Histopathological Association Between Chronic Endometritis and Adenomyosis: Clinical Findings and Risk Factors


ASLAN B., CANSIZ ERSÖZ C., ŞÜKÜR Y. E., ÖZMEN B., SÖNMEZER M., BERKER B., ...Daha Fazla

Reproductive Medicine and Biology, cilt.24, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 24 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/rmb2.12681
  • Dergi Adı: Reproductive Medicine and Biology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: abnormal uterine bleeding, adenomyosis, CD38, chronic endometritis, immunhistochemistry
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose: To investigate the histopathological association between chronic endometritis (CE) and adenomyosis, focusing on basal endometrial alterations and the potential involvement of tissue injury and repair (TIAR) mechanisms. Methods: This retrospective case–control study included 146 propensity score-matched hysterectomy specimens (73 adenomyosis, 73 controls). CE was diagnosed via CD38 immunohistochemical staining, identifying ≥ 5 plasma cells per high-power field. Basal endometrial thickness was measured digitally at the endo-myometrial junction. Basal endometrial loss was defined as the absence of the basal layer in at least two of three regions. Results: CE was significantly more frequent in the adenomyosis group (23.3%) than in controls (9.6%; p = 0.028). Basal endometrial loss, observed in 23.3% of cases, was strongly associated with CE (47% vs. 7.1%; p < 0.001). In patients with measurable thickness, a 0.15 mm cutoff predicted CE with AUC 0.888 (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 86.9%). In multivariate analysis, basal endometrial loss was an independent risk factor for CE (adjusted OR 10.45, 95% CI 4.12–26.51; p < 0.001). Conclusions: CE is significantly associated with adenomyosis. Basal endometrial loss may mediate this relationship through TIAR-related mechanisms, suggesting CE as a potential therapeutic target in adenomyosis.