Significance of benign endometrial cells in Pap smears from postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of benign exfoliated endometrial epithelial or stromal cells on cervicovaginal Pap smears obtained from postmenopausal women not receiving exogenous hormones. STUDY DESIGN: A computerized search of the cytology database at two institutions was performed for a five-year period, and all cervical cytology cases from postmenopausal patients diagnosed with benign endometrial cells were identified. Those cases with histologic follow-up within 12 months of the original cytologic evaluation were selected for analysis, and their cytology and surgical pathology slides were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 227 postmenopausal women with benign endometrial cells were identified. Of the 61 patients with histologic follow-up, 25 (41%) had significant endometrial diseases, including hyperplasia without atypia (11), atypical endometrial hyperplasia (5), well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (8) and high grade serous carcinoma (1). Benign diagnoses, including atrophy (15), weakly proliferative endometrium (9) and proliferative endometrium (6), were noted in 30 patients (49%). Endometrial polyp was identified in three patients (5%). There were three cases of nondiagnostic histologic specimens that lacked endometrial tissue (5%). Two of nine women (22%) with proven carcinoma were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of endometrial cells, cytologically benign, in a postmenopausal woman not receiving hormone on Pap smears is associated with a significant number of cases of endometrial hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma.     

绝经后妇女子宫内膜癌筛查方法445例分析

目的 探讨绝经后妇女中进行子宫内膜癌筛查的适宜方法和策略。方法 2010年7月至2011年3月在北京大学第一医院、北京肿瘤医院和北京大兴区人民医院接受子宫内膜液基细胞学检查的绝经后妇女共445例,以分段诊刮、组织病理学为标准,评价子宫内膜细胞学（endometrial cytological test, ECT）与经阴道超声（transvaginal ultrasound, TVS）诊断子宫内膜癌或癌前病变的准确性。结果 子宫内膜细胞学取材满意度高于诊刮 （χ2=3.722, P<0.001)。单独ECT阳性、单独TVS阳性、ECT和TVS阳性、ECT或TVS阳性诊断子宫内膜癌或癌前病变的敏感度分别为85.7%, 83.9%, 67.8%, 96.4%, 特异度分别为 84.5%, 20.6%, 88.6%, 21.7%, 阳性预测值分别为 64.0%, 25.3%, 65.5%, 28.2%, 阴性预测值分别为 94.8%, 80.0%, 89.6%, 95.0%, 诊断准确性分别为 84.8%, 35.9%, 83.5%, 39.8%。结论 ECT联合TVS是绝经后妇女进行子宫内膜癌筛查的适宜方法。     

Endometrial patterns and endocrinologic characteristics of asymptomatic menopausal women

The endometrial histology and endocrinologic and demographic characteristics of 556 asymptomatic postmenopausal women ,who attended the menopause outpatient clinic at Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital were studied before initiating estrogen replacement therapy. Of these women ,486 (87.4%) had atrophic endometrium ,37 (6.65%) had proliferative endometrium ,27 (4.86%) had endometrial hyperplasia without atypia ,three (0.54%) had endometrial hyperplasia with atypia and three (0.54%) had endometrial adenocarcinoma on their biopsy specimens. When demographic characteristics of the patients were considered, we found that the patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and endometrial hyperplasia with atypia had potential risk factors for endometrial pathology such as chronic anovulation ,diabetes or hypertension. This study confirms that routine endometrial sampling in asymptomatic postmenopausal women is not warranted ,but patients with associated risk factors should be screened for endometrial pathology before starting estrogen replacement therapy.     

Endometrial patterns and endocrinologic characteristics of asymptomatic menopausal women.

The endometrial histology and endocrinologic and demographic characteristics of 556 asymptomatic postmenopausal women, who attended the menopause outpatient clinic at Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital were studied before initiating estrogen replacement therapy. Of these women, 486 (87.4%) had atrophic endometrium, 37 (6.65%) had proliferative endometrium, 27 (4.86%) had endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, three (0.54%) had endometrial hyperplasia with atypia and three (0.54%) had endometrial adenocarcinoma on their biopsy specimens. When demographic characteristics of the patients were considered, we found that the patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and endometrial hyperplasia with atypia had potential risk factors for endometrial pathology such as chronic anovulation, diabetes or hypertension. This study confirms that routine endometrial sampling in asymptomatic postmenopausal women is not warranted, but patients with associated risk factors should be screened for endometrial pathology before starting estrogen replacement therapy.     

Transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial cytology as a diagnostic schema for endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the combined use of transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial cytology is an effective diagnostic schema for endometrial cancer and hyperplasia of the uterus. METHODS: Five hundred fifty-two women were enrolled in this study. For all subjects, endometrial thickness was evaluated by transvaginal ultrasonography. Endometrial cytology was carried out according to the following criteria: all women with atypical uterine bleeding, for asymptomatic postmenopausal women with endometrial thickness >or=5 mm, and for asymptomatic premenopausal women with endometrial thickness >or=20 mm. When the cytological findings were abnormal, we performed a hysteroscopy-guided biopsy within 2 weeks. Women who received transvaginal ultrasonography alone, or those who showed negative cytology, underwent repeated gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasonography 3, 6, and 12 months after the first examination. RESULTS: Endometrial cytology was done on 129 women (23.4% of all subjects), of whom 14 were diagnosed as 'positive' cytology, 20 as 'suspicious positive', and 95 as 'negative'. A total of 34 women with 'positive' or 'suspicious positive' cytological result underwent hysteroscopy-guided endometrial biopsy. The histological diagnosis of the endometrium included 13 endometrial cancers, 9 endometrial hyperplasias (one atypical hyperplasia and 3 hyperplastic polyps), and 10 normal endometria. As a diagnostic schema for endometrial cancer, this combined method resulted in 100% sensitivity, 99.1% specificity, 92.9% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. For endometrial hyperplasia, the method resulted in 100% sensitivity, 89.6% specificity, 40.0% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: A combination of transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial cytology may be an effective diagnostic schema for endometrial cancer and hyperplasia.     

Significance of "normal" endometrial cells in cervical cytology from asymptomatic postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the significance of normal endometrial cells identified in screening Pap smears from asymptomatic postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). METHODS: Endometrial histology reported from 93 asymptomatic postmenopausal women receiving HRT noted to have normal endometrial cells on a screening Pap smear was reviewed. Information regarding HRT, endometrial sampling, and interval between the sentinel Pap and sampling was extracted from the record. RESULTS: Endometrial biopsies were obtained an average of 1.7 months after the Pap smears. Eighteen of the ninety-three histology specimens (19%, 95% CI: 12--27%) identified abnormalities, in four cases precancerous or cancerous lesions. These 18 abnormalities included 7 endometrial polyps; 7 cases of simple hyperplasia, 1 with atypia; 3 cases of complex hyperplasia, 1 with atypia; and 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Normal endometrial cells identified on a screening Pap smear in this population may be an indication of endometrial disease.     

One-stop clinic for postmenopausal bleeding

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of one-stop clinic for early diagnosis and management of women with postmenopausal bleeding by means of transvaginal ultrasonography, outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective analysis was performed on 522 women with postmenopausal bleeding who were referred directly to the gynecology outpatient clinic for evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding. Endometrial thickness of 6 mm, as measured by a transvaginal scan, was considered the cutoff limit for further investigation by hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-one women were using hormone replacement therapy. Thirty-two were taking tamoxifen. Outpatient hysteroscpoy was performed in 157 (71.3%) cases. Thirty-seven (16.8%) cases had general anesthesia for hysteroscopy. Twenty-four (11%) cases had only an endometrial sample obtained. Twenty-one cases of endometrial carcinoma, 20 of endometrial hyperplasia, 4 of cervical carcinoma and 5 of other genital tract malignancies along with several benign pathologies, including submucosal myomas, were detected. Seven (2.3%) cases of endometrial thickness below the cutoff limit had recurrent bleeding due to benign conditions. CONCLUSION: A one-stop clinic is effective for early diagnosis of genital tract malignancy in a majority of patients with postmenopausal bleeding and significantly help in reducing the hospital waiting list.     

Hysteroscopic evaluation of menopausal women with endometrial thickness of 4 mm or more

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic and operative potential of hysteroscopy in postmenopausal patients selected by ultrasound criteria. DESIGN: Cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Outpatient ultrasound and hysteroscopy department of a university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred fifty-five postmenopausal women with endometrial thickness of 4 mm or more by ultrasound, in menopause for at least 1 year, with or without menopausal complaints. INTERVENTIONS: Transvaginal ultrasound and office hysteroscopy with eye-directed biopsy specimens using a 5-mm, continuous-flow, operative hysteroscope. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 155 women, 129 (83%) were asymptomatic (irregular bleeding). Hysteroscopy showed endometrial pathology in 28% of asymptomatic patients (23 polyps, 5 cases of hyperplasia, 8 submucous myomata) and 76% of symptomatic women (13 polyps, 6 hyperplasia, 1 submucous myoma). Hysteroscopic results compared with histologic diagnosis showed a positive predictive value equal to 97. 1% and 95% in asymptomatic and symptomatic women, respectively, and a negative predictive value equal to 100% in both groups. CONCLUSION: Office hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy samples has a diagnostic and operative role in postmenopausal patients selected based on endometrial thickness on ultrasound, in view of the high prevalence of endometrial pathology in both symptomatic and asymptomatic women.     

Comparison of ultrasonography,hysteroscopy, and biopsy in the diagnosis of endometrial lesions in postmenopausal tamoxifen-treated patients

BACKGROUND: At present, no proven recommendations can be made for the surveillance of tamoxifen-treated women. The aim of the present study was to evaluate ultrasonography and hysteroscopy in this setting. METHODS: Three hundred and ten postmenopausal patients using tamoxifen underwent vaginal ultrasonography, hysteroscopy, and endometrial biopsy; 274 were asymptomatic and 49 had abnormal bleeding. Ultrasonographic endometrial thickness and echotexture were recorded. Hysteroscopic endometrial appearance, presence of focal endometrial lesions and polyps were also recorded. General or selective endometrial biopsy was performed. Ultrasonographic and hysteroscopic follow up was provided. RESULTS: At ultrasonography, mean endometrial thickness was 10.8 mm. At hysteroscopy, cystic atrophy and suspect focal lesions were detected in 49.2% and 5.3% of women, respectively. Polyps were present in 44.8% of women; 38.9% of these polyps were missed at ultrasonography, whereas 11.4% were suspected but were not found at hysteroscopy. At biopsy, non-atypical hyperplasia and atypical changes were found in 4.8% and 1.3% of patients, respectively. Three carcinomas were found, all in asymptomatic women. Logistic regression analysis showed that only suspect focal lesions at hysteroscopy were significantly associated with abnormal histology. With a 6-mm cut-off value for endometrial thickness, negative and positive predictive values for ultrasonography in detecting hyperplastic or neoplastic changes were 96% and 8%, respectively; the corresponding values for hysteroscopy were 96% and 65%. No additional carcinoma was found at follow up. CONCLUSIONS: No single ultrasonographic feature (echotexture and borders) is significantly associated with the detection of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma; hysteroscopy, although not predictive unless revealing a focal lesion, is more accurate in detecting polyps and hyperplastic changes.     

Saline sonohysterography for monitoring asymptomatic postmenopausal breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of sonohysterography for monitoring asymptomatic postmenopausal breast cancer patients on long-term tamoxifen therapy. METHODS: Thirty-eight asymptomatic postmenopausal patients receiving tamoxifen for breast cancer were enrolled into the study. The endometrium of study subjects was measured by transvaginal ultrasound. If a distinct echo measured < or = 5 mm, no further procedure was performed. For thickened or inadequately visualized endometrium by transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), sonohysterography was performed. Endometrial biopsies were performed for patients with generalized symmetrical changes on sonohysterography. In cases with focal changes, or inadequate SHG, hysteroscopy/dilatation and curettage (D&C) were performed. RESULTS: Transvaginal ultrasound examination showed 12 (31.6%) patients with thin endometrium < or = 5 mm, 18 (47.4%) cases with thickened endometrium while eight (21%) cases were not adequately visualized by TVS. Sonohysterography was satisfactorily performed in 22 of 26 (84.6%) cases. Of these, three cases showed thin endometrium, 10 patients had endometrial polyps (45.5%) and nine patients showed abnormal endometrial-myometrial junction. Histology revealed hyperplasia in three cases and well differentiated adenocarcinoma associated with one polyp. Endometrial curettage for cases with abnormal endometrial-myometrial junction showed endometrial hyperplasia in two cases. Hysteroscopy and D&C were performed for four (15.4%) patients where SHG was unsuccessful, histopathology revealed inactive endometrium in three cases and one was hyperplastic. CONCLUSIONS: Sonohysterography is superior to unenhanced transvaginal sonography in specifying the abnormal ultrasonographic appearance induced by prolonged tamoxifen therapy, it is easily performed, cost-effective and very well tolerated by the patients with no complications. Sonohysterography is recommended as a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for the assessment of endometrial changes in asymptomatic postmenopausal breast cancer patients on long-term tamoxifen therapy with thickened endometrium or inadequately visualized endometrial echo on transvaginal sonography.     

Thin-layer cytology and histopathology in the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding

OBJECTIVE: To compare thin-layer endometrial cytology to endometrial biopsy and surgical pathology in women with abnormal uterine bleeding. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective study of 103 women. Patients underwent endometrial cytologic evaluation using an endometrial brush, followed by either endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage, or hysterectomy, as clinically indicated. Test performance characteristics and adequacy of cytology and endometrial biopsy were assessed. Ki-67 immunocytochemical expression was evaluated in a random subset of 60 specimens. RESULTS: Cytologic sampling demonstrated a sensitivity of 78%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 78% and a negative predictive value of 96% for the detection of endometrial abnormalities. The unsatisfactory rate of uterine cytology was 15% as compared to 26% for endometrial biopsy. Of adenocarcinoma cases, 83% expressed Ki-67, as compared to 30% in benign cases. CONCLUSION: Endometrial cytology may be useful in the detection of endometrial hyperplasia and neoplasia and provides adequate material for the assessment of Ki-67.     

Asymptomatic Thickened Endometrium in Postmenopausal Women: Malignancy Risk

Study ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic findings and determine the frequency of malignancy in postmenopausal women evaluated by office hysteroscopy for a thickened endometrium without bleeding.DesignRetrospective cohort (Canadian Task Force classification II-B).SettingAcademic medical center in the Midwestern United States.PatientsOver 3600 women underwent an office hysteroscopy between January 1, 2007, and October 20, 2011, for abnormal uterine bleeding or an abnormal ultrasound. Of these, 154 postmenopausal women had a thickened endometrium (>4 mm) and no bleeding.InterventionsFlexible office hysteroscopy using a 3.1-mm scope with saline as the distending media was performed for clinical reasons, and results were captured within a research database.Measurements and Main ResultsFor the 154 women, the range of endometrial measurements was 4.2 to 28 mm (mean = 10.0 mm). Hysteroscopy diagnoses included 93 patients with polyps, 19 with myomas or uterine synechiae, and 34 with benign-appearing endometrium. Nine hysteroscopies were inadequate because of poor visualization (n = 1), cervical stenosis (n = 6), or patient discomfort (n = 2). Endometrial biopsies (EMBs) were performed in 109 patients, and none were found to have cancer or an atypical endometrium. Six had simple hyperplasia without atypia, and their endometrial measurements were within the range of the patients in our study who had a benign endometrium (5–15 mm, mean = 10.3). Of the women with a polyp, 73 (78.4%) subsequently underwent polypectomy. On final pathology, 1 had cancer (endometrial measurement = 24 mm), and 1 had complex hyperplasia with atypia (endometrial measurement = 17 mm). EMBs performed in the office for these 2 patients showed an insufficient endometrium and inactive endometrium, respectively.ConclusionCancer and atypia can occur in asymptomatic women. Endometrial thickness was 17 mm or greater in 2 cases, and EMBs performed in the office were inconsistent with the final diagnosis. Hysteroscopy is important when ultrasound and EMB do not agree. Polypectomy may be indicated even in asymptomatic women, but further studies regarding an endometrial measurement threshold or polyp size are warranted.     

Risk of discovering endometrial carcinoma or atypical hyperplasia during hysteroscopic surgery in postmenopausal women.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of diagnosing endometrial carcinoma or atypical hyperplasia in tissue resected during hysteroscopy performed for intrauterine pathology presumed benign in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: A single-center prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Department of Gynecology, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France. PATIENTS: Three hundred twenty-five women with intrauterine pathology, presumed benign, causing postmenopausal bleeding or bleeding related to hormone replacement therapy. INTERVENTION: All women had an endometrial biopsy after diagnostic hysteroscopy to exclude endometrial carcinoma or atypical hyperplasia. Then they underwent hysteroscopic surgical resection (203, 62.5%) or endometrial ablation (122, 37.5%). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two cases each (0.6%) of endometrial carcinoma and endometrial atypical hyperplasia were discovered that were missed by preoperative evaluations. CONCLUSION: Outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy do not eliminate the finding of carcinoma or endometrial atypical hyperplasia, as these disorders may be discovered during hysteroscopic surgery.     

Hysteroscopic evaluation of menopausal patients with sonographically atrophic endometrium

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic and operative potential of hysteroscopy in postmenopausal patients selected by ultrasound criteria. DESIGN: Prospective evaluation (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Outpatient ultrasound and hysteroscopy department of a university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred twelve women with an endometrial thickness less than 4 mm on ultrasound and in menopause for at least 1 year. INTERVENTIONS: Transvaginal ultrasound and office hysteroscopy, with eye-directed biopsy specimens obtained with a 5-mm, continuous-flow operative hysteroscope, and performed without anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Only 13 (6%) patients were symptomatic (irregular bleeding). Hysteroscopic diagnosis of endometrial polyps in three women (23%) was confirmed by histology. In the remaining 199 (94%) asymptomatic patients with atrophic endometrium on ultrasound, hysteroscopy showed an endometrial pathology in 10% (16 polyps, 4 submucous myomas); in one patient histologic evaluation disclosed focal adenocarcinoma in an endometrial polyp. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopy allows a proper histologic diagnosis, even in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with atrophic endometrium on ultrasound.     

Diagnostic value of hysteroscopy and hysterosonography in endometrial abnormalities in asymptomatic postmenopausal women

Objective  To estimate the diagnostic value of hysteroscopy and hysterosonography in endometrial pathologies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. Materials and methods  In this prospective study, 77 asymptomatic postmenopausal women that had a suspicion of endometrial abnormalities based upon transvaginal ultrasonography were studied. The patients underwent transvaginal ultrasonography and hysterosonography. All patients then had office diagnostic hysteroscopy or operative hysteroscopy. The final diagnosis was made by operative hysteroscopy with resection and excision of the lesions or endometrial biopsy with vacuum curettage. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of transvaginal ultrasonography, hysterosonography and diagnostic hysteroscopy were calculated. Results  The patients’ age ranged from 45 to 80. The most common frequent abnormalities were endometrial hyperplasia in transvaginal ultrasonography (62.33%), endometrial polyp in sonohisterography (57.14%), and also endometrial polyp in diagnostic hysteroscopy (51.94%). Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a sensitivity of 59.7% and a specificity of 35.5%. Sonohysterography revealed a sensitivity of 88.8% and a specificity of 84.4%. Diagnostic hysteroscopy revealed a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 82%. Conclusion  Hysterosonography showed very good agreement with hysteroscopy for the diagnosis of endometrial abnormalities in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. In asymptomatic postmenopausal women that had a suspicion of endometrial abnormalities based upon transvaginal ultrasonography should undergo both hysterosonography and hysteroscopy.     

Cytologic diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma using the Endo-pap sampler

Six hundred ambulatory women were screened with the Endo-pap cytology sampler in two medical centers. None of the women developed complications from the use of the instrument. Their smears were routinely processed together with cervical cytology smears. One hundred fifty-three of these women had a tissue diagnosis by endometrial biopsy, dilatation and curettage, or hysterectomy. Adequate cytology specimens were obtained in 93% of these patients. In these 153 patients, 32 (18%) had a tissue diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma, and 31 patients had a tissue diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia. The cytology samples obtained with this device were diagnostic of endometrial adenocarcinoma in 30 (94%) of these 32 patients and ten (32%) of the patients with endometrial hyperplasia. Two patients (1.6%) were diagnosed falsely positive. The Endo-pap cytology sampler is considered a safe and effective screening tool for endometrial adenocarcinoma. Its value in diagnosing endometrial hyperplasia remains to be determined.     

Significance of atypical endometrial cells detected by cervical cytology

A retrospective study was conducted to assess the histologic significance of atypical endometrial cells identified on routine cervical cytology. One hundred seventy-seven women had Papanicolaou smears demonstrating atypical endometrial cells. The histology of the endometrium was available from endometrial sampling and/or hysterectomy in 134 of the patients within 12 months of their abnormal cytologic evaluation. Fifty-six women (42%) had endometrial disease, including 14 cases (10%) of endometrial polyp, 15 cases (11%) of endometrial hyperplasia, and 27 cases (20%) of adenocarcinoma. The frequency and nature of the endometrial changes depended on the age of the patient (P less than .001) and the degree of cytologic atypia (P less than .05). In 21 women over 59 years who had atypical endometrial cells suspicious for adenocarcinoma, 12 (57%) had adenocarcinoma. Using this information, we have estimated the risk of adenocarcinoma in various groups of women with atypical endometrial cells.     

Resectoscopic surgery may be an alternative to hysterectomy in high-risk women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Endometrial hyperplasia is found in 2% to 10% of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Up to 43% of patients with cytologic atypia harbor coexisting adenocarcinoma, and approximately 20% to 52% of atypical hyperplasias, if untreated, progress to cancer. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of atypical endometrial hyperplasia encountered during routine resectoscopic surgery in women with AUB and to evaluate the role of resectoscopic surgery in the management of women with AUB and atypical endometrial hyperplasia who refused and/or were at high risk for hysterectomy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PATIENTS: From January 1990 through December 2005, the senior author (GAV) performed primary resectoscopic surgery in 3401 women with AUB. Among these, there were 22 women with atypical (17 complex, 5 simple) endometrial hyperplasia. INTERVENTIONS: All women underwent hysteroscopic evaluation and partial (n = 3) or complete (n = 19) endometrial electrocoagulation and/or resection. Subsequently, 6 women had hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median (range) for age, parity, and body mass index were 55 years (24-78 years), 2 (0-4), and 30.1 kg/m2 (22.5-52.2 kg/m2), respectively. Among the 3401 women, there were 22 cases of atypical endometrial hyperplasia, 12 of which were incidentally diagnosed at the time of hysteroscopy (complex 10, simple 2, incidence 0.35%). After hysteroscopic diagnosis or confirmation of diagnosis, 6 women underwent hysterectomy and BSO. Of the remaining 16 women, followed for a median of 5 years (range 1.5-12 years), 1 was lost to follow-up, 1 had only a biopsy to preserve fertility, 1 died from lung cancer after 4 years, and 1 died from colon cancer after 5 years. One patient developed endometrial cancer after 10.5 years with postmenopausal bleeding. She remains alive and well 3.5 years after hysterectomy and BSO. The remaining 11 patients are amenorrheic at a median follow-up of 6 years (range 1.5-12 years). CONCLUSIONS: Resectoscopic surgery in 3391 women with AUB detected 12 incidental cases of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (incidence 0.35%). Skillful resectoscopic surgery may be an alternative to hysterectomy in women with AUB and atypical endometrial hyperplasia, who refuse or are at high-risk for hysterectomy and who are compliant with regular and long-term follow-up.     

Cytological diagnosis of endometrial cancer and preinvasive endometrial lesions. A comparison of the Endo-Pap sampler with fractional curettage

The value of the Endo-Pap endometrial cell sampling device in the cytological assessment of the endometrium was compared with fractional curettage. 318 symptomatic women were studied consecutively, among whom were 42 with malignant tumors of the uterus. Satisfactory material for cytological diagnosis of the endometrial state was obtained in 96%, whereas only 91% of the histopathological material was suitable for interpretation. 35 of 36 women with primary cancers of the corpus uteri had atypical endometrial cytology (sensitivity 0.97). Of 42 uterine cancers, including one metastatic ovarian carcinoma, two adenocarcinomas and three squamous carcinomas of the cervix, 40 were detected by endometrial cytology (sensitivity 0.95). All 5 cases of high grade cytological atypia in endometrial polyps or endometrial hyperplasia could be diagnosed by abnormal endometrial cytology and 4 of 5 patients with adenomatous endometrial hyperplasia were diagnosed correctly. Endometrial cytology obtained with the Endo-Pap sampler is a simple and cheap diagnostic method with which to detect endometrial cancer. It is also effective for diagnosis of preinvasive endometrial lesions with highgrade cytological atypia. Clinicians should recognize that out-patient investigation of the endometrial state by endometrial cell sampling with the Endo-Pap is reliable and can usually replace fractional curettage.     

Transvaginal ultrasonography of the endometrium in women with postmenopausal bleeding: is it always necessary to perform an endometrial biopsy?

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate whether it was possible to abstain from performing an endometrial biopsy when endometrial thickness according to transvaginal ultrasonography was /=50 years who were referred because of postmenopausal bleeding or irregular bleeding during hormone replacement therapy. If endometrial thickness was /=5 mm underwent either curettage or endometrial biopsy. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-three women had an endometrial thickness /=5 mm. The corresponding figure when atypical hyperplasia and endometrial metastases were included was 20. 2%. CONCLUSION: If the false-negative rate of endometrial biopsy techniques is taken into account, then the combination of transvaginal ultrasonography and cervical cytologic examination is an adequate form of management for women with postmenopausal bleeding or irregular bleeding during hormone replacement therapy as long as endometrial thickness is 相似文献