Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis

• Published in: Fertility and sterility Vol. 98; no. 3; pp. 511 - 519
• Main Authors: Burney, Richard O., M.D., M.Sc, Giudice, Linda C., M.D., Ph.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.09.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Adhesion; Cell Survival; complications (disease); Endometriosis; Endometriosis - etiology; Endometriosis - pathology; Endometriosis - physiopathology; endometrium; Endometrium - pathology; Female; Female genital diseases; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Inflammation - complications; Internal Medicine; lesion biology; Medical sciences; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Non tumoral diseases; Obstetrics and Gynecology; pain; pathogenesis; pathophysiology; pathogenesis; Endometriosis; lesion biology; pathophysiology; Pathophysiology; Pathogenesis; Gynecology; Uterine diseases; Biology; Lesion; Obstetrics; Female genital diseases
• ISSN: 0015-0282; 1556-5653
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.029

Originally described over three hundred years ago, endometriosis is classically defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in extrauterine locations. Endometriosis is an inflammatory, estrogen-dependent condition associated with pelvic pain and infertility. This work reviews the disease process from theories regarding origin to the molecular basis for disease sequelae. A thorough understanding of the histopathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis is essential to the development of novel diagnostic and treatment approaches for this debilitating condition.