Leiomyoma, otherwise known as a fibroid, is commonly encountered in the uterus. Vaginal leiomyomas are extremely rare with a relative paucity of cases reported in the literature. Due to the rarity of the disease and complexity of the vaginal anatomy, definitive diagnosis and treatment are challenging. The diagnosis is often only made postoperatively after resection of the mass. They usually arise from the anterior vaginal wall and women may present with dyspareunia, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding or dysuria. Imaging with a transvaginal ultrasound scan and MRI can confirm the vaginal origin of the mass. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The diagnosis is confirmed following histological assessment. The authors present the case of a woman in her late 40s presenting to the gynaecology department with an anterior vaginal mass. Further investigation with a non-contrast MRI was suggestive of a vaginal leiomyoma. She underwent surgical excision. Histopathological features were in keeping with the diagnosis of a hydropic leiomyoma. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to establish the diagnosis as it can be mistaken for a cystocele, Skene duct abscess or Bartholin gland cyst. Although it is a benign entity, local recurrence following incomplete resection and sarcomatous changes have been reported.
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which induces a chronic inflammatory response. Its prevalence remains unknown, but it has been estimated to affect up to 10% of women of reproductive age. Although it is a benign oestrogen-dependent gynaecological condition, women may describe painful symptoms such as cyclical pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea and dyschezia. Intestinal endometriosis may affect the ileum, appendix, sigmoid colon and rectum. It may present with a myriad of symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and haematochezia. Caecal endometriosis can present as an acute appendicitis, making the diagnosis challenging to establish in pregnancy. Transmural involvement and acute occlusion are very rare events. The gold standard for diagnosis remains laparoscopy with tissue sampling for histological confirmation. Although endometriosis improves during pregnancy under the effect of progesterone, the ectopic endometrium becomes decidualised with a progressive reduction in size. The authors present the case of a multiparous woman in her mid-30s with acute onset of right-sided abdominal pain at 35 weeks gestation. Physical examination was suggestive of an acute appendicitis and MRI showed an inflamed caecum. She became acutely unwell requiring an emergency caesarean section. A mass in the caecum was observed with impending perforation at the caecal pole. A right hemicolectomy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis with decidualisation. Although endometriosis improves during pregnancy, this case shows the unexpected complications of the disease and demonstrates the importance of considering endometriosis in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen in women of childbearing age to prevent maternal morbidity and fetal loss.
Studies reveal a high prevalence of mental health issues around the menopause transition. Menopausal symptoms are influenced by personal and environmental factors. Beneficial effects of estrogen for menopausal depression have been reported. An integrated care model for the management of mental health symptoms is recommended.Evidence-based management options include considering the impact of lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cognitive behavioural therapy. Learning objectivesTo understand the assessment and management of mental health issues in menopause To understand the role of lifestyle modifications, HRT and alternatives to HRT in the management of menopause-related mental health issues
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