Lateral cervical displacement is associated with endometriosis
A M Propst1, K Storti, R L Barbieri
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Fertility and Sterility
|October 3, 1998
Summary
Lateral cervical displacement, a physical finding in women with pelvic pain, may indicate uterosacral ligament scarring from endometriosis. This case series highlights a potential diagnostic association for chronic pelvic pain evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Surgical Pathology
- Pelvic Health
Background:
- Endometriosis is a common condition causing chronic pelvic pain in women.
- Uterosacral ligament involvement is a known feature of endometriosis.
- Lateral cervical displacement is an under-recognized physical examination finding.
Observation:
- A case series involving three nulliparous women with chronic pelvic pain was conducted.
- Physical examination revealed lateral cervical displacement in all patients.
- Laparoscopic evaluation confirmed endometriosis and uterosacral ligament scarring ipsilateral to the cervical displacement.
Findings:
- All three patients presented with lateral cervical displacement.
- Endometriotic implants and scarring were identified on the uterosacral ligament on the same side as the cervical displacement.
- This suggests a correlation between lateral cervical displacement and endometriosis-related uterosacral ligament pathology.
Implications:
- Lateral cervical displacement may serve as a clinical sign of endometriosis involving the uterosacral ligaments.
- Recognition of this physical finding could aid in the diagnosis of endometriosis in women with chronic pelvic pain.
- Further research is warranted to confirm this association and its diagnostic utility.
