Objectives
The disruption or defect of the myometrium in the uterine scar of a cesarean section (CS) has been known by various names, such as uterine niche, isthmocele, deficient uterine scar, scar pouch, or diverticulum. Symptomatology, risk factors for niche development, and available treatment modalities have been recently studied. However, the histologic features of this disease remain unknown.
Methods
The histologic features of eight uterine niches are thoroughly described and a summary of the most important aspects of the uterine niche literature is provided. Five cases of CS scars without niche formation are comparatively examined.
Results
Most uterine niches harbor endocervical mucosa, often cystically dilated and/or an atrophic or disorganized endometrial mucosa of lower uterine segment origin. Regenerative epithelial atypia and fibroblastic stromal reaction are frequent features. No granulomatous reaction, important inflammation, or hemorrhage is seen. CS scars without niche formation do not harbor endocervical mucosa or inclusion cysts, fibroblastic stroma, or regenerative atypia.
Conclusions
As more prospective studies of uterine niche development and treatment will be conducted, a detailed pathologic report with the criteria proposed herein can be designed.
Endocervicosis is considered a form of Mülleriosis affecting mainly the bladder and is comprised of endocervical-type glands and cysts. It has been rarely described in the uterine cervix where the extensive involvement of cervical and paracervical tissue poses the suspicion of malignancy, mostly minimal-deviation adenocarcinoma. We describe a case of cervical endocervicosis causing long-term symptoms leading to hysterectomy. We provide evidence that this pathology is associated with cesarean section similar with isthmocele. Its differential diagnosis is discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.