Histopathologic analysis of endometrial biopsies in a Northern Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Background: Endometrial biopsy is a reliable means of evaluating the physiologic and pathologic states of the endometrium. The aim of this study was to examine the histopathological pattern of endometrial biopsies as seen in Zaria, Nigeria and to compare the results with similar studies elsewhere. Method: A retrospective analysis was carried out based on the records of the Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria between January 2014 and December 2018. The neoplastic lesions were classified according to 2014 World Health Organization classification for endometrial neoplasms. Results: A total of 1518 endometrial tissue samples were analysed. Pregnancy related conditions (41.76%) and functional endometrial changes (27.24%) were the most common morphologic diagnostic category seen. Endometrial hyperplasia (7.13%) was the most common pathologic lesion diagnosed. Of the malignant endometrial tumours, endometrial carcinoma is the most common with 29 cases (58% of all malignant endometrial lesions). One Hundred and Nine cases (7.2%) of the total cases reviewed were found to be inadequate for histopathologic evaluation. Conclusion: Retained product of conception was the most common morphologic entity seen in endometrial biopsy in Zaria. The proportion of endometrial samples that are inadequate for histopathologic evaluation is high. There is a need, therefore, for retraining of staff and standardization of biopsy procedures.