Ellen E. Wilson

Developing a multidisciplinary Young Women's Blood Disorders Program: a single‐centre approach with guidance for other centres

Bleeding from the reproductive tract in women is a natural event, generally occurring with menstruation and childbirth. Women with an underlying bleeding disorder may experience heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and thereby, unacceptable blood loss. Up to 20% of US women with abnormal uterine bleeding and a normal gynaecological exam may have an underlying bleeding disorder corresponding to almost 2–3 million American women. These females face many obstacles in achieving optimum medical care for their problems. A haematologist may not evaluate these women as they are treated symptomatically. Recognition of an underlying bleeding disorder is not straightforward and many come to attention after serious bleeding events. Although mortality from HMB is uncommon, the true burden of HMB is its impact on health‐related quality of life. To address these issues, women with HMB require a comprehensive approach to their care.

Bilateral mucinous cystadenomas and massive edema of the ovaries in a virilized adolescent girl.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian pathology, including nonfunctional tumors and massive edema of the ovary, has been associated with stromal luteinization and clinical endocrinopathies. CASE: An adolescent girl presented with primary amenorrhea, clitoromegaly, and large abdominopelvic mass. Laboratory evaluation revealed an elevated serum total testosterone level of 241 ng/dL. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed three cystic adnexal structures, with the largest measuring 16×8×18 cm. Surgery with pelvic washings, bilateral ovarian cystectomies, unilateral paratubal cystectomy, and bilateral ovarian biopsies were performed. Pathology confirmed bilateral mucinous cystadenomas and massive edema of the ovaries. Postoperatively, the serum total testosterone level normalized. CONCLUSION: Nonfunctional ovarian tumors and massive edema of the ovaries should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a patient presenting with signs of hyperandrogenism.

Vulvar Nodules: A Rare Presentation of Mastocytosis

BACKGROUND Mastocytosis is a rare benign disorder characterized by the finding of mast cells in the skin and other organs, occurring in adult as well as pediatric age groups. The cutaneous form is the most common presentation in childhood and is rarely located on the vulva. CASE A 9-year-old prepubertal girl presented with bilateral vulvar nodules found incidentally by her pediatrician. Biopsy and histopathologic review confirmed mastocytosis. Her lesions significantly diminished over the following year. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Mastocytosis should be on the differential for lesions on the vulva in children, in addition to the more common disorders such as condyloma acuminata and molluscum contagiosum. It is a benign condition in children, and conservative, symptomatic management is recommended.