A Rare Case of Idiopathic Pyometra in a Premenopausal Patient.

Pyometra is a very uncommon disease principally occurring in postmenopausal women. It is characterized by the accumulation of purulent material within the uterine cavity. This paper presents the clinical history of a 35-year-old premenopausal woman with otherwise normal menstruation who developed heavy menstruation and was diagnosed with a benign pyometra of indeterminate etiology in March 2017. The patient underwent repeated ultrasound-guided drainage, dilation and curettage, and antibiotic therapy. Biopsies of the pelvic sidewall revealed endometriosis in June 2017. The heavy menstruation and suppurative fluid in the uterus of the patient persisted in which intramuscular leuprolide acetate was prescribed to address the endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding. Ultimately, the leuprolide acetate effectively resolved the patient's bleeding and pyometra. The medication was concluded after 12 months of supervision and the patient is currently symptom free. Pyometra is an unusual condition rarely identified in premenopausal women. Drainage and antibiotic therapy are routinely employed; however, one may consider gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist medication to potentially confer a beneficial patient outcome in rare cases where endometriosis and bleeding are intractable.

Selected Case From the Arkadi M. Rywlin International Pathology Slide Seminar: Atypical Thymoma With Rhabdomyomatous Differentiation.

Thymic epithelial neoplasms with foci of rhabdomyomatous differentiation are rare. A case is presented of a primary thymic epithelial neoplasm showing the features of an atypical spindle cell thymoma that contained foci of bland-appearing rhabdomyomatous cells. The histologic and immunohistochemical features of this tumor are discussed along with a review of the literature and the comments from the AMR members to the case.

The incidence of occult malignancy following uterine morcellation: A ten-year single institution experience retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially reported on the parlous incidence (0.28%) of occult malignancy identified following uterine power morcellation, investigations thereafter documented their particular experience with this surgical procedure. Nevertheless, the precise risk of identifying a sarcoma following uterine morcellation remains indeterminate, primarily due to varying study patient risk factors, diagnostic criteria and operative approach. METHOD: We retrospectively evaluated subjects who underwent an endoscopic hysterectomy and uterine power morcellation for the treatment of a presumptive, benign indication from January 2006 until December 2015. The primary outcome was the incidence of an occult malignancy. Secondarily, we were interested in characterizing the patients' specific clinical (age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI)) risk factors within the context of a confirmed malignant or pre-malignant pathology. RESULTS: We identified 281 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery that incorporated uterine morcellation. During the study period, one subject was ultimately diagnosed with a uterine leiomyosarcoma; the overall incidence of occult malignancy was 0.36%. There were also 3 cases of uterine premalignant disease on final pathology (2 patients had complex hyperplasia with or without atypia and 1 subject was diagnosed with a smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (an incidence of 1.1%)). We were unable to establish any relationship between patient age, uterine weight, menopausal status or BMI and the incidence of a malignant or pre-malignant pathology (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The rate of occult malignancy in the present investigation was similar to previously documented studies and that which has been reported by the FDA. Additional study of methods in which to enhance preoperative work-up and mitigate the surgical risk for tumor cell dissemination is warranted.

The safety and feasibility of minimally invasive sentinel lymph node staging using indocyanine green in the management of endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to report on the feasibility of laparoscopic sentinel lymph node (SLN) staging using indocyanine green (ICG) in the management of endometrial cancer. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively evaluated the charts of presumed, clinical stage I endometrial cancer patients who underwent robotic-assisted surgery that incorporated mapping with ICG and SLN dissection from January 2016 until February 2017. Patient demographics, operative characteristics (e.g., complications, lymph node counts) and pathology data were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 87 patients who were included in the study. A total of 370 lymph nodes were removed, of which 245 were SLNs; unilateral and bilateral mapping of the SLNs was achieved in 84 (96.5%) and 71 (81.6%) of subjects, respectively. There were 10 (11.5%) patients who had metastatic disease identified within 22 (5.9%) of the total (n = 370) lymph nodes extracted, 19 (7.7%) of which were sentinel lymph nodes. We did not observe any intraoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The results from our study suggest that minimally invasive SLN staging using ICG is a feasible procedure that is potentially effective at detecting metastases, which may ultimately attenuate the incidence of surgical morbidity.

Paget's disease of the vulva: a clinicopathologic institutional review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with Paget's disease of the vulva who were treated by our gynecologic oncology service between 1985 and 2010. METHODS: Vulvar Paget's disease patient demographics, pathologic diagnosis, treatment and follow-up data were reviewed over a 25-year period. RESULTS: The vulvar Paget's disease patients were primarily (62.5%) treated with a partial simple vulvectomy. Three patients had a history of malignancy, although none of them was intercurrent. Eleven patients had microscopically positive margins, 5 of whom developed progressive disease. Conversely, 5 patients had negative margins, of whom 4 had recurrent disease. There was a significant relationship between the presence of invasive disease and patient progression-free interval (PFI) (p = 0.007), but margin status and lesion size did not correlate with PFI (p > 0.05). Median patient PFI and follow-up was 30 and 53 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant relationship between the presence of invasive disease and patient PFI in vulvar Paget's disease although the presence of microscopic positive margins and lesion size were not prognostic indicators. In patients with high risk factors, prolonged surveillance should be considered an essential component of optimal patient management.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from endometriosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is frequently identified in the ovaries, rectum, pelvic peritoneum, cervix and vagina. However, endometriosis undergoing malignant transformation is a rare event, particularly when the condition manifests itself promptly after initial surgical management. CASE: We present a case involving a 52-year-old woman who tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation and was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1999. Two years following treatment, the patient presented with an endometrioid adenocarcinoma; pathologic evaluation indicated that the neoplasm originated from the endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Malignant transformation is a very unusual event and reportedly occurs over several years. Nevertheless, considering the current patient's relatively sudden onset of disease, oncologists should maintain a high index of suspicion in high-risk patients treated surgically for endometriosis who re-present with pelvic symptoms.

Leiomyosarcoma with synchronous clear cell ovarian carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Uterine leiomyomas are typically considered benign lesions. Despite aggressive management, they can be unpredictable and eventually exhibit disease recurrence several years following initial treatment. CASE REPORT: We report a case involving a 55-year-old woman who was treated for a uterine leiomyoma at an outside medical institution 20 years ago. In November 2009, she presented to our gynecologic oncology service with a complex mass. Following surgery, the patient was diagnosed with a 16 cm ovarian mass and a synchronous leiomyosarcoma; the latter neoplasm appeared to originate from a previously resected uterine leiomyoma. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of these two lesions is exceedingly rare. We suspect that the leiomyosarcoma developed from either the patient's original uterine leiomyoma or leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata.

Sarcoidosis Presenting as an Intraperitoneal Mass.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic, inflammatory condition primarily encountered within the lungs but very rarely identified in the peritoneum. Case Study: A 34-year-old woman presented with pleural effusion, ascites and an adnexal mass, indicative of ovarian cancer. RESULTS: A biopsy revealed granulomas and lymphocytic infiltrate, consistent with sarcoidosis. The patient's symptoms were resolved with corticosteroids. However, 2 years later, she developed another pelvic mass and underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Final pathology revealed granulomas and endometriosis, consistent with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSION: Since intraperitoneal sarcoidosis is extremely rare, the differential diagnosis is unlikely to include this condition in the context of presumptive ovarian cancer. However, in patients with a history of sarcoidosis, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion to effectuate early detection and provide appropriate treatment.

Endometrial Adenocarcinoma with Concomitant Left Atrial Myxoma.

BACKGROUND: Atrial myxomas are the most common primary heart tumors and predominantly considered to be benign lesions. Case Study: We report a case involving a 77-year-old woman who presented with a pelvic mass. She was found to have a primary endometrial cancer and primary lung cancer with concomitant metastatic adrenal gland and mesenteric lesions. Her prior medical history also included an untreated 4.0 x 2.0-cm left atrial myxoma which was identified on CT scan during the workup of her pelvic mass. RESULTS: A clinical decision was made to proceed with surgery for the pelvic mass with a subsequent recommendation for left atrial mass resection. Currently, the patient is scheduled to begin chemotherapy for primary lung cancer. CONCLUSION: The reported incidence of uterine cancer and a concurrent atrial myxoma is very rare. Consequently, the manner and timing in which treatment should be provided is imprecise. In the present case, the risk for cardiac complications was high, but given the presence of a partial bowel obstruction and the need to diagnose the primary site of her metastatic malignancy, the decision was made to proceed with exploratory abdominal surgery.

Occult fallopian tube cancer in a patient with BRCA1 breast cancer.

Primary fallopian tube cancer is very rare form of ovarian cancer. However, despite the infrequent incidence, emerging evidence suggests that patients who have a deleterious mutation of BRCA1 or -2 mutation may be more vulnerable to developing this disease. A patient with breast carcinoma was initially treated for her disease in 1994. She had a new primary lesion on the contralateral side in 2001 and was eventually identified with a positive BRCA1 germline mutation in 2007. The patient subsequently underwent a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy surgery performed by her gynecologist. Final pathology revealed occult stage IIC fallopian tube cancer with bilateral ovarian serosal involvement. Consequently, the patient was referred to gynecologic oncology and underwent a pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy and laparoscopic omentectomy, followed by chemotherapy. Although fallopian tube cancer is rare, women who are positive for the BRCA mutation are at greater risk for developing this disease. Therefore, physicians should consider the associated risk factors and perform comprehensive risk-reducing surgery and staging when treating these patients.

Contemporary diagnosis and management of a uterine arteriovenous malformation.

BACKGROUND: Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are extremely rare and can result in severe complications. Experience with diagnosis and management of these vascular malformations is very limited. CASE: We report on a patient with a history of nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic disease. The patient developed a concomitant 4.4-cm intrauterine mass, suggestive of a molar pregnancy, during her second pregnancy. Despite suction and sharp curettage, the mass and menorrhagia persisted. After complex diagnostic imaging, the diagnosis of a uterine AVM was made. Subsequently, the patient underwent uterine arterial embolization and laparoscopic surgery to resect the mass. CONCLUSION: Because uterine AVMs are infrequently encountered, they initially may not be included in the differential diagnosis. The use of contemporary imaging, interventional radiology, and surgery can optimize patient outcome.

Malignant pericardial effusion secondary to ovarian adenocarcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The treatment for ovarian cancer has continued to improve, resulting in disease recurrence associated with previously unusual locations. However, there are still very few documented cases involving treatment for ovarian cancer metastatic to the pericardium. CASE: A 46-year-old woman was diagnosed with and treated for primary ovarian cancer in 1999. She underwent optimal cytoreductive surgery and received adjuvant chemotherapy. In 2003 she developed ovarian cancer metastatic to the breast and was treated with additional chemotherapy. In 2005 she presented with a malignant pericardial and pleural effusions, which were treated with a thoracotomy and pericardial window. The pericardial effusion recurred and was then successfully treated with intrapericardial mitoxantrone. CONCLUSION: There are a limited number of reported cases involving malignant pericardial effusions originating in an ovarian primary. Consequently, there is even less information documenting successful management of this disease. Thoracotomy, pericardial window and intrapericardial mitoxantrone instillation appear to constitute effective treatment.

Rapid manifestation of CNS metastatic disease in a cervical carcinoma patient: a case report.

OBJECTIVES: Brain metastases originating from primary cervical carcinoma are very rare. Despite surgery and adjuvant therapy, patient prognosis is extremely unfavorable. Prior studies have reported that the median time from the primary disease's diagnosis to development of CNS metastases is approximately 18 months. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old woman was initially diagnosed and treated for FIGO clinical stage IB2 cervical carcinoma in March 2007. She underwent a radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and peri-aortic lymphadenectomy. Two weeks later, the patient presented with dysmetria and homonymous hemianopsia, which was related to a large right occipital CNS metastasis. The patient had surgery to resect the brain tumor and then received Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery and chemotherapy. The neurological deficits were resolved and the patient's disease status has since remained stable, with five months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The incidence of brain metastases originating from primary cervical carcinoma is very rare. Furthermore, the occurrence of CNS metastatic disease manifesting itself within a couple weeks following diagnosis of the primary disease is even more unusual. Since the presenting symptoms of CNS metastatic disease are not well characterized and patient prognosis is very poor, oncology physicians should anticipate the presence of this condition in order to provide prompt and comprehensive treatment.

Ovarian cancer metastatic to the breast.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast should be considered in the differential diagnosis for gynecologic cancer patients with a breast tumor. Despite early detection and treatment, the long-term prognosis for these patients is poor. CASES: We present three ovarian cancer patients who developed metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast. All patients were heavily pre-treated prior to the development of metastatic disease. Currently, one patient is alive at 64 months following initial detection of her metastatic disease to the breast. The second and third patients are also alive for 30 and 3 months subsequent to their diagnosis of metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: Although metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast following treatment for ovarian cancer is rare and associated with a poor prognosis, oncology physicians should be prepared to contend with disease metastatic to the breast. Additional investigation into the efficacy of surgery and novel chemotherapy agents is warranted.

Serous psammocarcinoma of the ovary: an unusual finding.

BACKGROUND: Serous psammocarcinoma of the ovary is a rare and infrequently described variant of ovarian cancer, characterized histologically by the pervasive presence of psammoma bodies. The risk of recurrent disease following surgical resection is low. CASE HISTORY: A 70-year-old patient was admitted to the emergency room after falling at home. CT evaluation revealed a pelvic mass and free fluid in the abdomen and pelvis. Her serum CA-125 level was greatly elevated. The patient underwent an abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histologic examination revealed serous psammocarcinoma of the ovary. CONCLUSION: Psammocarcinoma is a rare form of ovarian cancer associated with a favorable prognosis. However, the rare incidence of this disease and inconsistent biological behavior can confound the diagnosis for the treating physician.