Gynaecology Flashcards
What is Asherman’s syndrome?
A syndrome where adhesions form within the uterus following damage to the uterus
Causes of asherman’s syndrome?
Pregnancy related dilation and curettage procedure
Uterine surgery
Severe pelvic infection
Pathophysiology of ashermans syndrome
Endometrial curettage (scraping) can damage the basal layer of the endometrium
The damaged layer heals abnormally and can lead to adhesions forming between areas of the uterus
It can lead to the uterus being sealed shut
Presentation of Asherman’s syndrome
Following dilation and curettage, uterine surgery, endometriosis
- secondary amenorrhoea
- dysmenorrhea
- lighter periods
Can also present as infertility
Diagnosis of Asherman’s syndrome
Hysteroscopy is gold standard
Can also include hysterosalpinography and sonohysterography
Management of Asherman’s syndrome
Hysteroscopy with dissection and treatment of adhesions
What is atrophic vaginitis?
Dryness and atrophy of the vagina mucosa that is caused by lack of oestrogen after menopause
Presentation of atrophic vaginitis
Itching
Dryness
Dyspareunia
Bleeding due to local infection
Examination results of atrophic vaginitis
Pale mucosa
Thin skin
Reduced skin folds
Erythema and inflammation
Dryness
Sparse pubic hair
Treatment of atrophic vaginitis
Vaginal lubricants
Topical oestrogen -cream, pessaries
What is androgen insensitivity syndrome
A genetic condition where cells are unable to respond to androgens (testosterone) due to a lack of the androgen receptor
Describe patient with androgen insensitivity syndrome
A genetic male (46XY) with female phenotype
Genetics of androgen insensitivity syndrome
X linked recessive condition caused by mutation in the androgen receptor on the X chromosome
Pathophysiology of androgen insensitivity syndrome
Lack of androgen receptors prevents the development of male phenotype
The extra androgens are converted into oestrogen which leads to the development of secondary female sexual characteristics
Presentation of androgen insensitivity syndrome
- primary amenorrhoea
- lack of male facial hair, pubic hair and male muscle development
- infertility
- female external genitalia (wont have uterus, upper vagina, cervix, fallopian tube or ovaries as the testes produce anti-mullerian hormone which prevents development of female internal organs)
Two examples of how androgen insensitivity syndrome might first present
Inguinal hernia in infants (containing the testes)
Primary amenorrhoea at puberty.
Management of androgen insensitivity syndrome
Counselling
Bilateral orchidectomy
Oestrogen therapy
What is lichen sclerosis
A chronic inflammatory skin condition that presents as ‘shiny’ patches of ‘porcelain-white’ skin
Typical patient with lichen sclerosis
A woman aged 45 -60 with vulval itching and skin changes to the vulva
What is an imperforate hymen
A hymen which prevents the flow of flood through the vagina- cuases primary amenorrhoea
May present as a blue and building membrane with mass protruding from behind the vagina
How might the presentation of ovarian torsion an a rupture ovarian cyst present?
Both will have sudden severe pain
Ruptured cyst is more likely to have peritoneal signs like rebound tenderness and haemodynamic instability
Most common type of vulval cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma
What is the most common cause of post menopausal bleeding
Atrophic vaginitis (however consider endometrial cancer )
What are the most common type of uterine fibroids?
Intramural - confined to the myometrial layer of the uterus