Alterations in Fallopian tube biopsies caused by pregnancy
Vesel, I.
Zentralblatt für Allgemeine Pathologie U. Pathologische Anatomie 119(1-2): 60-64
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-4030 PMID: 1189671 Document Number: 85486
The clinical significance of decidual changes and inflammation in the Fallopian tubes of women undergoing tubal ligation shortly after delivery was assessed microscopically in 133 resected specimens. 13 excision specimens obtained from nonpregnant patients served as controls. Foci of ectopic decidua were found in 14.3% of postpartum cases but in none of the control group. An inflammatory reaction consisting of edema, hyperemia, and lymphocytic, histiocytic, and occasional granulocytic infiltration was seen in 67.6% of patients ligated after childbirth; none was seen in control specimens. In the postpartum group, the clinical findings and gross examination of the tubes at the time of operation did not suggest any inflammatory changes. The microscopic changes observed, therefore, do not warrant a diagnosis of salpingitis and are to be considered a physiological response of pregnancy.