Prevalence of hysteroscopic findings and histologic diagnoses in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of hysteroscopic findings and histologic diagnoses in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

DESIGN

Retrospective series of consecutive patients.

SETTING

Tertiary care university hospital and private office.

PATIENT(S): Four thousand fifty-four hysteroscopies with biopsy in patients with AUB evaluated between June 1993 and December 2004.

INTERVENTION(S): Hysteroscopies were performed using 2.9-mm or 4-mm telescopes with CO(2) or saline as the distension media. Biopsies were done with a 5-mm grasper or with a Novak's curette.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Prevalence of hysteroscopic findings and histologic analysis of biopsies.

RESULT(S): Endometrial polyp was the most frequent hysteroscopic finding, accounting for 1,374 (33.9%) cases. Normal uterine cavity and cervical canal were found in 814 (20.1%) patients. Submucous fibroids were diagnosed in 302 (7.5%) women. Normal endometrium was the most frequent histologic diagnosis, accounting for 1,888 (46.6%) cases. Endometrial polyp was found in 1,115 (27.5%) patients. Endometrial hyperplasia was diagnosed in 613 (15.1%) and endometrial cancer in 105 (2.6%) women.

CONCLUSION(S): Endometrial polyps are the most frequent hysteroscopic findings in patients with AUB, whereas normal endometrium is the most frequent histologic diagnosis.