Jennifer Phy

Environmental determinants of polycystic ovary syndrome

In this review, we summarize existing research on a variety of environmental factors potentially involved in the etiology, prevalence, and modulation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and we suggest avenues for future research. The main environmental factors we consider include environmental toxins, diet and nutrition, socioeconomic status, and geography. There is some evidence that environmental toxins play a role in disrupting reproductive health, but there is limited research as to how these toxins may affect the development of PCOS. Although research has also shown that PCOS symptoms are reduced with certain dietary supplements and with weight loss among obese women, additional research is needed to compare various approaches to weight loss, as well as nutritional factors that may play a role in preventing or mitigating the development of PCOS. Limited studies indicate some association of low socioeconomic status with certain PCOS phenotypes, and future research should consider socioeconomic conditions during childhood or adolescence that may be more relevant to the developmental onset of PCOS. Finally, the limited scope of comparable international studies on PCOS needs to be addressed, because global patterns of PCOS are potentially valuable indicators of cultural, environmental, and genetic factors that may contribute to excess risk in certain regions of the world.

Primary cervico‐uterine anastomosis in a patient with agenesis of the uterine isthmus: A case report and review

Arrested caudal extension of the fused Müllerian ducts, either complete or segmental, causes obstruction of the outflow tract. We describe a case of agenesis of the uterine isthmus and the procedure to establish the continuity of the outflow tract. A 15‐year‐old girl with cyclic pelvic pain and amenorrhea was found to have a 3‐cm gap between the uterine body and the cervix. After cervico‐uterine anastomosis via laparotomy she menstruated normally and was pain‐free. Selected cases of arrested Müllerian duct extension can be corrected by primary anastomosis, which establishes anatomical continuity and restores menstruation and, possibly, future fertility.

Diagnosis and Management of an Adenomatoid Uterine Tumor: Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Surgical Appearance, and Pathology Correlation

Abstract Adenomatoid uterine tumors are rare, and their appearance on medical imaging modalities is not well established. We present a case of an adenomatoid uterine tumor reviewing a unique sonographic presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gross surgical appearance of the tumor, and microscopic pathology images. A 29-year-old gravida 0 Caucasian woman presented with dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and desire to conceive. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed a 2.7 cm round, well-circumscribed posterior intramural uterine mass. The mass was hyperechoic centrally with a thin hypoechoic rim. Color Doppler imaging revealed a prominent vascular rim around the periphery of the mass as well as central vascularity not typical for a leiomyoma. MRI, with and without intravenous gadolinium, was obtained showing a 2.7 cm posterior fundal mildly enhancing uterine mass suggestive of leiomyoma. The mass had a heterogeneous signal pattern on T2-weighted images, and no fat component was noted within the mass. Repeat transvaginal ultrasound showed interval growth of the mass to 3.5 cm with a lipomatous appearance. Adenomatoid uterine tumors are rare and may be mistaken for uterine leiomyomata. Unique features include sonographic appearance of central hyperechogenicity with a hypoechoic rim and prominent peripheral and central vascularity in conjunction with MRI revealing a heterogeneous signal pattern on T2-weighted images without fat component. Gross surgical appearance reveals a nondiscrete capsule and secretion of mucoid material when the mass is exposed. We present a case of adenomatoid tumor providing sonographic, MRI, surgical, and pathological correlation. The patient subsequently conceived spontaneously and delivered at term by cesarean section. The patient underwent a preoperative evaluation with complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, blood type with antibody screen, and pregnancy test. She underwent laparoscopic excision with robotic assistance for removal of the tumor. Grossly, the uterine mass had a very soft consistency atypical for a uterine leiomyoma making dissection more challenging. During dissection the mass diffusely secreted a mucoid material although the capsule was not disrupted. The lesion was excised intact and was removed from the peritoneal cavity in an endocatch bag without internal morcellation. Microscopic examination revealed an adenomatoid tumor.