Overview
Asherman's syndrome is a condition in which scarring inside the
uterus creates intrauterine adhesions or
synechiae. It is also known as Fritsch-Asherman syndrome.
Cause and Diagnosis
These adhesions can be the result of a D&C, dilation and
curettage, a practice in which the cervix is dilated and the
uterine lining is scraped with a curette. This procedure is done
after birth or an abortion, to remove remaining placenta, malignant
cells, or polyps. These adhesions can also result from surgery to
remove fibroid tumors, a myomectomy.
Uterine adhesion can occlude the uterine opening, slowing or
bringing to a stop menstrual bleeding, a condition known as
amenorrhea. Sufficient damage to the uterus can lead to
infertility. To confirm the presence of adhesions, an ultrasound of
the uterus is performed, a hysterosonogram. Saline is then injected
into the uterus, and the hysterosonogram is repeated. Asherman's is
treated by hysteroscopy, the careful excision of adhesions from the
uterus.
Sources:
Your Total Health: Asherman's
Asherman's Online
IntegraMed