Case reports

Osseous metaplasia of the endometrium

J P van der Merwe, Igno Siebert, Theunis Frans Kruger, Dawie Slabbert

Abstract


Osseous metaplasia should be kept in mind as a rare cause of failure to conceive, even in patients with primary infertility. We report a case of osseous metaplasia of the endometrium as a cause of primary infertility and present a literature review. The condition may be more common than expected or generally accepted, and should be kept in mind even in patients with primary infertility. Hysteroscopy is an effective diagnostic as well as treatment modality. The human endometrium contains populations of epithelial progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells. These cells are multipotent but rare, and are the most likely origin of the endometrial ossification. The cells can also differentiate into adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages.

Authors' affiliations

J P van der Merwe, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa

Igno Siebert, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa

Theunis Frans Kruger, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa

Dawie Slabbert, Panorama Medi-Clinic, Panorama, Cape Town, South Africa

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Keywords

Endometrial ossification; Stem cells in the endometrium; Primary infertility; Hysteroscopy

Cite this article

South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2014;20(1):37-38. DOI:10.7196/sajog.727

Article History

Date submitted: 2013-05-17
Date published: 2014-04-03

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