AGUS IN CERVICAL ENDOMETRIOSIS

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cervical endometriosis as a source of abnormal glandular cells in cervicovaginal smears. STUDY DESIGN: Histologically documented cases of cervical endometriosis with concurrent cervicovag inal smears were reviewed. The cytologic specimens were evaluated for the presence of glandular abnormalities. RESULTS: There were eight cas es of superficial endometriosis (five of which had concurrent tuboendo metrioid glandular metaplasia) and two cases of deep endometriosis in this series. Five of the eight cases of superficial endometriosis had abnormal glandular cells in the smears; neither of two cases of deep e ndometriosis had glandular abnormalities. Four of the eight cases of s uperficial endometriosis had previously undergone conization for cervi cal intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) (squamous intraepithelial lesion [ SIL]) and were being monitored for recurrence. Of the five cases of at ypical glandular cells of unknown significance (AGUS), one case had co ncurrent high grade CIN (SIL). Another case was originally misinterpre ted as recurrent glandular dysplasia. CONCLUSION: Physicians monitorin g patients after treatment for CIN need to be aware that endometriosis and tuboendometrioid metaplasia may be the source of atypical glandul ar cells and on occasion may be subject to misinterpretation.