Growth of an endometrial polyp in a postmenopausal patient using raloxifene

Objective To describe the association of raloxifene use with the developmen t of an endometrial polyp in a postmenopausal patient. Design Case report study. Results Hysterosonography and hysteroscopy showed the occurrence of an endo metrial polyp in a postmenopausal patient who had been using raloxifene for 8 months. Pathological investigation showed the presence of simple hyperpl asia in the polyp. Oestrogen receptors were present in both the polyp and t he atrophic endometrium. Progesterone receptors, on the other hand, were de tected mainly in the atrophic endometrium. There was a focal p53 overexpres sion in the glandular epithelium of the polyp. Conclusion Raloxifene stimulated the development of an endometrial polyp in this postmenopausal patient. The presence of progesterone receptors in the atrophic endometrium suggests an agonistic action of raloxifene on this ti ssue.