Peritoneal blood painting: an aid in the diagnosis of endometriosis

Article Abstract:

Endometriosis is caused by the implantation of endometrial tissue, which lines the inside of the uterus, in other parts of the body. It can cause pain, bleeding and infertility. Although the disease is not well understood, it is thought that blood from menstruation, carrying endometrial cells, flows backwards into the fallopian tubes and out into the abdominal cavity. Diagnosis by laparoscopy, a small tube inserted into a surgical opening in the abdomen and affixed with a magnifying lens, is used to visualize internal structures such as the uterus, fallopian tubes and peritoneal (abdominal) cavity. Some areas of endometriosis can be visualized easily. A new technique, peritoneal blood painting, can enhance the visualization of subtle abnormalities in tissue. The bloody fluid, caused by reflux into the peritoneal cavity during menstruation, is painted on the peritoneal surfaces. The red blood cells produce a pattern on the surface which highlights the abnormal areas. This technique can help the practitioner identify areas affected by endometriosis.

Laparoscopy

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Increased levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis

Article Abstract:

Elevated levels of interleukin-6 and -10 in women with endometriosis may indicate increased cell scavenging activity. Endometriosis is a disease where menstrual tissue and blood escape the uterus and create adhesions throughout the abdomen. It can result in infertility. Researchers analyzed abdominal fluid of 15 women with endometriosis and 12 unaffected women for interleukin-2, -4, -5, -6, and -10, and for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF) to determine the kind of immune response that occurs with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis produced more interleukin-6 and -10 than did unaffected women. This finding may indicate why an increased production of autoantibodies occurs with endometriosis, causing immune system dysfunction.

Measurement, Interleukins, Interleukin-6

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A case of splenosis masquerading as endometriosis

Article Abstract:

Splenosis may resemble endometriosis, but may be a helpful rather than a detrimental condition. Splenosis may occur after the spleen has been injured or surgically removed and bits of splenic tissue adhere to other structures within the abdomen. A 19-year-old woman was diagnosed by her gynecologist as having severe endometriosis. She had been in a car crash years before in which her spleen ruptured. She underwent surgery, and implanted tissues were carefully removed from various places in the abdominal cavity. The removed tissues were later diagnosed as being from the spleen rather than the uterus. Splenic tissues should not be removed because they can perform functions once performed by the spleen.

Abnormalities, Spleen

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