CA-125 IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Citation
Pr. Koninckx et al., CA-125 IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS, European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 49(1-2), 1993, pp. 109-113
Citations number
13
Categorie Soggetti
Reproductive Biology","Obsetric & Gynecology
ISSN journal
03012115
Volume
49
Issue
1-2
Year of publication
1993
Pages
109 - 113
Database
ISI
SICI code
0301-2115(1993)49:1-2<109:CITMOE>2.0.ZU;2-U
Abstract
CA 125 is expressed by ectopic and ectopic endometrium. In women with advanced endometriosis, plasma concentrations are increased towards th e end of the luteal phase and during menstruation but not during the f ollicular and early luteal phases. In women without endometriosis, suc h cyclic changes of CA 125 in plasma are not observed. In women with c ystic ovarian endometriosis, plasma CA 125 concentrations are markedly elevated. Measurement of CA 125 in ovarian cyst fluid is the method o f choice to differentiate a cystic corpus luteum from an ovarian endom etriotic cyst, a frequent and difficult clinical problem. CA 125 can b e used to diagnose deeply infiltrating endometriosis with a sensitivit y of 36% and a specificity of 87%. These figures underestimate the cli nical importance, since plasma CA 125 concentrations are mainly import ant for the diagnosis of deeply infiltrating endometriosis types II an d III, which are the most severe forms and which are clinically easily missed. Because of the strong association of deep endometriosis and p elvic pain, the assay of CA 125 in plasma may be advocated in all wome n with unexplained pelvic pain as an aid in the diagnosis of deeply in filtrating endometriosis. Following surgical excision of endometriosis , CA 125 can be used to monitor the completeness of surgery.