The effects of various therapies on vulvovaginal atrophy and quality of life in gynecological cancer patients: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Tumors affecting the female genital tract and their treatments have the potential to induce adverse modifications in vaginal health and impact personal aspects of patient's lives. Vulvovaginal atrophy is one of the morphological changes observed in individuals with a history of gynecological cancer, influenced both by the biological environment of tumors and the main therapeutic modalities employed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify approaches to treat vulvovaginal atrophy while assessing the impact on the emotional and sexual health of women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. METHODS: To achieve this goal, a systematic review was conducted following the methodological guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The databases used for literature research were PubMed and Web of Science. RESULTS: Initially, 886 articles were obtained. After eliminating duplicates and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, seven articles were selected for analysis. The period of highest publication activity spanned from 2017 to 2020, with the majority conducted in Italy. Five treatment modalities were identified and categorized as vaginal suppository, oral medication, surgical procedure, CO2 laser therapy, and vaginal dilator. Twenty-four outcomes related to vaginal health and 30 outcomes related to overall, sexual, and emotional quality of life were analyzed. CONCLUSION: In general, all interventions demonstrated the ability to improve vaginal health or, at the very least, the sexual health of patients. Thus, despite limitations, all treatments have the potential to address vulvovaginal atrophy in patients with a history of gynecological cancer.

Comparison of the effect of noninvasive radiofrequency with vaginal estrogen and vaginal moisturizer in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of noninvasive radiofrequency (RF) with vaginal estrogen (E), and vaginal moisturizer (M) on improving vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. METHODS: A total of 32 postmenopausal women who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into three intervention arms to receive one of the following treatments: three sessions of noninvasive RF therapy (RF arm); intravaginal estriol cream 1 mg applied daily for 2 weeks, followed by 1 mg applied two times weekly or 1 mg of estradiol vaginal fast-dissolving film applied daily for 2 weeks, followed by 1 mg applied two times weekly (E arm); and intravaginal moisturizer two times a week (M arm). Assessments at baseline and after 4 months were conducted using Vaginal Health Index score, Vaginal Maturation, visual analog scale for VVA symptoms (dyspareunia, dryness, and burning), and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) for urogenital symptoms. Vaginal wall biopsies were administered to participants who consented, pretreatment and posttreatment (at baseline and after 4 months of follow-up). RESULTS: After 4 months, the Vaginal Health Index showed an increase of 6.6 points in mean total score in the RF arm, also in the E arm (+7.3 points), with no significant improvement in the M arm (+1.5 points) (interaction effect: RF, E ≠ M, P < 0.001). Regarding vaginal maturation, there was a significant increase in superficial cells in the E arm (+31.3), with no significant changes in the RF (+9.3) and M (-0.5) arms (interaction effect: E ≠ M, P < 0.001). Vaginal pH decreased significantly in the E arm (-1.25), with a similar response in the RF arm (-1.7), with no significant improvement in the M arm (-0.25) (interaction effect: RF, E ≠ M, P < 0.001).There was a significant improvement in the MRS score for VVA symptoms in the three intervention arms, with no predominance of any arm, whereas the improvement in the total MRS score for urogenital symptoms showed a predominance of the RF arm (ΔRF: -7.8; ΔE: -3.5; ΔM: -2.3; RF ≠ E, M). According to histopathologic analysis, there was no statistically significant increase in glycogenation ( P = 0.691) or epithelial cone height ( P = 0.935), despite an increase in the median delta (difference between pretreatment and posttreatment) in the three intervention arms (glycogenation: RF arm Δ = +118.4%; E arm Δ = +130.9%; M arm Δ = +24.9%; epithelial cone height: RF arm Δ = +33.5%; E arm Δ = +18.6%; M arm Δ = +22.3%). CONCLUSION: The effect of noninvasive RF on the treatment of vulvovaginal symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause was similar to vaginal estrogen, except for hormonal cytology, and superior to vaginal moisturizer, with improvement in some histomorphometric parameters. These findings are promising, especially for the population that cannot or prefers not to use vaginal estrogen therapy.

Vaginal collagen I and III changes after carbon dioxide laser application in postmenopausal women with the genitourinary syndrome: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical response and collagen remodeling in the vaginal wall after three sessions of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser application. METHODS: Fourteen postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy, aged 45-65 years and sexually active, were evaluated with clinical questionnaires, gynecological examinations and histological techniques before and after 20 weeks of treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03939078). Treatment consisted of 3-monthly sessions of the CO2 laser. Clinical questionnaires included the Vaginal Health Index, the Female Sexual Function Index and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaires Short Form. Biopsies were taken from the lateral vaginal wall at week 0 (left wall) and week 20 (right wall). Tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Periodic Acid-Schiff, Picrosirius Red Stain and Orcein dyes. Immunohistochemical study was used to quantify collagens I and III in the samples. RESULTS: The mean age was 54.4 ± 4.5 years, and the average time of amenorrhea was 7.6 ± 5.1 years. The Female Sexual Function Index and the Vaginal Health Index Score values increased while the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form score decreased after the programmed treatment. There was no significant change in vaginal pH. Histological studies showed increases in the total and superficial epithelial cell layers, and type III collagen fibers (from 10.86 ± 7.66 to 16.87 ± 3.96, p < 0.05), and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the significant increase in collagen III. CONCLUSION: Histological findings revealed epithelial atrophy reversal and collagen remodeling of the vaginal wall. Immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in collagen type III fibers.

Intravaginal nonablative radiofrequency in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause symptoms: a single-arm pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) involves vaginal dryness (VD), pain during sexual activity (SAPain), vaginal itching (VI), burning, pain, and symptoms in the urinary organs. Non-ablative radiofrequency (RF) is a type of current with electromagnetic waves with a thermal effect that generates an acute inflammatory process with consequent neocolagenesis and neoelastogenesis. We aimed to describe the clinical response to VD, SAPain, vaginal laxity (VL), VI, burning sensation, pain in the vaginal opening, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, cytological changes, and adverse effects of non-ablative RF in patients with GSM. METHODS: This single-arm pilot study included 11 women diagnosed with GSM with established menopause. Patients with hormone replacement initiation for six months, who used a pacemaker, or had metals in the pelvic region, were excluded. Subjective measures (numeric rating scale of symptoms, Vaginal Health Index-VHI) and objective measures (vaginal maturation index-VMI, vaginal pH, sexual function by the FSFI, and urinary function by the ICIQ-SF) were used. A Likert scale measures the degree of satisfaction with the treatment. Five sessions of monopolar non-ablative RF (41°C) were performed with an interval of one week between each application. The entire evaluation was performed before treatment (T0), one month (T1), and three months (T2) after treatment. Adverse effects were assessed during treatment and at T1 and T2. RESULTS: The symptoms and/or signs were reduced after treatment in most patients (T1/T2, respectively): VD 90.9%/81.8%, SAPain 83.3%/66.7, VL 100%/100%, VI 100%/100%, burning 75%/87.5%, pain 75%/75%, and VHI 90.9%/81.9%. Most patients did not show changes in VMI (54.5%) and pH (63.6%) at T1, but there was an improvement in VMI in most patients (54.5%) at T2. Nine patients were satisfied, and two were very satisfied at T1. The treatment was well tolerated, and no adverse effects were observed. There was an improvement in sexual function (72.7%) and urinary function (66.7% in T1 and 83.3% in T2). CONCLUSION: Intravaginal RF reduced the clinical symptoms of GSM in most patients, especially during T1, and women reported satisfaction with treatment. The technique showed no adverse effects, and there were positive effects on sexual and urinary function. Trial registration This research was registered at clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03506594) and complete registration date was posted on April 24, 2018.

Early onset of action with a 17ß-estradiol, softgel, vaginal insert for treating vulvar and vaginal atrophy and moderate to severe dyspareunia.

OBJECTIVE: The softgel 17ß-estradiol (E2) vaginal inserts (4 and 10 µg; Imvexxy; TherapeuticsMD, Boca Raton, FL) are FDA approved for treating moderate to severe dyspareunia associated with postmenopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA). The objective here was to determine responder rates at week 2 and whether week-2 findings predicted week-12 responders in the REJOICE trial. METHODS: Postmenopausal women received E2 vaginal inserts 4, 10, or 25 µg, or placebo for 12 weeks. Proportion of responders (having ≥2 of the following: vaginal superficial cells >5%, vaginal pH <5.0, or dyspareunia improvement of ≥1 category) were calculated. Odds ratios (ORs) for positive response at week 12 given a positive response at week 2 were determined in the efficacy evaluable (EE) population. RESULTS: The responder rate (in EE population [n = 695]) was 74% to 82% with E2 inserts versus 24% with placebo at week 2, and 72% to 80% versus 33% at week 12. Positive treatment responses were 9- to 14-fold higher with vaginal E2 than with placebo at week 2, and 5- to 8-fold higher at week 12. Response at week 2 predicted response at week 12 in the total population (OR 13.1; 95% CI, 8.8-19.7) and with active treatment only (OR 7.9; 95% CI, 4.7-13.2). CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of postmenopausal women with moderate to severe dyspareunia responded with the E2 softgel vaginal insert at week 2, and a positive response at week 2 predicted a positive response at week 12.

Lichen planus with multiple system involvement including the mouth, vagina, urethra, and scalp: a case report.

This is a case report of lichen planus (LP) with multiple system involvement. A 35-year-old female patient was admitted in November 2014 with a 5-year history of painful/difficult sexual intercourse and loss of oral mucosa, and an 8-year history of focal hair loss. Earlier, the patient had been unable to adhere to corticosteroid therapy because of severe adverse side effects. In September 2014, labia minora mucosa defects and stricture of the urethral orifice (with dysuria), vaginal orifice, and vagina were identified. Biopsy was performed and a diagnosis of erosive LP was made. The patient was treated with an oral immunosuppressant (cyclosporine A) and urethral/vaginal dilatation. Urine flow rate and sex life were improved after 6 months and she discontinued medication. Four years later, the patient reported a good overall treatment efficacy. LP can involve multiple systems and should be considered in patients with dyspareunia. Immunosuppressive agents can achieve a satisfactory effect in patients with contraindication to corticosteroid.

Lichen planus with multiple system involvement including the mouth, vagina, urethra, and scalp: a case report

This is a case report of lichen planus (LP) with multiple system involvement. A 35-year-old female patient was admitted in November 2014 with a 5-year history of painful/difficult sexual intercourse and loss of oral mucosa, and an 8-year history of focal hair loss. Earlier, the patient had been unable to adhere to corticosteroid therapy because of severe adverse side effects. In September 2014, labia minora mucosa defects and stricture of the urethral orifice (with dysuria), vaginal orifice, and vagina were identified. Biopsy was performed and a diagnosis of erosive LP was made. The patient was treated with an oral immunosuppressant (cyclosporine A) and urethral/vaginal dilatation. Urine flow rate and sex life were improved after 6 months and she discontinued medication. Four years later, the patient reported a good overall treatment efficacy. LP can involve multiple systems and should be considered in patients with dyspareunia. Immunosuppressive agents can achieve a satisfactory effect in patients with contraindication to corticosteroid.

Hormonal, metabolic, and endometrial safety of testosterone vaginal cream versus estrogens for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the laboratory and endometrial safety of topical testosterone versus topical estrogen for the treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 60 postmenopausal women aged 40 to 70 years at the Menopause Clinic of CAISM UNICAMP. Women were randomized into three vaginal treatment groups: estrogen, testosterone, or placebo. The treatment was applied 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Hormonal laboratory values of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, estrone, androstenedione, total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and sex hormone-binding globulin were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Metabolic laboratory values of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were also assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Endometrial safety was assessed using ultrasonography at baseline and at 12 weeks. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, there were no significant differences in hormonal or metabolic laboratory values among all three groups. Two participants in the estrogen group had increased serum estradiol after 12 weeks of treatment. No change in endometrial thickening was reported in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of treatment with topical testosterone or estrogen in postmenopausal women with symptoms of vaginal atrophy demonstrated laboratory and endometrial safety when compared with placebo.

Carcinoma neuroendocrino primario de vagina. Revisión de literatura a propósito de un caso / Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vagina. Literature review on the subject of a case

RESUMEN El carcinoma primario de vagina representa 1 a 2% de los cánceres ginecológicos, siendo la diferenciación histológica neuroendocrina de células pequeñas extremadamente infrecuente, sólo se han reportado 28 casos en la literatura, describiéndose en orden de frecuencia en cérvix, endometrio, ovario, vagina y vulva. Se observa con más frecuencia en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Se presenta el caso de paciente femenino, de 39 años de edad, quien acude a la consulta por presentar secreción genital serohemática, fétida, de 1 mes de evolución, evidenciándose al examen físico lesión exofítica, friable, renitente, de aproximadamente 4 cm de diámetro, en tercio superior y cara posterolateral izquierda de vagina, por lo que se realiza biopsia excisional de dicha lesión, siendo el diagnóstico anatomopatológico carcinoma neuroendocrino de células pequeñas, grado histológico: 3. A propósito de este caso, se realiza una revisión del tema, haciendo hincapié en la importancia de la exploración ginecológica exhaustiva que incluya tomas de citologías y colposcopias periódicas, tomando en cuenta la vagina y así, realizar diagnóstico precoz en vista que el riesgo de carcinoma en dicha zona es infrecuente, mejorando el pronóstico y sobrevida de las pacientes.

ABSTRACT The primary carcinoma of the vagina represents 1 to 2 % of gynecologic cancers, being the histological differentiation neuroendocrine of small cells extremely infrequent, only 28 cases have been reported in the literature, describing in order of frequency: in the cervix, endometrium, ovary, vagina and vulva. It is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women. We present the case of a female patient, 39 years old, who comes to medical consult due to serohematic, fetid, genital discharge of 1 month of evolution, evidencing at physical examination an exophytic lesion, friable, renitent, with a diameter of approximately 4 cm, in the upper third and posterolateral left side of the vagina, for which an excisional biopsy of said lesion is performed, being the anatomopathological diagnosis neuroendocrine carcinoma of small cells, histological grade: 3. A bibliography reviewed was made, emphasizing the importance of exhaustive gynecological exploration with periodic cytology and colposcopy examinations, including the vagina for early diagnosis in view of carcinoma risk in this area is uncommon, improving the prognosis and survival of patients.

Efficacy of vaginally applied estrogen, testosterone, or polyacrylic acid on vaginal atrophy: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Vaginal atrophy is a common chronic condition among postmenopausal women that can affect their quality of life. Recent studies have evaluated new treatment alternatives for vaginal atrophy; however, few therapeutic options have been thoroughly evaluated. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of estrogen, testosterone, polyacrylic acid, and placebo lubricant for the treatment of postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized clinical trial with 80 postmenopausal women aged between 40 and 70 years who were being followed up at the Menopause Clinic of CAISM UNICAMP between November 2011 and January 2013. Women were randomly assigned to topical vaginal treatment with estrogen, testosterone, polyacrylic acid, and placebo lubricant, three times a week for 12 weeks. We used the vaginal maturation index, pH, vaginal health score, vaginal flora, laboratory tests, and ultrasound to evaluate changes of vaginal atrophy at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: After a 12-week treatment with topical estrogen and testosterone compared with the lubricant, an increased percentage of participants had vaginal pH less than 5, increased vaginal score, and an increase in the number of lactobacilli. Treatment with topical estrogen improved the vaginal maturation index and showed increased levels of estradiol in three women. No changes were observed in the endometrial evaluation of all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: After a 12-week treatment with testosterone and estrogen compared with placebo lubrication, there was a significant improvement in vaginal trophism in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy.

Fine needle aspiration cytology: a tool to diagnose cervical and vaginal endometriosis in low-income places.

Regarded as infrequent, vaginal and cervical endometriosis is probably more common than is generally realized. The apparent rarity of the lesion may be ascribed to the limited awareness of its clinical appearance, combined with technical difficulty in obtaining suitable biopsy material for confirmation. Thus, clinical recognition and tissue confirmation become essential. This paper focuses on vaginal and cervical endometriosis, documenting the clinical, macroscopic, cytological and colposcopic findings in 4 cases seen at a single physical vaginal examination. Diagnosis in these patients was facilitated and improved by fine needle aspiration cytology and confirmed by histology. This technique, which is not used for the diagnosis of endometriosis, could be an option in low-income areas.

Patología vaginal: utilidad de la citología y la colposcopia como métodos diagnósticos / Vaginal pathology: usefulness of cytology and colposcopy as a diagnostic

Evaluar la citología y la colposcopia como métodos diagnósticos de patología vaginal. Estudio prospectivo y descriptivo que incluyó 100 pacientes. Se realizó citología, colposcopia y biopsia dirigida o del tercio superior de vagina, cuando no había lesiones. La edad media de las pacientes fue 37,7 años. Hubo patología vaginal en 81 pacientes: 19 (23,4. por ciento) neoplasias intraepiteliales vaginales I y 62 (76,5 por ciento) lesiones no neoplásicas, entre ellas 47 (75,8. por ciento) con infección por virus de papiloma humano y 15 (24,2 por ciento) con otras lesiones. Entre las 37 pacientes con cambios colposcópicos, 56,8 por ciento tenían epitelio acetoblanco fino, 45,9 por ciento de los cambios estaban en el tercio superior. Hubo 5 casos de lesiones multifocales. Dos citologías presentaron cambios por virus de papiloma humano. En 66 pacientes hubo cambios histológicos compatibles con infección por este virus, 19 con neoplasia. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la citología para lesiones neoplásicas intraepiteliales fue 0 por ciento y 100 por ciento, de la colposcopia 47 por ciento y 78 por ciento y de ambos 75 por ciento y 16 por ciento, respectivamente. Los factores de riesgo significativos para infección por virus de papiloma humano y neoplasia intraepitelial fueron: edad, patología cervical y vulvar previa, uso de anticonceptivos orales y tabaquismo. Existe asociación significativa entre patología cervical o vulvar y el diagnóstico de infección por virus de papiloma humano en vagina. La citología no debe ser usada aisladamente como método de pesquisa de lesiones neoplásicas de la vagina; se recomienda asociarla a la colposcopia vaginal

To evaluate the colposcopy and cytology as vaginal pathology diagnostic methods. Prospective and descriptive study involving 100 patients. Cytology, colposcopy and directed biopsy, or in the upper vagina third when there was no injuries, was conducted. The average age of the patients was 37.7 years. There was vaginal pathology in 81 patients: 19 (23.4 percent) vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia I and 62 (76.5 percent) injuries non neoplastic, including 47 (75.8. percent) with infection by human papillomavirus and 15 (24.2 percent) with other injuries. Among the 37 patients with colposcopy changes, 56.8 percent had fine acetoblanco epithelium, 45.9 percent of the changes were in the upper third. There were 5 cases of multifocal lesions. Two PAP submitted changes for human papillomavirus. In 66 patients there were histological changes consistent with infection by this virus, 19 with neoplasia. The sensitivity and specificity of cytology for intraepithelial neoplastic lesions was 0 percent and 100 percent, for the colposcopy 47 per cent and 78 per cent, and for both methods, 75 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Significant risk factors for infection of human papillomavirus and intraepithelial neoplasia were: age, prior cervical and vulvar disease, use of oral contraceptives and smoking. There is significant association between cervical or vulvar pathology and the diagnosis of infection of human papillomavirus in vagina. Cytology should not be used alone as a method of investigation of neoplastic lesions of the vagina; It is recommended to associate it with the vaginal colposcopy

Genital manifestation of graft-vs.-host disease: a series of case reports.

INTRODUCTION: After hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), many patients present genital graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) that can culminate with sexual problems, which are poorly dimensioned. AIM: We hope to draw attention to the need to perform genital biopsy to diagnose genital GVHD, and thus to call attention to the need to incorporate careful attention to sexual health in the treatment of these patients. METHODS: Five allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients complaining of coital pain after HSCT were clinically diagnosed for genital GVHD. Genital biopsies were given for histological analysis, and microphotographs of the corresponding marked field in the slide were taken. Specimens were evaluated by the site pathologist and then sent to a reference pathologist, each blinded to the histological findings. A literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE (1966-2009) for cross-sectional and cohort studies or trials related to genital GVHD. Expert opinions peer reviews and case reports were also considered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HSCT, genital GVHD, genital biopsy. RESULTS: The biopsy showed evidence of dilated apoptotic cells in the basal layer and detachment of the epithelial lining of the mucosa, hyalinization and thickening of collagen fibers, capillary ectasia, and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate of the submucosa. Three patients presented vulval lesion such as leucoplasia and ulcer on the large lip. Histological analyses showed evidence of epithelial hyperplasia and influx of inflammatory cells to the epithelial surface, intercellular edema and spongiosis, apoptotic bodies on the basal layer of the epithelium, spongiosis, and nuclear vacuolization. A common treatment based on corticotherapy resulted in complete remission of coetaneous or mucous genital lesions in all five patients. CONCLUSION: Genital biopsy is important to differentially diagnose GVHD and secondary symptoms due to hypoestrogenism. Prevention is the most important step in controlling the evolution GVHD in the vagina to prevent vaginal obstruction and sexual dysfunction.

[Vaginal adenosis and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia: a review of the literature and a case report]. / Adenosis vaginal y neoplasia intraepitelial de vagina: revisión de la bibliografia y reporte de un caso.

Vaginal adenosis is an uncommon pathology, characterized by the presence of cylindrical epithelium in the vagina. This pathology is considered rare if not found in women exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol (dietilestilbestrol). Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) is another uncommon condition in women who have not been hysterectomized to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), with an incidence of 0.3 per 100,000 women. On the other hand 0.9% of the patients who have been poshysterectomized to treat CIN develop VAIN. This paper aims at reviewing the literature on vaginal adenosis, vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia and their possible treatments. In addition, the paper reports on a case of vaginal adenosis in a young female patient with concomitant VAIN 2, the CO2 laser ablation performed, and the short-term results obtained.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and preoperative assessment of deeply infiltrating endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings relative to surgical presence of deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). METHODS: This prospective study included 92 women with clinical suspicion of DIE. The MR images were compared with laparoscopy and pathology findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRI for diagnosis of DIE were assessed. RESULTS: DIE was confirmed at histopathology in 77 of the 92 patients (83.7%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRI to diagnose DIE at each of the specific sites evaluated were as follows: retrocervical space (89.4%, 92.3%, 96.7%, 77.4%, 90.2%); rectosigmoid (86.0%, 92.9%, 93.5%, 84.8%, 89.1%); bladder (23.1%, 100%, 100%, 88.8%, 89.1%); ureters (50.0%, 100%, 95.5%, 95.7%); and vagina (72.7%, 100%, 100%, 96.4%, 96.7%). CONCLUSION: MRI demonstrates high accuracy in diagnosing DIE in the retrocervical region, rectosigmoid, bladder, ureters, and vagina.

Vaginal osseous metaplasia.

BACKGROUND: Osseous metaplasia is an unusual event in the gynecologic organs. It has been reported mostly in the endometrium and rarely in the cervix. CASE: The authors describe a rare case of bone formation in vaginal mucosa of a 52-year-old woman with chronic pelvic pain and exteriorization of bone from vaginal introit. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this finding has not been reported yet in the English medical literature.

Afectación ganglionar en paciente con endometriosis profunda rectovaginal / Lymph node involvement in a patient with rectovaginal endometriosis

Se describe un raro caso de endometriosis rectovaginal con compromiso ganglionar en mujer de 33 años. La presencia de tejido endometrial en ganglios linfáticos pélvicos es rara y ha sido confirmada en la literatura en mujeres que han sido sometidas a cirugía por endometriosis. La presencia de endometriosis en los ganglios linfáticos pélvicos es muy improbable que surja de novo y sugiere extensión de la enfermedad.

A rare case of rectovaginal endometriosis with lymph node involvement is described in a 33-year-old patient. The presence of endometrial tissue in pelvic lymph nodes is rare and has been confirmed in the literature in subjects who underwent surgery for endometriosis. Involvement of pelvic lymph nodes by endometriosis seems unlikely to arise de novo and probably suggests lymphatic spread of the disease.