[Morphologic changes of endometrium in patients with ectopic pregnancy].

OBJECTIVES

To study the morphologic changes of endometrium in patients of ectopic pregnancy.

METHODS

The pathologic appearance of endometrium obtained during uterine curettage in 217 cases of ectopic pregnancy in our hospital were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Seven types of endometrial changes were observed: (1) decidua and/or Arias-Stella (A-S) reaction 147 cases (67.74%), (2) hypersecretory changes 13 cases (5.99%), (3) asynchronous secretory changes between the glands and the stroma 27 cases (12.44%), (4) partial secretory and partial proliferative changes in glands 18 cases (8.29%), a type of small A-S gland was found in 11 of them, (5) early, mid, or late secretory changes 9 cases (4.15%), (6) proliferative changes 2 cases (0.92%) and (7) glandular-cystic hyperplasia 1 case (0.46%). The above morphologic changes of endometrium were correlated with the occurrence and duration of vaginal bleeding and the urinary hCG levels.

CONCLUSION

The appearance of decidua and A-S reaction should not be considered the only diagnostic basis for ectopic pregnancy. Patient's history and laboratory findings should also be taken into account in order to acquire an accurate diagnosis.