Diffuse uterine adenomyosis ultrasound case study
CASE–1
Clinical History
A 38-year-old multiparous female presented with progressively worsening dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, menorrhagia, and pelvic heaviness over the past several years. She was referred for pelvic ultrasound to evaluate suspected adenomyosis.
Ultrasound Findings
Ultrasound examination demonstrates a diffusely enlarged globular uterus measuring approximately 11.2 × 6.8 × 7.1 cm. The myometrium is diffusely heterogeneous with coarse echotexture and asymmetric thickening of the posterior myometrial wall. Multiple tiny intramyometrial cysts measuring approximately 2–5 mm are identified. Prominent echogenic subendometrial linear striations extending into the myometrium and fan-shaped posterior acoustic shadowing are noted. The endometrial-myometrial junction (junctional zone) appears indistinct. No discrete leiomyoma is identified. Color Doppler demonstrates diffuse translesional vascularity throughout the affected myometrium. The endometrium measures 8.6 mm and appears regular. Both ovaries are unremarkable. No adnexal mass or free pelvic fluid is identified.
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| Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound. Diffuse globular enlargement of the uterus with heterogeneous myometrium, asymmetric posterior myometrial wall thickening, subendometrial echogenic striations, tiny myometrial cysts, and fan-shaped acoustic shadowing, compatible with diffuse uterine adenomyosis. |
Report Line
The uterus is diffusely enlarged with a globular configuration, measuring approximately 11.2 × 6.8 × 7.1 cm. The myometrium demonstrates diffuse heterogeneous echotexture with asymmetric posterior wall thickening, multiple tiny intramyometrial cysts, echogenic subendometrial linear striations, fan-shaped posterior acoustic shadowing, and an indistinct endometrial-myometrial junction. The endometrium measures 8.6 mm. Sonographic findings are highly suggestive of diffuse uterine adenomyosis.
Impression
Sonographic features are consistent with diffuse uterine adenomyosis.
Recommendation
Correlation with the patient's clinical symptoms is recommended. Gynecological consultation is advised for treatment planning. MRI pelvis may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain or for preoperative mapping. Management options include hormonal therapy, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), uterine artery embolization in selected patients, or hysterectomy in women with severe symptoms who have completed childbearing.
Key Learning Points
- Diffuse adenomyosis results from ectopic endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, producing diffuse uterine enlargement.
- The classic ultrasound appearance includes a globular bulky uterus with heterogeneous myometrium.
- Characteristic findings include asymmetric myometrial wall thickening, tiny myometrial cysts, echogenic linear striations, fan-shaped acoustic shadowing, and an indistinct junctional zone.
- Color Doppler typically demonstrates diffuse translesional vascularity rather than peripheral vascularity seen with fibroids.
- The principal differential diagnoses include diffuse leiomyomatosis, multiple fibroids, and focal adenomyoma.
- MRI is the most accurate imaging modality when ultrasound findings are equivocal or for surgical planning.
- Diffuse adenomyosis commonly presents with dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility in women of reproductive age.