Reproductive Flashcards
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Abruptio placentae. The presence of painful vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester suggests abruption, and the presence of contractions is an additional clinical hint. The laboratory values, particularly the mild thrombocytopenia (normal platelet count in pregnancy is > 100,000/mm3) and decreased plasma fibrinogen (normal fibrinogen is > 400 mg/dL in pregnancy), also suggest placental abruption with developing consumptive coagulopathy.
What is the differential diagnosis of painful vaginal bleeding in the third trimester?
Abruption often presents as painful vaginal bleeding, whereas placenta previa (a complication of pregnancy in which placental tissue either partially or fully covers the cervical os) presents as painless vaginal bleeding. Other causes of third-trimester painful bleeding include labor, genital laceration, and uterine rupture (typically seen during labor in women who attempt vaginal delivery after cesarean section).
What is the pathophysiology of Abruptio placentae?
Abruptio placentae is the premature separation of a normal placenta from the uterus occurring after 20 weeks’ gestation and before delivery. The rupture of maternal blood vessels at the anchoring villi of the placenta causes a separation from the endometrium in which blood can accumulate. The hemorrhage can be external or concealed (Figure 13-1). This in turn disrupts the fetal blood supply and in severe cases can lead to fetal death.
What risk factors are associated with Abruptio placentae?
Risk factors that can increase disruption or weakening of the maternal blood vessels include trauma, maternal hypertension, cigarette smoking, cocaine use, thrombophilia, increased parity, direct abdominal trauma, amniocentesis, and multifetal gestation.
What complication are patients with Abruptio placentae at greatly increased risk for developing?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs in approximately 10%–20% of cases of serious abruption with fetal death. In these cases, it is thought that the death of the fetus releases procoagulants into the mother’s circulation, triggering DIC. This initiates intravascular activation of coagulation and results in consumption of platelets and clotting factors. Fibrin may deposit in the microcirculation, causing ischemic organ damage and hemolytic anemia and then fibrinolysis of the fibrin deposition. Ultimately, this can cause a bleeding diathesis along with clinical manifestations of thrombosis.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (also known as testicular feminization syndrome) should be suspected in a woman with primary amenorrhea, little or no axillary/pubic hair, and an inguinal mass. The disease affects approximately 1:100,000 chromosomal males.
What is the clinical presentation of Androgen insensitivity syndrome?
There are two main presentations of this disorder:
1. In newborns it presents as an inguinal mass.
2. In adolescents it presents as primary amenorrhea.
The inguinal mass seen in newborns is caused by aberrant descent of the testes, which usually remain in the abdomen.
What is the pathophysiology of Androgen insensitivity syndrome?
This disorder results from dysfunction of the androgen receptors in a genetically male patient. The testes are present and secrete testosterone and müllerian inhibiting factor (MIF). However, the person cannot respond to this testosterone because the peripheral receptors are nonfunctional. Instead, the testosterone is converted into estradiol in peripheral tissues (especially adipose tissue), which initiates breast development. The vagina is often present but may be short and blind-ending. The MIF secretion inhibits normal development of the ovaries and uterus. Figure 13-2 illustrates genetic regulation of gonadal development.
What would confirmatory testing show in Androgen insensitivity syndrome?
- On karyotype, these patients are 46,XY.
- Pelvic ultrasound can show testes and the absence of a uterus and ovaries.
- Polymerase chain reaction assay can show mutations of the androgen receptor.
- Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels should also be measured. Both should be normal
or high. Low testosterone may indicate testicular dysgenesis or Leydig cell aplasia/hypoplasia. If testosterone levels are normal but DHT levels are low, 5α-reductase deficiency is suspected because testosterone is converted to DHT by 5α-reductase.
What is the appropriate treatment for Androgen insensitivity syndrome?
Initially, removal of the testes is performed because of the high risk of cancer development without such a procedure. Thereafter, treatments are mainly hormone replacement therapy and psychological support. Estrogen, but not progesterone, is given because no uterus is present. Estrogen is given to replace the loss of sex hormone production with the removal of the testes. Psychological therapy is given because of the potential for gender confusion. Surgical reconstruction may be needed to create a “functional” vagina, although if found earlier the use of dilators may obviate surgical intervention.
What is the most likely diagnosis? What organism causes this condition?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV). The presence of clue cells, which are squamous epithelial cells with smudged borders (Figure 13-3), is strong evidence that the infection is bacterial in origin. An elevated pH (> 4.5) and a positive whiff test (amine release with potassium hydroxide results in a fishy smell) may aid in the diagnosis.
BV is not generally considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and it can also occur in women who have not had intercourse. It is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora within the vagina, with a decrease in favorable bacteria (lactobacilli) and an overgrowth of existing commensal bacteria (eg, Gardnerella vaginalis).
What other conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Bacterial vaginosis?
As this woman is in a monogamous relationship she is not at high risk for STIs such as Trichomonas, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or Chlamydia. Most women with chlamydia and gonorrhea are asymptomatic, although they can have cervical motion tenderness on pelvic exam. Trichomonas often causes a frothy discharge. Candida is another common cause of vaginitis, which is not sexually transmitted. Women with candida often present with vaginal itching and increased white, curdlike discharge.
What is the appropriate treatment for Bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Metronidazole (oral or vaginal gel) is used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). Chlamydia is treated with azithromycin. Gonorrhea is treated with ceftriaxone. Candida is treated with fluconazole.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH increases with age and is found in approximately one half of men 51–60 years of age.
What are the typical signs and symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
What is the pathophysiology of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
The prostate gland has a central region surrounding the urethra and a peripheral region. In BPH the central region hypertrophies in response to stimulation from the growth hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In prostate cancer, it is often the peripheral region that grows.
What are the potential complications of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Complications of BPH include the following:
- UTI secondary to urine stasis
- Bladder stone formation secondary to urine stasis.
- Daytime sleepiness and exhaustion due to repeated nighttime awakenings from nocturia.
- Acute urinary retention, which presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain and a suprapubic
mass (the filled bladder). This can be spontaneous or secondary to triggers such as anticholinergics, antihistamines, or α-receptor agonists (eg, cold medications), all of which decrease bladder contractility.
What is the appropriate treatment for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Medical options include cholinergics (eg, bethanechol), α-blockers (eg, prazosin), and 5α-reductase inhibitors (eg, finasteride). Cholinergics help increase bladder contractility, whereas α-blockers relax the bladder neck so that urine flows more easily. The 5α-reductase inhibitors prevent the formation of DHT so that prostate growth is retarded. Side effects of finasteride include sexual dysfunction and postural hypotension. Surgery is also an option.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Approximately 90% of breast lumps discovered in women between 20 and 50 years of age are benign. Fibroadenomas are the most common breast tumors seen in young women. They are benign, often arise quickly, and reabsorb within several weeks to months. Fibroadenomas do not carry an increased risk of breast cancer. Approximately 20% of fibroadenomas are bilateral or multiple. The risk associated with having a first-degree relative with breast cancer is higher the younger the relative is at diagnosis.
What are Cooper ligaments?
The superficial and deep pectoral fascia surrounding the breast are connected by fibrous bands known as Cooper suspensory ligaments.
What is the structure of breast tissue?
Breast tissue is found between the second and sixth ribs and is made of parenchyma and stroma (Figure 13-4). The parenchyma has 15–25 lobes, each of which has 20–40 lobules composed of alveoli. Lactiferous ducts offer drainage to the corresponding lobe. The ducts are dilated immediately before the nipple, forming the lactiferous sinuses.
What are the muscles of the breast tissue, and how are they innervated? (4)
- The serratus anterior is innervated by the long thoracic nerve.
- The latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve.
- The pectoralis minor is innervated by the medial pectoral nerve.
- The pectoralis major is innervated by the pectoral nerve.
What is the appropriate treatment for Fibroadenomas of the breast?
Because of their benign nature, no treatment is necessary. The patient should be followed up in 1–2 months to assess for reabsorption. If there remains concern for breast cancer, a needle or excision biopsy is indicated.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy occurs at a rate of 17:1000 pregnancies. The majority (98%) of cases occur in the fallopian tubes, most often (90%) in the ampulla.
What signs and symptoms are commonly associated with Ectopic pregnancy?
What are 7 risk factors associated with this condition?
What are the typical laboratory findings in Ectopic pregnancy?
The β-hCG level in an ectopic pregnancy is typically < 6500 IU/L, which is markedly lower than in a uterine pregnancy. The serum progesterone level (typically < 15 ng/mL) is also much lower than in a uterine pregnancy. In a normal intrauterine pregnancy, the β-hCG level increases by 50% every 48 hours. If this trend does not occur on serial laboratory results, then an ectopic pregnancy is suspected.
What are the appropriate treatments for ectopic pregnancy?
Treatment may be medical or surgical depending on the clinical situation. The usual medical treatment is methotrexate, which may be given if the ectopic pregnancy is < 3 cm, the β-hCG level is < 12,000 IU/L, no fetal heart rate is present, and the mother’s liver and renal tests are normal. β-hCG levels must be checked serially after administration of methotrexate to ensure the proper decline in β-hCG, indicating ectopic demise. Surgery is indicated if the criteria for medical intervention are not met. Surgery may remove part or all of the fallopian tube. Segmental resection might be necessary for an ischemic ectopic pregnancy. Salpingectomy is usually reserved for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Endometriosis
What signs and symptoms are commonly associated with this condition?
What is the pathophysiology of endometriosis?
In endometriosis, endometrial tissue is found outside the endometrial cavity, usually in the ovary and pelvic peritoneum. It is thought that this endometrial tissue is either transported via the lymphatic system, causing peritoneal tissue to undergo metastatic change to become functional endometrial tissue, or that it is transported through the fallopian tubes in retrograde menstruation. Endometrial tissue causes adhesions, fibrosis, and severe inflammation.
What risk factors are associated with Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs in 10%–15% of women overall but is more common (30%–40%) in women with infertility. The risk of endometriosis is seven-fold higher in women who have a first-degree relative with the condition. Endometriosis has also been linked to autoimmune disorders such as lupus. It is less commonly identified in African-American women.
What are the appropriate treatments for Endometriosis?
Medical treatment includes alleviating symptoms (with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and suppressing menstrual cycles to allow the lesions to involute. This is done with continuous oral contraceptive pills, medroxyprogesterone (inducing “pseudopregnancy”), androgen derivatives, or gonadotropin- releasing hormone agonists (inducing “pseudomenopause”). Surgical treatment may be necessary in refractory cases.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 50% of men 40–70 years of age.
What physiologic factors are necessary to maintain an erection?
Developing and maintaining an erection depends on neurologic, vascular, and hormonal factors (Figure 13-5). Neurologic control of erectile function is via the dorsal nerve of the penis, a branch of the pudendal nerve which provides autonomic innervation to the pelvis. Vascularly, significant arterial flow into the penis (specifically into the corpora cavernosa and corpora spongiosum) must be maintained and venous outflow prevented. Adequate blood flow is achieved through cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated relaxation of the smooth muscle of the corporae, which requires nitric oxide. Hormonally, adequate production of testosterone is required.
What risk factors are associated with Erectile dysfunction (ED)?
The main risk factors for developing ED are primarily vascular (hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus).
Other risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, nerve injury, pelvic trauma/radiation, spinal cord injury, prostate surgery, and psychiatric disorders (eg, depression, performance anxiety, fear of sudden death).
What drugs most commonly cause Erectile dysfunction (ED)?
What is the appropriate treatment for Erectile dysfunction (ED)?
The main treatment for ED is phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil and vardenafil. These work by preventing the degradation of cGMP, thereby allowing dilatation of the corpora and adequate blood flow into the penis. Other treatments include vacuum pumps, penile prosthesis, and direct injection of α-blockers (eg, phentolamine) into the penis. Depression should be treated as appropriate. SSRIs and behavioral therapy are helpful in the treatment of performance anxiety.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most likely diagnosis. This condition occurs as a complication of ascending gonococcal or chlamydial infection. Ascending infection by these agents can also cause tubo- ovarian abscess or Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome (perihepatitis resulting in right upper quadrant pain).
What 6 signs and symptoms are commonly associated with this condition?
- Fever.
- Pelvic pain.
- Cervical motion tenderness.
- Adnexal tenderness.
- WBC elevation.
- ESR >15.