According to the PALM-COEIN classification of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) by FIGO 2011 and updated 2018, which of the following is correctly classified as a structural cause?
- A Endometrial coagulopathy disorder (AUB-E)
- B Adenomyosis (AUB-A) — categorised under PALM ✓
- C Ovulatory dysfunction (AUB-O)
- D Iatrogenic bleeding from anticoagulants (AUB-I)
Correct answer: B. Adenomyosis (AUB-A) — categorised under PALM
Explanation
The FIGO PALM-COEIN system classifies AUB causes as: PALM (structural) = Polyp, Adenomyosis, Leiomyoma, Malignancy/hyperplasia; COEIN (non-structural) = Coagulopathy, Ovulatory dysfunction, Endometrial, Iatrogenic, Not yet classified. Adenomyosis is a structural cause under PALM. AUB-E (endometrial) and AUB-O (ovulatory) are non-structural COEIN causes. AUB-I (iatrogenic) from anticoagulants is also non-structural. The structural-nonstructural distinction has implications for management (structural causes often require procedural intervention).
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.