Two Previously Unemphasized Features of Endometriosis: Micronodular Stromal Endometriosis and Endometriosis with Stromal Elastosis.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Descriptive pathology report and expert commentary without quantitative cohort data
PubMed 11493993 · doi:10.1177/106689690000800310
What was done
The authors describe two unusual histopathological variations in the stromal component of endometriosis based on pathological evaluation: micronodular stromal endometriosis (microscopic nodules containing only endometriotic stroma on the peritoneum and other sites) and endometriosis accompanied by prominent stromal elastosis. The abstract provides no specific details on patient selection, preparation methods, or sample size.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical findings or sample sizes. Qualitatively, the authors report that micronodular stromal endometriosis consists purely of endometriotic stroma without glands, which can be overlooked or misdiagnosed as peritoneal involvement by low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. Additionally, prominent elastotic stromal responses can obscure or focally obliterate classic endometriotic stroma, though elastosis can serve as a diagnostic indicator when typical endometrioid glands are identified.
Why it matters
Awareness of these atypical stromal patterns can prevent surgical pathologists from confusing benign endometriotic implants with low-grade stromal malignancies or missing subtle lesions masked by elastosis.
Limits
The abstract contains no quantitative data, case numbers, demographic information, or diagnostic accuracy metrics (such as sensitivity or specificity). It does not specify whether immunohistochemistry was used to confirm findings or how frequently these features occur in clinical practice.
Cited by
- partial Stromal endometriosis lesions lack glandular structures and consist of connective tissue and nerve endings that cause severe bloating, inflammation, and deeper pain.