Vaginitis emphysematosa
| Vaginitis emphysematosa | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Gynecology |
The term vaginitis emphysematosa is related to women's reproductive health and coined by Zweifel in 1877. The cases of vaginitis emphysematosa are rare. It is usually found during consults for other issues related to reproductive health. Vaginitis emphysematosa is not common and many Gynaecologists are unaware of its existence.
While the term "vaginitis" implies vaginal inflammation, it has been observed that inflammation is generally mild and absent.[1] Vaginitis emphysematosa is characterized by gas-filled cysts in the vaginal wall and does not imply life-threatening infection.[2][3] Vaginitis emphysematosa is usually a self limited cystic disorder of the vagina. It is a very rare condition and has very little specific features to arouse clinical suspicion.[1]
Symptoms and signs
The cysts are smooth, clustered, and can be as large as 2cm.[2] Symptoms include frothy vaginal discharge, itching, sensation of pressure, appearance of nodules, and sometimes a "popping sound".[2][4][5]
Risk factors
Vaginitis emphysematosa occurs primarily, but not exclusively in pregnant women.[6] It is a rare, benign vaginal cyst and 173 cases have been identified in women ages 42 to 65.[2][7][8][9] Risk factors may include immunosuppression, trichomonas, or Haemophilus vaginalis infection.[2][10]
Causes
The cause is unknown. Histological examination showed the cysts contained pink hyaline-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 sulphur dioxide.[2]
Treatment
Treatment may not be required and no complications follow the resolution of the cysts.[7] Saline flushes may be advised to aid in treatment.[11]
Diagnosis
Vaginitis emphysematosa can be diagnosed through CT imaging[2] and visual examination[11].
See also
References
- 1 2 Al, A; Al, H; Ramesh, V (April 2002). "Vaginitis emphysematosa". Sexually Transmitted Infections. 78 (2): 155. doi:10.1136/sti.78.2.155. ISSN 1368-4973. PMC 1744439. PMID 12081185.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Leder, Richard A.; Paulson, Erik K. (2001-03-01). "Vaginitis Emphysematosa". American Journal of Roentgenology. 176 (3): 623–625. doi:10.2214/ajr.176.3.1760623. ISSN 0361-803X. PMID 11222191.
- ↑ Paulson, Erik; Leder, R. A. (2001-01-01). "Vaginitis emphysematosa: CT and review of the literature". American Journal of Roentgenology. 176 (3): 623–625. doi:10.2214/ajr.176.3.1760623. ISSN 0361-803X. PMID 11222191.
- ↑ Heller, Debra S. (2012). "Vaginal Cysts". Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. 16 (2): 140–144. doi:10.1097/lgt.0b013e3182320ef0. PMID 22126833. S2CID 826917.
- ↑ "Vaginitis emphysematosa". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 87 (1): 137. September 1963. doi:10.1016/s0002-9378(16)35161-4. ISSN 0002-9378.
- ↑ Francke, Paul (1961-07-01). "Vaginitis Emphysematosa". Radiology. 77 (1): 114–116. doi:10.1148/77.1.114. ISSN 0033-8419. PMID 13701253.
- 1 2 Kramer, K.; Tobón, H. (August 1987). "Vaginitis emphysematosa". Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. 111 (8): 746–749. ISSN 0003-9985. PMID 3632288.
- ↑ Toy, Turan; Yazici, Fatma (2011). "Female Genital Tract Cysts". European Journal of General Medicine. 9: 21–26. doi:10.29333/ejgm/82499.
- ↑ Schlunt Eilber, Karyn; Raz, Shlomo (2003). "Benign Cystic Lesions of the Vagina: A Literature Review". The Journal of Urology. 170 (3): 717–722. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000062543.99821.a2. PMID 12913681.
- ↑ Escoffery, C. T.; Sinclair, P. A.; Guthrie, W. (September 2001). "Vaginitis emphysematosa associated with an abnormal Pap smear". The West Indian Medical Journal. 50 (3): 234–235. ISSN 0043-3144. PMID 11769034.
- 1 2 "April 2015 - Volume 19 - Issue 2 : Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease". journals.lww.com. Archived from the original on 2021-01-17. Retrieved 2025-09-10.