Cystic endometrial atrophy

Last revised by Francis Deng on 12 Jun 2019

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Radswiki T, Deng F, Bell D, et al. Cystic endometrial atrophy. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-15250

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-15250

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/15250

rID:

15250

Article created:

5 Oct 2011, The Radswiki ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created The Radswiki had no recorded disclosures.

View The Radswiki's current disclosures

Last revised:

12 Jun 2019, Francis Deng ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Francis Deng had no recorded disclosures.

View Francis Deng's current disclosures

Revisions:

5 times, by 4 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Gynaecology

Tags:

cases, gynaecology, ultrasound, endometrium

Synonyms:

Endometrial cystic atrophy

Cystic endometrial atrophy is a benign process that can occur as part of tamoxifen-associated endometrial change.

Pathology

It is diagnosed histologically when multiple cystic spaces (dilated glands) lined with atrophic epithelium are present within a dense fibrous stroma.

At hysteroscopy, the endometrium appears white but hypervascularised, with scattered protuberances. This “tamoxifen-like” mucosa can be seen as early as 6 months after the start of tamoxifen therapy. At histopathologic examination, these protuberances are identified as cystic glandular dilatation.

Differential diagnosis

In certain situations, the changes of endometrial cystic atrophy can be so extensive that the appearance of a cystic endometrium may be mistaken for diffuse or focal areas of endometrial thickening (e.g. endometrial polyp or endometrial hyperplasia) This may even occur at hysterosonography.