Morphological features of ovarian endometriosis: changes in ovarian tissue and their impact on reproductive function

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Abstract

Ovarian endometriosis is one of the most clinically significant forms of endometriosis, as it is accompanied by marked morphological changes in ovarian tissue and is often associated with reproductive dysfunction. The formation of endometrioid cysts is associated with chronic inflammation, fibrosis, impaired microcirculation, and damage to the follicular apparatus, creating unfavorable conditions for the maintenance of ovarian reserve. Traditional clinical and instrumental assessment methods do not always fully capture the extent of structural ovarian changes and their impact on fertility. In recent years, particular attention has been paid to the morphological and molecular aspects of ovarian endometriosis, offering new insights into the mechanisms of reduced reproductive potential and the variability of clinical outcomes. This review summarizes current knowledge on the morphogenesis of endometrioid cysts, the histoarchitecture of affected and surrounding ovarian tissue, the role of inflammation and fibrosis, and changes in the follicular apparatus and ovarian reserve. The morphological basis of infertility and reduced efficacy of assisted reproductive techniques, including the impact of surgery, is analyzed. The findings highlight the need for an integrated morphological and clinical approach to reproductive prognosis in patients with ovarian endometriosis and support further research in this area.

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About the authors

Armen A. Grigoryants

Stavropol State Medical University

Email: mr.vanhelsink@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9333-2578
SPIN-code: 6945-4464

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, Stavropol

Kristina A. Makarova

Belgorod National Research University

Email: kristinsalvatore5656@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0000-0059-8864
Russian Federation, Belgorod

Markha Sh. Musayeva

Kadyrov Chechen State University

Author for correspondence.
Email: abdullayeva.madina.00@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0004-3978-4487
Russian Federation, Chechnya

Mata A. Baysaeva

Kadyrov Chechen State University

Email: mata.baysayeva@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-8099-4429
Russian Federation, Chechnya

Aida D. Bagova

Dagestan State Medical University

Email: aida.bagova@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-6427-4094
Russian Federation, Makhachkala

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СМИ зарегистрировано Федеральной службой по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций (Роскомнадзор).
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