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Objective: The objective is to compare endothelial dysfunction measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD) in nonobese, nondiabetic post-menopausal women with their age-matched menstruating controls and to identify the correlation of BAFMD with Framingham risk score (FRS) and with the individual parameters of FRS in low-risk women. Methods: This study was done in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chandigarh, India, for 1 year. Fifty postmenopausal and 50 menstruating females aged 45–55 years who were nondiabetic and nonobese and were low risk according to FRS were selected as cases and controls, respectively. All cases and controls were age-matched. The diameter of the brachial artery and the blood flow in it was measured at rest. Ischemia was produced and released after 5 min. The maximum blood flow velocity diameter of the brachial artery was measured. After 10 min of reactive hyperemia, 400 μg of sublingual nitrate was given, and vasodilatation mediated by nitroglycerine was subsequently measured. Results: Menopause did not have any significant effect on the endothelial dysfunction as measured by the brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (P = 0.74) but did influence vascular smooth muscle as measured by nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation (P = 0.028). A significant correlation was found between flow-mediated dilatation with FRS helps us conclude that flow-mediated dilation is a reliable tool to estimate the cardiovascular risk (P < 0.001). A strong correlation was found between nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation and flow-mediated dilatation, demonstrating that both endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle are interrelated (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Menopause did not affect endothelial function, but it has a significant effect on vascular smooth muscle function. To know the effect of longer duration of menopause on vascular function in elderly women further studies with large number of postmenopausal women of different duration of menopause, may be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroid cell tumors of the ovary are rare sex-cord stromal tumors, accounting for approximately 0.1% of all ovarian neoplasms. Majority of these tumors are benign, occur in pre-menopausal women and are associated with hyperandrogenism. However, around one-third of cases are malignant and do not present with hormonal manifestations. A 48-year-old post-menopausal woman presented with complaints of gradually increasing progressive abdominal distension over the past 3 months. She had a history of weight gain but denied any symptoms of virilization. On examination, abdominal distension associated with ascites was noted. Serum CA125 level was raised. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a solid right adnexal mass. Based on the clinical impression of epithelial ovarian malignancy, the patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and infracolic omentectomy. Histopathological examination revealed steroid cell tumor of the not otherwise specified type in the right ovary with the capsular breach. However, all other organs, including the omentum were free of tumor. The index case is unique for its presentation in a post-menopausal woman, association with ascites, elevated CA125 levels and lack of any virilization manifestations. Establishing an early and accurate tissue diagnosis is essential so that appropriate surgical management can be done to prevent the development of metastases in potentially malignant cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a common benign disease of reproductive age women, and can involve the intestinal tract. Inconsistent clinical presentation, similarfeatureson radiological imaging and colonoscopywith other inflammatory and malignant lesions of the bowel makes the preoperative diagnosis of bowel endometriosis difficult. We present a case of a 42-year-old perimenopausal female clinically presented, investigated and managed in the lines of carcinoma of sigmoid colon. She underwent terminal ileac resection with end to end anastomoses, Hartmann's procedure and total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingoophorectomy. The histopathological report revealed endometriosis of small intestine, large intestine, mesentery, right ovary and adenomyoma of uterus. Thus, bowel endometriosis should also be considered as differential diagnosis in reproductive age women with gastrointestinal symptoms or intestinal mass of uncertain diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]