Quick, Safe, Accurate Endometriosis Diagnosis
Reported August 21, 2009
(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Finally, there is a quick, accurate test for
endometriosis that does not require hospitalization and surgery.
Researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, and Mu'tah University in
Karak, Jordan, have discovered they can take a small sample of the endometrium
(the lining of the uterus) by inserting a device through the vagina to take a
biopsy, which is then tested for the presence of nerve fibers. The test has
identified the presence of endometriosis with nearly 100 percent accuracy.
Endometriosis, which affects and estimated 10 to 15 percent of women of
reproductive age, is a chronic disease in which cells from the endometrium
establish themselves outside the uterus in a woman's pelvic area. Symptoms
include infertility, painful periods, pelvic pain and pain during sexual
intercourse.
Previously, the only way to accurately diagnose endometriosis was with
laparoscopy – an invasive exploratory surgical procedure requiring
hospitalization and anesthetics.
In contrast, taking an endometrial biopsy is relatively quick and easy, and
results are available within about three days.
In
the study led by Professor Ian S. Fraser, head of the Queen Elizabeth II
Research Institute for Mothers and Infants at the University of Sydney and Dr
Moamar Al-Jefout, assistant professor in reproductive medicine at Mu'tah
University, researchers took endometrial biopsies from 99 women who had
consulted doctors about pelvic pain, infertility or both and who were undergoing
laparoscopy for the condition. The results from the endometrial biopsies were
compared with the results of the laparoscopies. Researchers found that in 64
women who had endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy, all but one tested
positive for the presence of nerve fibers in the endometrial biopsy. In the 35
women who were found by laparoscopy not to have endometriosis, no nerve fibers
were found in 29 of the endometrial biopsies.
"This study has shown that testing for nerve fibers in endometrial biopsies is a
valid and highly accurate diagnostic test for endometriosis,” Dr Al-Jefout was
quoted as saying. “This test is probably as accurate as assessment via
laparoscopy, the current gold standard . . . . Endometrial biopsy is clearly
less invasive than laparoscopy, and this test could help to reduce the current
lengthy delay in diagnosis of the condition, as well as allowing more effective
planning for formal surgical or long-term medical management. It may be
particularly helpful in cases of infertility."
However, Dr Al-Jefout said, "It needs to be emphasized that this test requires a
carefully collected endometrial biopsy and an experienced immunohistochemical
pathology laboratory to confirm or exclude the presence of nerve fibers."
Dr Al-Jefout said the procedure could be particularly useful in teenagers with
spasmodic symptoms and a family history of endometriosis. "The usual diagnostic
delay in this special group is greater than in older women. An endometrial
biopsy to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of endometriosis will help initiating
earlier treatment and possibly preventing the progress of endometriosis, thus
improving life style and protecting their future fertility."
SOURCE: Human Reproduction, August 19, 2009 |
