Observational Study Rheumatological Manifestations Associated With Endometriosis

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometriotic tissue outside the uterus. Its pathophysiology is still misunderstood today, but more and more work on this pathology are published. The clinical presentation is generally characterized by the existence of cyclical pelvic pain, with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dysuria, dyschezia.

But, there are a wide variety of symptoms, with different painful sites and different types of pain.

The estimated prevalence of endometriosis is about 10% in women. But the impact of this disease on quality of life and its economic impact is estimated considerable. In a US study, the direct costs associated with endometriosis were estimated at US $ 2.801 per woman. Some studies have focused also to quantify work absenteeism associated with endometriosis.

The etiology of endometriosis is based on the migration of endometrial fragments reaching the pelvis via the tubes and establishing themselves on other sites, thus creating non cyclical uterine pain. Catamenial pace of pain is suggestive of the diagnosis, but with time, the pain tends to be chronic rather than cyclical. The standard diagnosis is based on visualization and histological examination of the lesions.

The wide variety of symptoms of endometriosis often leads to wandering and medical diagnostic delay. A better understanding of this disease by the medical community would allow better management of these patients. Currently, endometriosis remains a misunderstood disease by rheumatologists. However, the initial presentation may mimic rheumatologic symptoms; thus, rheumatologists may face this disease.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of manifestations of endometriosis in a cohort of patients with a recent diagnosis of endometriosis established. Secondly, it may well be possible to establish a list of symptoms and signs suggestive of endometriosis for the rheumatologist, allowing to contact a specialized consultant gynecologist some patients "by mistake" in rheumatology.