Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature Review
Introduction and importance: Extrapelvic endometriosis, confined exclusively to the body of the rectus abdominis muscle, is a rare form of abdominal wall endometriosis. While its etiopathology remains unclear, it is often diagnosed in healthy women who present with atypical symptoms and localization...
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2025-01-01
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| author | Marijana Turčić Koviljka Matušan Ilijaš Koraljka Rajković Molek Petra Valković Zujić |
| author_facet | Marijana Turčić Koviljka Matušan Ilijaš Koraljka Rajković Molek Petra Valković Zujić |
| author_sort | Marijana Turčić |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction and importance: Extrapelvic endometriosis, confined exclusively to the body of the rectus abdominis muscle, is a rare form of abdominal wall endometriosis. While its etiopathology remains unclear, it is often diagnosed in healthy women who present with atypical symptoms and localization unrelated to any incision site, or in the absence of a history of endometriosis or previous surgery. Presentation of the case: Here, we describe a unique case of intramuscular endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle in a healthy 39-year-old Caucasian woman. The condition was located away from any prior incisional scars and presented without typical symptoms or concurrent pelvic disease, making diagnostic imaging unclear. After partial surgical resection of the endometriotic foci, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Progestogen-based supportive medication was initiated to prevent the need for additional surgeries and to reduce the risk of recurrence. After 6 years of follow-up and continued progestogen treatment, the patient remains symptom-free and has shown no recurrence of the disease. Clinical discussion: Endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle exhibits specific characteristics in terms of localization, etiopathology, symptomatology, and diagnostic imaging, suggesting that it should be considered a distinct clinical entity. Conclusions: Although rare, primary endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle should be included in the differential diagnosis for women of childbearing age. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid delayed recognition, tissue damage, and to minimize the risk of recurrence or malignant transformation. Given the increasing frequency of gynecologic and laparoscopic surgeries worldwide, it is crucial to establish standardized reporting protocols, follow-up timelines, and imaging assessments during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Standardization will help raise awareness of this disease, and further our understanding of its pathogenesis, risk factors, recurrence patterns, and potential for malignant transformation—factors that are still not fully understood. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1467-3037 1467-3045 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
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| series | Current Issues in Molecular Biology |
| spelling | doaj-art-8da80744caa4475b8b75820005b95caa2025-01-24T13:27:31ZengMDPI AGCurrent Issues in Molecular Biology1467-30371467-30452025-01-014714710.3390/cimb47010047Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature ReviewMarijana Turčić0Koviljka Matušan Ilijaš1Koraljka Rajković Molek2Petra Valković Zujić3Faculty of Biotehnology and Drug Research, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaClinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaClinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaIntroduction and importance: Extrapelvic endometriosis, confined exclusively to the body of the rectus abdominis muscle, is a rare form of abdominal wall endometriosis. While its etiopathology remains unclear, it is often diagnosed in healthy women who present with atypical symptoms and localization unrelated to any incision site, or in the absence of a history of endometriosis or previous surgery. Presentation of the case: Here, we describe a unique case of intramuscular endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle in a healthy 39-year-old Caucasian woman. The condition was located away from any prior incisional scars and presented without typical symptoms or concurrent pelvic disease, making diagnostic imaging unclear. After partial surgical resection of the endometriotic foci, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Progestogen-based supportive medication was initiated to prevent the need for additional surgeries and to reduce the risk of recurrence. After 6 years of follow-up and continued progestogen treatment, the patient remains symptom-free and has shown no recurrence of the disease. Clinical discussion: Endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle exhibits specific characteristics in terms of localization, etiopathology, symptomatology, and diagnostic imaging, suggesting that it should be considered a distinct clinical entity. Conclusions: Although rare, primary endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle should be included in the differential diagnosis for women of childbearing age. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid delayed recognition, tissue damage, and to minimize the risk of recurrence or malignant transformation. Given the increasing frequency of gynecologic and laparoscopic surgeries worldwide, it is crucial to establish standardized reporting protocols, follow-up timelines, and imaging assessments during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Standardization will help raise awareness of this disease, and further our understanding of its pathogenesis, risk factors, recurrence patterns, and potential for malignant transformation—factors that are still not fully understood.https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/1/47abdominal wall endometriosiscase reportrectus abdominis muscleincomplete surgical resectionunique clinical entity |
| spellingShingle | Marijana Turčić Koviljka Matušan Ilijaš Koraljka Rajković Molek Petra Valković Zujić Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature Review Current Issues in Molecular Biology abdominal wall endometriosis case report rectus abdominis muscle incomplete surgical resection unique clinical entity |
| title | Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature Review |
| title_full | Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature Review |
| title_fullStr | Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature Review |
| title_short | Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature Review |
| title_sort | rectus abdominis muscle endometriosis a unique case report with a literature review |
| topic | abdominal wall endometriosis case report rectus abdominis muscle incomplete surgical resection unique clinical entity |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/1/47 |
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