Adenomyosis among samples from hysterectomy due to abnormal uterine bleeding in Ahwaz, southern Iran

Adenomyosis is one of the most common, yet underdiagnosed, underlying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of adenomyosis among subjects who underwent hysterectomy due to AUB.

We studied the pathological specimens from 100 cases of AUB who underwent hysterectomy and were referred to Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz (Iran) from 2007 to 2010. All specimens were reviewed by the same pathologist.

Pathological findings included adenomyosis 21%, leiomyoma 30%, adenomyosis and leiomyoma 21%, adenomyosis and other pathological causes 7%, and other pathological causes 21%. The overall prevalence of adenomyosis was 49%. Mean age of the patients was 46.9 ± 7.8 years and the highest frequency of adenomyosis was observed in the age group 30–60 years.

Overall prevalence of adenomyosis in the population with AUB (49%) that we studied was higher than that in the reports from other populations. Occurrence of isolated adenomyosis in those aged less than 30 years was rare, and adenomyosis was usually accompanied by other lesions.