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Médecine de la Reproduction

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Adolescent endometriosis: review of clinical presentation and long-term issues Volume 15, issue 4, Octobre-Novembre-Décembre 2013

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Endometriosis may affect adolescent girls. The scientific literature on adolescent endometriosis is limited, and many aspects are still unanswered despite an increase number of related reports. The prevalence of endometriosis in adolescents is unknown but, in selected groups of patients undergoing a laparoscopy, the prevalence has been found higher than 50%. The physiopathology of adolescent endometriosis has not been specifically addressed. However, a familial history and associated genital malformations are more frequently identified. The clinical presentation of this disease in adolescent has been assessed by numerous prospective or retrospective series, indicating the crucial role of pain. Risk factors for the development of endometriosis are better known. The recommended diagnostic strategy is presently better characterized, but early diagnosis is rarely made. The therapeutic management is also more consensual but not definitive, despites a lack of prospective studies evaluating either short or long term results and the impact upon the natural history this disease. Finally, the long-term sequellea are still a burden and many questions are unanswered despites few recent reports addressing progression of the disease and subsequent fertility providing some new insights. Further studies are needed to better assess these issues.