Exam I pathology Flashcards
Vulvar: Bartholin’s (greater vestibular) glands are located on either side of the vagina. They function in the production of mucous and lubrication of the vulva and the vagina. They are normally not palpable, except in thin women.
True/False - blockage of the duct leads to the accumulation of lfuid within the gland causing cyst formation
True
*can be associated with N. gonorrhea
Vulvar: A patient presents with a soft, painless mass adjacent to the vaginal opening.
You suspect
Bartholin duct cyst
*ducts open onto the vulvar vestibule at 4 and 8’ o’clock positions on each side of the vaginal orifice
Vulvar: A patient presents with complaints of a painful vulvar mass. She states she has difficulty walking and sitting.
Physical exam reveals a swollen, tender, soft or fluctuant mass +/- purulent discharge.
You suspect a Bartholin gland abscess. What is the etiology? How is it treated?
-obstruction and infection of the Bartholin duct
MC: E. coli
Tx: incision and drainage; antibiotics for recurrence or severe infection
Vulvar: A patient presents with complaints of pruritus in her vulvar region. PE reveals soft, 1mm tan to pinkish cauliflower shaped, fungating, pedunculated, plaque like warts on her vulva.
Histology reveals:
1. HPV-infected squamous cells with hyperchromatic raisin-like nuclei surrounded by a clear space
She admits to having multiple sexual partners. You suspect
Condyloma acuminata
- HPV 6, 11
- contact w/ infected skin or mucosa (sexual contact)
- virus invades mucosa via microabrasions
- warts are highly infectious (not required for transmission)
Vulvar: The risk of developing Condyloma acuminata increases with increased number of sexual partners. It may be found in a variety of locations, including the vulva, penis and perineum, or cervix, urethra and anal canal.
True/False - There is a vaccine
True
*often asymptomatic
Vulvar: ______ is a genital ulcer followed by lymph node involvement. It is caused by C. trachomatis (L1, L2, L3 serotypes). It is MC seen in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
Lymphogranuloma venereum
- scarring of lymphatics – lymphedema; rectal strictures
- unlike chlamydia (which inflammation is limited to site of infection)
Vulvar: A patient presents with complaints of recurrent, painful vesicles that ulcerate +/- systemic symptoms (mailaise, HA, fever).
You request a Tzanck smear for Dx, which reveals:
1. multi-nucleated squamous cells with intra-nuclear inclusions.
You suspect
HSV-2 (HSV-1 inc. prevalent)
- genital herpes MC ulcerative STD in US
- latent in sensory ganglia (recurrences vary in frequency)
Vulvar: ______ refers to infection in a patient without pre-existing antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2
Initial presentation van vary from subclinical (asymptomatic) to severe w/ genital ulcers and systemic symptoms. Average incubation period is 4 days (range 2-12 days)
- Primary infection
Vulvar: ______ refers to the acquisition of genital HSV-1 in a patient with pre-existing antibodies to HSV-2 or acquisition of genital HSV-2 in a patient with pre-existing antibodies to HSV-1.
For example, an individual w/ prior orolabial herpes and HSV1 antibody response, who then develops genital Herpes due to HSV-2 exposure
Non-primary first episode infection
- fewer lesions
- less systemic symptoms (b/c abs against one HSV type protect against another)
Vulvar: _____ refers to reactivation of the genital HSV
Recurrent infection
- common, but less severe than primary/non-primary
- mean duration is shorter (10 vs. 19 days)
Vulvar: ______ is a sexually transmitted disease caused by T. pallidum, and is associated with contact with the lesion (very infectious). Clinical manifestation depends upon the stage of the disease
Syphillis
- T. pallidum initiatie infection wherever inoculation occurs (lips 2ndary to oral contact)
- causes breaks in the skin (ulcer) and inc. risk of other STI’s (HIV)
Vulvar: In ______ syphillis, patients present with a painless chancre (lesion) at site of transmission. As this lesion (chancre) develops, organisms drain into regional lymph nodes and disseminate systemically
Primary syphillis
*resolves within 3-12 wks (w/ or w/out Tx)
Vulvar: Historically, T. pallidum was identified using darkfield microscopy. Currently, serologic testing is used:
- Screening tests
- Confirmatory tests
____ are non-specific, and include RPR (rapid plasma reagin) and VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory). THe both use a non-treponemal antigen (cardiolipin).
Screening tests
- low cost, easy
- screen and monitor therapy (titers dec. w/ effective therapy)
Vulvar: Historically, T. pallidum was identified using darkfield microscopy. Currently, serologic testing is used:
- Screening tests
- Confirmatory tests
______ is a specific serologic test used to confirm the presence of T. pallidum (syphillis). It uses treponemal antigens that are more specific. It is more expensive and difficult to perform
Fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test
*positive for life – cannot use to monitor therapy
Vulvar: True/False - Immune response during early infection causes resolution of the primary chancre (even in the absence of therapy). However, the patient still needs antibiotic therapy (PCN) to prevent systemic dissemination of the spirochetes and development of secondary/tertiary syphillis.
True
PCN=penicillin
Vulvar: A patient presents with fever, HA, malaise, and weight loss. He admits to anorexia, and complains of myalgia.
Physical exam reveals a diffuse and symmetric maculopapular rash that involves the entire trunk and extremities, including the palms and soles.
He reports having a chancre ~4-10 weeks ago, but did not receive treatment for his infection.
You suspect
Secondary syphillis
- immune response against the organism
- untreated syphillis = systemic, secondary syphillis
Symptoms:
-rash, condyloma lata, alopecia
Vulvar: A patient with secondary syphillis presents with distinctive rash that includes the mucosal surfaces. On these mucosal surfaces, you note raised, gray to white lesions (typically in the warm, moist areas).
You suspect
condyloma lata
*mouth, perineum
Vulvar: A patient presents with fever, HA, malaise, and weight loss. He admits to anorexia, and complains of myalgia.
On PE you note “moth-eaten” alopecia on the scalp, eyebrows and beard. This is another physical finding of -____
secondary syphillis
*resolves with treatment
Vulvar: Involvement of the CNS (neurosyphilis) can occur early after infection, and may either present asymptomatic infection or meningitis.
A patient presents with abnormal CSF:
- Lymphocytic pleocytosis
- Inc. protein
- Reactive VDRL
He is otherwise asymptomatic. This is
Asymptomatic infection
- Dx based on CSF abnormalities
- weeks to months after initial infection
NOTE: Tx to prevent progression to symptomatic
Vulvar: A patient presents 1 year following Dx of syphillis. He complaines of HA, N/V and stiff neck. He exhibits confusion.
On PE you note cranial neuropathies (optic, facial, or auditory). you suspect
Symptomatic meningitis
Vulvar: ______ is manifestation of treponema pallidum years after initial infection in untreated patients. It mostly involves cardiovascular and/or nervous system
Tertiary syphilis
*gummas, heart, neurosyphilis
Vulvar: A patient presents with brown-red nodules of varying size. These nodules ulcerate, forming well-circumscribed lesions.
You note these are MC located on the skin and in the bone. You suspect tertiary syphillis. What are these manifestations?
Syphilitic gummas
- areas of granulomatous inflammation
- healing of ulcers = extensive scarring/disfigurement
Vulvar: A patient presents 10-25 years post-Dx of syphillis. He failed to receive treatment during early disease. He presents with progressive dementia that is increasing in severity. Patient exhibits forgetfulness, and personality changes.
CSF studies reveal:
- Inc. WBC (lymphocytes), protein
- Reactive syphillis (VDRL) on CSF
Imaging reveals atrophy
You suspect
Neurosyphillis
- late involvement of brain = progressive dementia
- tabes dorsalis, gummas, cardiomyopathy
Vulvar: Tertiary syphillis presents with
- Tabes dorsalis
- Sensory ataxia
- Argyll-Robertson pupil
______ is a disease of the posterior columns and dorsal roots of the spinal cord. It has a long latent period (~20 years), and is relatively uncommon w/ antibiotics.
Tabes dorsalis