Publication:

Endometrial histopathology patterns in women with abnormal uterine bleeding

Background Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common gynaecological condition for which many women seek medical opinion. Evaluation of these women requires careful investigation into the cause and nature of bleeding with a main focus to exclude organic pathology, especially genital malignancies. Endometrial biopsy is one such intervention which is of immense value in categorizing the conditions. Aims and objectives of current study were to analyse endometrial histology patterns in women with AUB.

Methods This was a retrospective study conducted on women with AUB who presented in the gynae OPD during the study period of one year and had endometrial biopsy as part of evaluation. Women between with AUB were included in the study after excluding pregnancy related bleeding. Detailed clinical history, examination findings, investigations and endometrial histopathology was noted.

Results A total of 97 women with AUB who had undergone dilatation and curettage with endometrial biopsy were studied. Majority of women were in age group of 40-45 years and heavy menstrual bleeding was the commonest complaint, AUB (P) 17% and AUB (L) 39%, accounted for most of the clinical presentations. Endometrial histology showed varied patterns 27 % had secretory endometrium, 11% proliferative endometrium. There were 7 cases of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia and three cases of endometrial malignancy.

Conclusions Histopathological evaluation of endometrium is the cornerstone of management of abnormal uterine bleeding. Endometrial patterns obtained can be useful in ruling out malignancy and help in formulating further management.