Objective: The aim of this review was to describe the risk factors, diagnosis, and effects on pregnancy of the gynecologic condition adenomyosis.
Methods: A PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL search was undertaken. Citations were limited to the past 30 years.
Results: There were 223 articles identified, with 31 articles being the basis of this review. Adenomyosis is a relatively common gynecologic condition that was previously thought to predominantly occur in older women, as it was diagnosed most commonly after a hysterectomy. As imaging techniques have advanced, this condition is now able to be diagnosed much earlier in life and is estimated to affect up to 20% of reproductive aged women. As studies have followed these women through subsequent pregnancies, an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes has been observed. These include miscarriage, preterm birth, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, small for gestational age, low birthweight, and preeclampsia, among others. This review is to examine the incidence, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria of adenomyosis and to then discuss its role in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions: Adenomyosis has been predominately a gynecologic condition, but now has been shown to adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. Diagnosis is made with histology, but may be suspected based on magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound findings. Despite evidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, there are no established strategies to risk, stratify, or prevent any of these outcomes.