Arias-Stella reaction

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

A histopathological reaction in the endometrium


The Arias-Stella reaction is a histopathological change observed in the endometrium, typically associated with pregnancy. It is characterized by hypersecretory changes in the endometrial glands, which can be mistaken for endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma. This reaction is named after the Peruvian pathologist Javier Arias-Stella, who first described it.

Histopathology[edit | edit source]

The Arias-Stella reaction is marked by several distinct histological features. The endometrial glands exhibit nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, and cytoplasmic vacuolation. These changes are due to the influence of high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and other hormones during pregnancy.

Arias-Stella Reaction in Endometrium

The nuclei of the glandular cells may appear bizarre and atypical, with prominent nucleoli. The cytoplasm often shows vacuolation and may contain eosinophilic secretions. These changes can mimic those seen in endometrial carcinoma, making accurate diagnosis crucial to avoid unnecessary treatment.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The Arias-Stella reaction is most commonly associated with ectopic pregnancy, but it can also be seen in normal intrauterine pregnancies and molar pregnancy. It is important for pathologists to recognize this reaction to differentiate it from malignant conditions of the endometrium.

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The differential diagnosis for the Arias-Stella reaction includes:

Accurate diagnosis relies on correlating the histopathological findings with clinical information, such as the presence of pregnancy and levels of hCG.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Electron micrograph of the foot-and-mouth disease virus
Structure of the Aphthovirus capsid
Genome organization of Aphthovirus

Template:Medical conditions related to pregnancy

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD