Endometritis and endometrial polyps Flashcards
What is endometritis
Inflammation of the endometrium of the uterus
What protects the endometrium from ascending infection?
Mucus plug
What are some causative organisms of endometritis
- Actinomyces sp - Diagnosed by smear, commonly associated with IUDs
- Neisseria sp
- Chlamydia
- Tuberculosis
- CMV
- HSV
What are some non-infectious causes of endometritis
- IUDs
- Post-partum
- Post-abortal
- Post-curretage
- Chronic endometritis NOS
- Granulomatous - Sarcoid, foreign body
- leiomyomata or polyps
What is seen histologically in endometritis
Abnormal pattern of inflammatory cells
What is seen histologically in chronic endometritis
Plasma cells
What is an endometrial polyp
Overgrowths of endometrial glands and stroma within the uterine cavity
What is the risk of malignant transformation of endometrial polyps?
Between 0 and 13%
Describe the histology of endometrial polyps
Epithelial proliferations comprised of vascular, glandular, fibromuscular and connective tissue, covered by an epithelial tissue and containing a vascular core
What are some symptoms of endometrial polyps?
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Abdominal pain
Pelvic pain
Infertility
What are some risk factors for endometrial polyp development?
Chronic tamoxifen
HRT
What investigation is required for diagnosing endometrial polyps
Trans-vaginal USS showing >4mm endometrial thickness
How are endometrial polyps managed?
Conservative management and wait to regress in low risk patients
Hysteroscopic polypectomy in high risk patients
