Female reproductive pathology Flashcards
What are the 3 series of events that occur during normal sexual development?
- Establishment of sex chromosomes at fertilisation
- Modelling of embryonic gonadal tissue
- Controlled, programmed regression & growth of different parts of indifferent tubular & external genital tissues (establishment of genital phenotype)
What is the classification of DSD based on?
Whether the karotype (complete set of chromosomes) is normal or abnormal
What assessments are required for classification of DSD?
- sex chromosomes & presence/absence of genes such as sex determining region of Y chromosome (SRY)
- Gonadal type
- Genital phenotype
What are the most common DSD?
normal females with a minor anomaly, such as cystic remnants of ducts or tubules
XX SRY - ovarian DSD female
What is chimerism?
Organism with cells from >2 zygotes
Most commonly seen in bovine freemartinism
Male twin’s testis-determining factors suppress female development via placental blood exchange
Leads to permanent colonization by male hematopoietic cells in female twin
What is hermaphroditism?
Condition where organism has both male & female reproductive organs
What are the 3 types of hermaphroditism?
True Hermaphrodite → usually XX karyotype
- Both ovarian & testicular tissue (ovotestis)
- Ambiguity of external/internal genitalia
Male Pseudohermaphrodite → XY karyotype
- Testes present, but ambiguous or female-like genitalia
Female Pseudohermaphrodite → XX karyotype
- Ovaries present, but masculinized external genitalia.
What are some common pathologies of the ovary?
Ovotestis
Ovarian/paraovarian cysts
Neoplasms
Give examples of ovarian cysts
Follicular cysts, luteinized cysts, cystic rete ovarii
Cysts of subsurface epithelial structures (SES)
Give examples of paraovarian cysts
Cystic epoophoron, paroophoron (remnants of mesonephric tubules)
Hydatids of Morgagni (cysts of paramesonephric ducts)
Give examples of ovarian neoplasms
Sex cord–stromal tumours:
- Granulosa cell tumours, thecoma or luteoma
- can be hormonally active
Tumours of the surface epithelium and the SES:
- Papillary and cystic adenoma
- adenocarcinomas
Germ cell tumours:
- Teratoma (generally benign)
- Dysgerminoma (rare)
Others (rare):
- endodermal sinus tumors (yolk sac tumors), choriocarcinomas, embryonal carcinomas
Describe the gross features of sex cord-stromal tumours
Granulosa cell tumour is most common
Large, multinodular or symmetrical, uni- or bilateral, include both solid & cystic areas, +- scattered areas of haemorrhagic necrosis
Describe the histopathology of sex cord-stromal tumours
Variety of patterns in different areas:
- solid sheets, islands, cords, trabeculae, nests
Sometimes presence of Call Exner bodies
What are some common pathologies of the uterus & external genitalia?
Congenital lesions of the uterus
Inflammatory disorders of uterus
Neoplasms of uterus
Neoplasms of external genitalia
Give examples of congenital lesions of the uterus
Segmental aplasia
Mesonephric cysts
What are the causes of inflammatory disorders of the uterus?
result of ascending infection when cervix is open, at oestrus, parturition, or during postpartum period
Uterine resistance varies during oestrous cycle, susceptibility being greatest during luteal phase of cycle
What are the inflammatory disorders of the uterus?
Endometritis → Inflammation of endometrium
Metritis → Inflammation of entire uterine wall
Pyometra → Suppurative infection with pus accumulation in uterine lumen (acute or chronic)
What are the common neoplasms of the uterus?
Smooth muscle tumours (leiomyoma)
Endometrial carcinoma (cow)
What are the common neoplasms of external genitalia?
Smooth muscle tumors (leiomyoma)
Canine transmissible venereal tumour
squamous cell carcinoma
Fibropapilloma of vulva (cattle)
What are the main causes of mastitis in cows?
Due to ascending infection of gland
Obligate pathogens: Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus
Opportunistic bacteria: E. coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma bovis, Nocardia
What are the main causes of mastitis in ewes & goats?
Staphylococcus aureus, Mannheimia haemolytica, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
Maedi Visna virus → Chronic mononuclear mastitis
Describe benign mammary tumours
Represents more >50% mammary masses in dogs
Epithelial (adenoma) & mixed myoepithelial/mesenchymal component
Histologically benign appearance:
- lack of invasion
- minimal anisokaryosis/pleomorphism
- low mitotic index
Describe mammary carcinomas in dogs
Many types & subtypes (wide heterogeneity)
Grading takes into account differentiation, tubule formation, nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic rate
Anaplasia, high nuclear grade, mitotic rate, stromal invasion & presence of neoplastic emboli are negative prognostic factors
Describe mammary carcinomas in cats
Most commonly intermediate or high grade carcinomas, simple and less heterogenous (tubulopapillary, solid or cribriform carcinomas)
