Intrauterine Adhesions and Asherman Syndrome: A Retrospective Dive into Predictive Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Surgical Perspectives

• Published in: Diagnostics
• Main Authors: Loredana Maria Toma, Demetra Socolov, Daniela Matei, Sorana Anton, Raluca Balan, Emil Anton, Roxana Covali, Mihaela Tirnovanu, Handra Elicona, Theodor Pantilimonescu, Razvan Socolov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
• Subjects: intrauterine adhesions; Asherman syndrome; intrauterine synechiae; endometrial injury; infertility
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/8/955

<b>Background</b>: Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) or Asherman syndrome (AS) represent pathological conditions that affect the endometrium and significantly influence female fertility through a variety of mechanisms. This study aims to identify risk factors, explore pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and assess how medical background influence the development of these conditions. It also seeks to associate the severity of conditions with clinical outcomes, such as fertility, miscarriages, and menstrual cycle disorders, using American Fertility Society (AFS) scoring system. <b>Materials and methods</b>: This retrospective cohort study included 134 patients aged 18 to 45, who followed hysteroscopy between 2016 and 2024 at two hospitals in Iasi, focusing on those diagnosed with IUAs (102 patients) and AS (32 patients), based on hysteroscopic approach. The exclusions were based of factors like acute uterine bleeding, intrauterine device, obesity and other severe conditions. <b>Results and discussions</b>: Women over 35 years are more likely to develop these conditions due to prior gynaecological procedures which are often associated with fertility issues. Hysteroscopy is established as the gold standard for both diagnosis and treatment, intraoperative diagnosis representing 45.6 % of cases. Amenorrhea is a primary indicator in AS patients (OR = 26.19) and dysmenorrhea as a potential marker for IUAs (OR = 2.67). Patients with IUAs and primary infertility (82.9%) typically have an AFS score 1, corresponding to improved conception rates. Those with AS and primary infertility often present an AFS score 2 (54.5%); patients with AS and secondary infertility were linked to AFS score 3 (58.8%; <i>p</i> = 0.137). Although the incidence of miscarriages is comparable between the two groups, the timing differs: IUAs are predominantly associated with first trimester losses (64.9%), whereas AS is more commonly linked to second trimester miscarriages (45.5%; <i>p</i> = 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> The study highlights the necessity of a personalized approach in diagnosing and treating IUAs and AS, considering factors such as age, fertility index, and disease severity. The integration of hysteroscopic techniques with individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s unique medical profile is crucial for adequate management of IUAs and AS.