Modern view on the diagnostics and treatment of adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is identified by the enlargement of the uterus secondary to such areas of the endometrium as the endometrial glands and stroma located deep in the myometrium, which causes its hyperplasia and hypertrophy. The most common signs of the development of adenomyosis in a patient are copious menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea. However, it should be borne in mind that in some patients, the disease may be asymptomatic. Despite the wide abundance of imaging and other diagnostic methods for diagnosing adenomyosis, there are currently no standard verified diagnostic criteria for pathologists. In addition, women with adenomyosis often have other concomitant gynaecological diseases, such as endometriosis or leiomyomas, which makes it difficult to diagnose and choose the optimal treatment for patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to highlight up-to-date and relevant information for the practitioner about the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics and treatment options for adenomyosis. Sources from four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier and Google Scholar) were used to search for data. As a result of a literature review, it was established that the "gold" standard for the diagnostics of adenomyosis is histological research methods, in particular, biopsy performed during hysteroscopy or laparoscopy, whereas imaging methods (transvaginal sonography, magnetic resonance imaging) are more often used for differential diagnostics of adenomyosis with other diseases. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging allows for a better differential diagnostics between adenomyosis and myomatosis and helps to recognise the disease at an early stage. Regarding treatment, there is currently no particular therapy and algorithms for the treatment of adenomyosis, which is primarily due to the lack of precise criteria for the diagnostics of the disease. However, the most effective therapeutic methods at the present stage are the use of aromatase inhibitors and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, whilst minimally invasive techniques, in particular, endometrial ablation and uterine artery embolisation, are becoming increasingly popular amongst surgical techniques.