Vaginitis emphysematosa: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:25, 22 March 2025

A rare condition characterized by gas-filled cysts in the vaginal wall

Vaginitis emphysematosa is a rare gynecological condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts within the vaginal wall. This condition is typically benign and self-limiting, but it can cause concern due to its unusual presentation.

Presentation

Patients with vaginitis emphysematosa often present with symptoms that may include vaginal discharge, discomfort, or a sensation of fullness in the vaginal area. On physical examination, the vaginal wall may appear swollen or have palpable cystic structures. These cysts are filled with gas, which can be confirmed through imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI.

Pathophysiology

The exact cause of vaginitis emphysematosa is not well understood. It is hypothesized that the condition may result from the production of gas by certain bacteria within the vaginal flora. These bacteria may include species capable of producing gas as a metabolic byproduct. The gas accumulates in the submucosal layer of the vaginal wall, forming cysts.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of vaginitis emphysematosa is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies. A thorough pelvic examination is essential to identify the characteristic cystic structures. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound can help visualize the gas-filled cysts, while MRI can provide more detailed information about the extent of the condition.

Management

In most cases, vaginitis emphysematosa is self-limiting and does not require specific treatment. Management focuses on reassurance and monitoring. If symptoms are bothersome, treatment may include antibiotics to address any underlying bacterial infection. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be considered if there is significant discomfort or if the condition does not resolve spontaneously.

Prognosis

The prognosis for vaginitis emphysematosa is generally excellent. The condition is benign and typically resolves without long-term complications. Recurrence is uncommon, and most patients experience complete resolution of symptoms.

Related pages

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-'''Vaginitis emphysematosa''' is a rare, benign [[Vaginal cysts|vaginal cyst]] identified in 173 cases.<ref name="Leder 2012" /><ref name="Kramer 1987" /><ref name="Toy 2011">{{Cite journal|last=Toy|first=Turan|last2=Yazici|first2=Fatma|date=2011|title=Female Genital Tract Cysts|url=http://dergipark.gov.tr/download/article-file/61418|journal=European Journal of General Medicine|volume=9|pages=21–26|via=|doi=10.29333/ejgm/82499}}</ref><ref name="EILBER 717–722">{{Cite journal|last=EILBER|first=KARYN SCHLUNT|last2=RAZ|first2=SHLOMO|title=Benign Cystic Lesions of the Vagina: A Literature Review|journal=The Journal of Urology|volume=170|issue=3|pages=717–722|doi=10.1097/01.ju.0000062543.99821.a2|pmid=12913681|year=2003}}</ref> Women that have been affected were 42 to 65 years old.<ref name="Kramer 1987" /> The cysts appear grouped but defined from one another, smooth, and can be as large as 2&nbsp;cm.<ref name="Leder 2012" /> Symptoms included: [[vaginal discharge]], itching, sensation of pressure, appearance of nodules, and sometimes a "popping sound".<ref name="Leder 2012" /><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Heller|first=Debra S.|title=Vaginal Cysts|journal=Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease|volume=16|issue=2|pages=140–144|doi=10.1097/lgt.0b013e3182320ef0|year=2012}}</ref> The cause is unknown. Histological examination showed the cysts contained pink hyalin-like material, foreign body-type giant cells in the cyst's wall, with chronic inflammatory cell fluid. The gas-filled cysts are identified with CT imaging. The gas contained in the cysts has been analysed and consists of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.<ref name="Leder 2012" /> Treatment may not be required and no complications follow the resolution of the cysts.<ref name="Kramer 1987">{{Cite journal|last=Kramer|first=K.|last2=Tobón|first2=H.|date=August 1987|title=Vaginitis emphysematosa|journal=Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine|volume=111|issue=8|pages=746–749|issn=0003-9985|pmid=3632288}}</ref> It may be associated with [[Immunosuppression|immunosuppresion]], [[Trichomonas|trichomonsis]], or ''[[Gardnerella vaginalis|Haemophilus vaginalis]]'' [[infection]].<ref name="Leder 2012" /><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Escoffery|first=C. T.|last2=Sinclair|first2=P. A.|last3=Guthrie|first3=W.|date=September 2001|title=Vaginitis emphysematosa associated with an abnormal Pap smear|journal=The West Indian Medical Journal|volume=50|issue=3|pages=234–235|issn=0043-3144|pmid=11769034}}</ref> Vaginitis emphysemotosa is characterized by gas-filled cysts in the vaginal wall. The first mention of the cyst was in 1877 by Zweifel.<ref name="Leder 2012">{{Cite journal|last=Leder|first=Richard A.|last2=Paulson|first2=Erik K.|date=2012-11-23|title=Vaginitis Emphysematosa|journal=American Journal of Roentgenology|language=en|volume=176|issue=3|pages=623–625|doi=10.2214/ajr.176.3.1760623|pmid=11222191}}</ref><ref name="EILBER 717–722"/>
+{{Short description|A rare condition characterized by gas-filled cysts in the vaginal wall}}
-== See also ==
+'''Vaginitis emphysematosa''' is a rare gynecological condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts within the [[vaginal wall]]. This condition is typically benign and self-limiting, but it can cause concern due to its unusual presentation.
-* [[Vaginal cysts]]
-* [[List of vaginal tumors|Vaginal tumors]]
-==References==
+==Presentation==
-{{reflist}}
+Patients with vaginitis emphysematosa often present with symptoms that may include [[vaginal discharge]], discomfort, or a sensation of fullness in the vaginal area. On physical examination, the vaginal wall may appear swollen or have palpable cystic structures. These cysts are filled with gas, which can be confirmed through imaging techniques such as [[ultrasound]] or [[MRI]].
-{{Diseases of the pelvis, genitals and breasts|state=collapsed}}
-{{Female reproductive system|state=collapsed}}
-[[Category:Vagina| ]]
+==Pathophysiology==
-[[Category:Human female reproductive system]]
+The exact cause of vaginitis emphysematosa is not well understood. It is hypothesized that the condition may result from the production of gas by certain [[bacteria]] within the vaginal flora. These bacteria may include species capable of producing gas as a metabolic byproduct. The gas accumulates in the submucosal layer of the vaginal wall, forming cysts.
-[[Category:Women's health]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Gynaecology]]
-[[Category:Cysts]]
-[[Category:Noninflammatory disorders of female genital tract]]
+==Diagnosis==
+Diagnosis of vaginitis emphysematosa is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies. A thorough [[pelvic examination]] is essential to identify the characteristic cystic structures. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound can help visualize the gas-filled cysts, while MRI can provide more detailed information about the extent of the condition.
-{{womens-health-stub}}
+==Management==
-{{stb}}
+In most cases, vaginitis emphysematosa is self-limiting and does not require specific treatment. Management focuses on reassurance and monitoring. If symptoms are bothersome, treatment may include [[antibiotics]] to address any underlying bacterial infection. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be considered if there is significant discomfort or if the condition does not resolve spontaneously.
-{{No image}}
+==Prognosis==
+The prognosis for vaginitis emphysematosa is generally excellent. The condition is benign and typically resolves without long-term complications. Recurrence is uncommon, and most patients experience complete resolution of symptoms.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Vaginitis]]
+* [[Bacterial vaginosis]]
+* [[Pelvic examination]]
+* [[Ultrasound]]
+[[Category:Gynecological disorders]]