OBGYN Flashcards
What is adenomyosis?
Benign disease characterised by the occurrence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium (muscle layer of the uterus) due to the hyperplasia of the endometrial basal layer.
Risk factors for adenomyosis?
Later reproductive years (peak incidence is 35-50 yo)
Multiparous
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Presentation of adenomyosis
1/3rd asymptomatic
Dysmenorrhoea
Menorrhagia
Dyspareunia
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Chronic pelvic pain, aggravated during menses
Infertility/pregnancy related complications
Globular, uniformly enlarged uterus that is soft but tender on palpation
Ix for adenomyosis
Transvaginal US
MRI is transvaginal US not suitable
Histology after hysterectomy confirms diagnosis
On imaging = myometrial wall thickening and myometrial cysts
Mx for adenomyosis
No contraception wanted:
- Tranexamic acid (antifibrinolytic to reduce bleeding but not pain)
- Mefenamic acid (NSAID to reduce pain and bleeding)
Contraception wanted:
- 1st line: Mirena coil
- COCP
- Cyclic oral progesterones
More definitive options:
- GnRH analogues (cause less FSH/LH secretion) to induce menopause like state
- Endometrial ablation
- Uterine artery embolisation
- Hysterectomy
What are the pregnancy related associations with adenomyosis?
1 Infertility 2 Miscarriage 3 Preterm birth 4 Small for gestational age 5 Preterm premature rupture of membranes 6 Malpresentation 7 Need for c section 8 Postpartum haemorrhage
What is androgen insensitivity syndrome?
Condition where cells are unable to respond to androgen hormones due to a lack of androgen receptors.
Extra androgens are converted into oestrogen, resulting in female secondary sexual characteristics.
What is the inheritance pattern for androgen insensitivity syndrome?
X linked recessive
Mutation in the androgen receptor gene on X chromosome.
What is the genetic sex of a person with androgen insensitivity syndrome and what is their genetic phenotype?
Genetically male with XY sex chromosomes.
46XY
The absent response to testosterone and conversion of additional androgens to oestrogen = female phenotype externally (normal female external genitalia and great tissue)
What internal reproductive organs does a person have who has androgen insensitivity syndrome?
- Testes in abdomen or inguinal canal
- Absent uterus, upper vagina, cervix, Fallopian tubes, ovaries
Testes produce anti-Mullerian hormone which prevents them from developing female internal reproductive organs
What is partial androgen insensitivity syndrome and give some examples of how it could present?
The cells have a partial response to androgens.
Example presentations:
- Ambiguous signs and symptoms
- Micropenis / clitoromegaly
- Bifid scrotum
- Hypospadias
- Diminished male characteristics
- Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum
Presentation of androgen insensitivity syndrome
- Female external genitalia and physique
- Blind ended vaginal pouch
- Lack of pubic and facial hair
- Taller than female average
- Infertility
- Increased risk of testicular cancer unless testes are removed
- Inguinal hernia in infancy containing testes
- Primary amenorrhoea at puberty
When is the diagnosis of partial androgen insensitivity and androgen insensitivity syndrome made?
- Partial androgen insensitivity is diagnosed at birth due to ambiguous genitalia
- Complete androgen insensitivity usually diagnosed at puberty as girls don’t get periods.
Ix for androgen insensitivity syndrome
Hormone tests:
- Raised LH
- Normal/raised FSH
- Normal/raised testosterone levels (for a male)
- Raised oestrogen (for a male)
Genetic testing - buccal smear for 46XY genotype
Pelvic US
Mx of androgen insensitivity syndrome
Options are:
- Bilateral orchidectomy (removal of testes to reduce cancer risk)
- Oestrogen therapy
- Vaginal dilators or vaginal surgery to create adequate vagina length
Psychological support
What is Asherman’s syndrome
Adhesions (sometimes called synechiae) form within the uterus following damage to the uterus
Risk factors for Asherman’s syndrome
Following pregnancy
Dilation and curettage procedure (e.g., for tx of retained products of conception)
Uterine surgery
Pelvic infections
Presentation of Asherman’s syndrome
Following recent dilation and curettage, uterine surgery or endometritis:
- Secondary amenorrhoea
- Significantly lighter periods
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Infertility
Ix for Asherman’s syndrome
- Hysteroscopy - gold standard. Can dissect and treat the adhesions
- Hysterosalpingography - inject contrast into the uterus and do x-ray = HONEYCOMB APPEARANCE of uterus
- Sonohysterography - uterus filled with fluid and pelvic US performed
- MRI scan
Treatment for Asherman’s syndrome
Hysteroscopic dissection of adhesions
Recurrence of adhesions after dissection is common.
What is atrophic vaginitis?
Dryness and atrophy of the vaginal mucosa related to a lack of oestrogen.
Also called:
- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
what is the pathology of atrophic vaginitis?
Oestrogen makes the epithelial lining of the vagina and urinary tract thicker, more elastic and produce secretions.
After menopause, low oestrogen levels result in thinner, less elastic and dry mucosa.
Tissue prone to inflammation
Changes in vagina pH and microbial flora = localised infections
Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis
- Itching
- Dryness
- Dyspareunia
- Bleeding due to localised inflammation
- Recurrent UTIs
- Stress incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse
Signs of atrophic vaginitis on examination
- Pale mucosa
- Thin skin
- Reduced skin folds
- Erythema and inflammation
- Dryness
- Sparse pubic hair