A 45-year-old multipara presents with dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia. Uterus is symmetrically enlarged upto 14 weeks. What is the probable diagnosis? (E. REPEAT 2008)
First, the core concept here is uterine enlargement and its differential diagnoses. The main differentials for a symmetrically enlarged uterus would be adenomyosis versus uterine fibroids. Adenomyosis is when the endometrial tissue is present within the myometrium, leading to a bulky, tender uterus. Fibroids, on the other hand, are benign tumors that can cause enlargement but are usually asymmetric unless multiple. Adenomyosis often presents with dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, which matches the patient's symptoms. The symmetric enlargement is a key clue here because fibroids can be asymmetric if there's a single large fibroid.
Looking at the options, the correct answer should be adenomyosis. The other options might include fibroids, endometriosis, or even something like endometrial hyperplasia. Fibroids are usually asymmetric unless there are multiple, so if the uterus is symmetrically enlarged, adenomyosis is more likely. Endometriosis typically presents with dyspareunia and dyschezia rather than menorrhagia. Endometrial hyperplasia might cause irregular bleeding but not necessarily a large uterus. So each of the incorrect options can be ruled out based on the symptoms and physical exam findings.
The clinical pearl here is remembering that symmetric uterine enlargement points to adenomyosis, while fibroids are usually asymmetric unless multiple. Also, the presence of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia aligns with adenomyosis. Students should note that adenomyosis is more common in multiparous women, which fits this patient's profile.
**Core Concept**
Symmetrical uterine enlargement with dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia is classic for **adenomyosis**, a condition where endometrial glands and stroma infiltrate the myometrium. This differs from subserosal fibroids, which often cause asymmetrical enlargement.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Adenomyosis leads to a **globular, tender, and symmetrically enlarged uterus** due to endometrial tissue invading the myometrium. This causes increased uterine contractility and vascularity, resulting in **dysmenorrhoea** (painful periods) and **menorrhagia** (heavy bleeding). The symmetric enlargement contrasts with fibroids (usually asymmetric unless multiple), making adenomyosis the most likely diagnosis here.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Endometriosis* typically presents with dyspareunia, dyschezia, and infertility, not symmetric uterine enlargement.
**Option B:** *Uterine fibroids* (especially subserosal) cause asymmetrical enlargement. Multiple fibroids may mimic symmetry but are distinct histologically.
**Option C:** *Endometrial hyperplasia* causes irregular bleeding but does not enlarge the uterus.
**Option D:** *Pelvic inflammatory disease* (PID) may cause uterine tenderness but not chronic enlargement or menstrual pattern changes.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember the **