Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. The most widely accepted theory for its pathogenesis is:

• A Retrograde menstruation with implantation and survival of viable endometrial fragments ✓
• B Coelomic metaplasia of peritoneal mesothelium into endometrial tissue
• C Lymphovascular spread of endometrial cells to distant sites
• D Embryonic Müllerian remnant activation during adulthood

Explanation

Sampson's theory of retrograde menstruation is the most widely accepted: during menstruation, endometrial fragments flow retrograde through the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity, where they implant and establish ectopic endometrial tissue. Not all women with retrograde menstruation develop endometriosis, suggesting additional immunological and genetic factors determining implantation success.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.