Racial differences in fibroid prevalence and ultrasound findings in asymptomatic young women (18-30 years old): a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: 1) To determine the prevalence of fibroids in asymptomatic young black and white women (ages 18-30 y); 2) to determine other differences in uterine and adnexal anatomy; and 3) to obtain preliminary data for sample size calculations.

Design: Pilot cross-sectional study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Patient(s): One hundred one nonparous black and white women, ages 18-30 years, with no known diagnosis of fibroids or clinically suggestive symptoms.

Intervention(s): A transvaginal ultrasound was performed in the follicular phase in all subjects.

Main outcome measure(s): 1) Presence of fibroids; 2) endometrial thickness; 3) ovarian findings.

Result(s): Of the 101 participants (mean age 24.5 ± 3.5 y), 43% self-identified as black and 57% as white. The prevalence of ultrasound-diagnosed fibroids was 15% overall (26% in black women and 7% in white women). The mean fibroid size was 2.3 ± 2.1 cm. There was a significant difference in endometrial thickness between races, even after adjusting for contraception use and fibroid presence.

Conclusion(s): Racial differences in fibroid prevalence exist even before women become symptomatic. Findings of thicker endometrium in black women could have clinical implications and warrants further investigation.

Figure 1

Fibroid prevalence by age and race. * indicates a statistically significant difference (P < .01) White women Black women

Figure 2

Difference in Endometrial thickness by race. * indicates a statistically significant difference (P < .01) White women Black women 2a) Endometrial thickness (all subjects) 2b) Endometrial thickness (no contraception) 2c) Endometrial thickness (no contraception or fibroids)