrium. Accuracy of hysterosonography is similar to that of office hysteroscopy. Hysterosonography distinguishes normal cavities from pathologic ones, endometrial atrophy from mucosal anomalies, polyps from myomas. Conversely, endometrial biopsy is still necessary for diagnosis of hyperplasia or cancer. Hysterosonography can also be proposed for first trimester bleedings, trophoblast retention or ectopic pregnancy. In the near future it could be applied to therapeutic goals such as sonographic section of polyps.

Study Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopic endometrial resection such us a surgical alternative to hysterectomy in treating abnormal uterine bleeding unresponsive to treatment with progestogens., Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 54 patients who underwent endometrial ablation for abnormal uterine bleeding unresponsive to conservative medical management between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1998. The average patient was 43 years (Range: 36-57 years) and was followed for a mean of 37 months (range 12-80 months)., Results: 83.3% of women were satisfied during the study period. The overall amenorrhea rate was 29.62%. Only 16.66% of subjects reported no improvement. Histologic analysis of the endomyometrial specimens revealed hyperplasia in 48.1% of cases, atrophy in 3.7% of cases and adenomyosis in 44.6% of cases. 8 women (14.8%) needed secondary hysterectomy for continued symptoms during a mean follow up of 10 months. Adenomyosis was present in 4 specimens (50%), myomas in 3 specimens (37.5%), and the association in 1 specimen (12.5%)., Conclusion: Endometrial ablation is a safe and effective hysteroscopic procedure for dysfunctional uterine bleeding, its prognosis depends of several factors, that shows the importance of patients selection.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the uterine curettage in endometrial pathology. It is a retrospective analysis of 200 uterine curettages carried out in the military hospital of Tunis over 4 years (1994-1998). The reasons of consultation were genital hemorrhage, sterility and amenorrhea. Histological lesions were classified as follows: 40.8% hyperplasia, 8.4% atrophy, 1.34% endometrite, and 1.34% adenocarcinoma., Conclusion: Uterine curettage associated to hysteroscopy is far the best technique for the diagnosis of intrauterine lesions.

In order to obtain a better evaluation of the epithelial proliferation of the human endometrium, we developed an "in vitro" model to quantify the effects of hormonal treatments, as an "hormonogram". We particularly aimed to evaluate the effects of steroids used in the replacement hormone therapy during menopausis in the view of predicting and preventing the development of precancerous lesions of the endometrium. This study has evaluated the effects of different progestins currently used in hormone therapy, progesterone, medroxy-progesterone acetate (MPA), nomegestrol acetate (TX), norethindrone acetate (NOR) on human proliferative endometrium explant culture, using two means: prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) output in medium culture, and immunoexpression of estradiol receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and proliferative antigen Ki67 in tissue. After culture, quantitative studies on ER or PR immunoexpression could be assessed by image analysis procedure in contrast to Ki67 immunoexpression too weak low in non tumorous endometrium to be quantified. PGF2 alpha output, was decreased by progesterone, TX and MPA in both proliferative endometrium subtypes. With regards to receptor immunoexpression, progesterone only decreased PR expression in proliferative endometrium. PR immunoexpression in stromal cells was decreased by all progestins in homogeneous proliferative endometrium explants. TX decreased PR and ER expression in glands and stroma of homogeneous proliferative endometrium. MPA exhibited similar effects but only on heterogeneous proliferative endometrium. In brief, our results show that in vitro progestative treatment on endometrium reduced PGF2 alpha output and decreased PR and/or ER immunoexpression, although the in vitro effects of each progestin were not similar and varied with the endometrium subtype (proliferative homogeneous or heterogeneous). This study opens new fields of research particularly to investigate the endometrial proliferative activity using explant culture.

Endometrial cancer, a hormone-related disease with unopposal hyperestrogenemia as one of its major risk factor is usually diagnosed during post menopausal bleeding. Pathologic examination after endometrial biopsy or curettage is mandatory for the diagnosis before any treatment. The 2 first line procedures in the work up are transvaginal ultrasound with colour Doppler and hysteroscopy. Currently, there is not any cost-effective screening test for the early detection of endometrial cancer.

The diagnostic value of endovaginal sonography in benign or malignant endometrial pathology is high, increased by sonohysterography. Sonohysterography is useful in the diagnosis of endometrial thickness and to determine further investigations. MRI is accurate in the uterine adenomyosis diagnosis and is the imaging modality of choice for the preoperative endometrial cancer staging.

The hydro-thermo-ablation is a new technique of ablation of the endometrium, that uses a small quantity of saline solution at 90 degrees C, perfused under hysteroscopic control at a pressure of 50 to 55 mmHg and that allows uterus distention and uniform dispersion of the warm liquid. The endometrium prepared by Gn-RH analogues is then destructed at 4 mm depth and won't regenerate. This technique is safe because realized at low pressure and without possibility of extravasation of the used liquid, and can even be used under local anesthesia. In the future, this technique may take the place of some of our indications of hysterectomy.