Endometrial Histologic Patterns of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

An abnormal uterine bleed is an indication of a possible hormonal or structural defect in the reproductive system. This anomaly may be evident in examination of the endometrial extracts and knowing the common gynecological disorders associated with abnormal uterine bleeding may aid prompt management. To determine the histological pattern from biopsy specimen of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.Retrospective descriptive study of endometrial biopsy specimen for a ten year period at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Histological records of patients were examined, information on age and histological diagnosis were collated. Data was analyzed and presented in frequency table and percentages. A total of 408 endometrial samples are examined. The mean age was 25.1 ± 7.1yearswith an age range of 16-72 years. Abnormal uterine bleeding was commonest in age group 30-39 years. The commonest histopathological diagnosis was products of conception (67.9%). Endometrial polyps were identified as the commonest benign neoplastic lesion in women of reproductive age while malignancies accounted for 3.2% of endometrial pathologies with endometrial adenocarcinoma being the commonest. Products of conception are very common in women of reproductive age in our environment while malignant lesions should be considered in perimenopausal/menopausal women with features of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Key Words: Abnormal uterine bleeding, Histologic patterns