Differential indication for histological evaluation of endometrial fluid in postmenopause.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The endometrium carcinoma is the most frequent malignancy of the female genital tract. Approximately, 10-20% of all patients with an endometrial carcinoma are free of symptoms until the time of diagnosis. The frequent occurrence of an endometrial carcinoma in connection with intrauterine cavity fluid collection (sero- or mucometra) has been discussed controversially in literature. What are the hysteroscopic and histological findings in patients with sonographically determined endometrial fluid in postmenopause, and how should these findings be interpreted? METHODS: 74 patients, in whom endometrial fluid without bleeding disorders had been diagnosed during routine transvaginal sonography, underwent hysteroscopy conducted with a 4.5 mm optics and dilatation and curettage (D&C). The median age of the patients was 68 years with a range of 32 years. RESULTS: The simple thickness of the endometrium, i.e. single layer measured sonographically at the point of maximal thickness, was on average 5.7 mm +/- 3.6 mm (2-15 mm). Hysteroscopically, an endometrium polyp was found in 23 cases (31.1%), endometrium hyperplasia in 12 (16.2%), and an atrophy in 35 cases (47.3%). In four cases (5.4%), an endometrial carcinoma was suspected. The histological results were consistent with the hysteroscopic findings. In all instances, in which the simple endometrial thickness amounted to 3 mm or less, an atrophic endometrium was found. The frequency of intrauterine pathologies increased significantly with a greater thickness of the endometrium. In 80% of patients, a cervical stenosis existed. CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial fluid by itself, without assessment of the endometrium, does not indicate the requirement for additional histological clarification. As diagnostics, the authors suggest especially the endometrial morphology.