[Atypical endometrial hyperplasia: characteristics of histopathological diagnosis in curettings]

The frequency of Hendrickson's and Kurman's criteria for the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma was analyzed in 25 cases of endometrial curettings in which the diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia was made. All cases had subsequent hysterectomies not showing carcinoma. Hendrickson's cytologic elements were found in 88% of the cases and architectural elements in 84% of the cases. Kurman's architectural elements were not found. In only one case stromal desmoplasia was present; 3 cases (12%) showed small cribes, all of them in tiny foci less than 0.5 mm. Small glands were present in 76% of the cases. Hendrickson's cytological and architectural criteria are not specific for carcinoma; they are frequently found in atypical hyperplasias. Kurman's criteria are absent in endometrial hyperplasias. Most cases of endometrial atypical hyperplasia do not show small cribes; when the latter are present, they are only focally found and measure less than 0.5 mm.