But one question that still remains unanswered: Is hysterectomy really
indicated for Allen-Masters syndrome?
--
Hemant Shah MD
_____
From: ob-gyn-l@obgyn.net [mailto:ob-gyn-l@obgyn.net] On Behalf Of
DoctorJoe@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 7:12 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list OB-GYN-L
Subject: Re: Allen-Masters syndrome
In a message dated 3/21/07 6:01:31 PM, jane@helwig.net writes:
I had a new patient who walked in "to schedule a hysterectomy." She
brings with her a paper from her former gyn in another location giving
her a dx of Allen Masters syndrome.
I was thinking Robin Masters, but that might be yearning for a trip to
Hawaii.
On the other hand, as el always says, "Google is your friend."
Fertil Steril. 1981 Dec;36(6):751-6.
Links
Pelvic peritoneal defects and endometriosis: Allen-Masters syndrome
revisited.
. Chatman DL.
The peritoneum covering the pelvic viscera is usually smooth and glistening.
Defects in the pelvic peritoneum are usually presumed to be acquired. Allen
and Masters described such a clinical syndrome, the anatomic cornerstone of
which was laceration(s) of uterine supports with resultant defect(s) in the
broad and/or uterosacral ligaments. This diagnosis has been made more often
recently on the basis of laparoscopic findings alone. Twenty-five cases of
pelvic peritoneal defects were documented in a series of 635 consecutive
diagnostic laparoscopies done primarily for pelvic pain. None fit the
criteria of the Allen-Masters syndrome. Sixty-eight percent had associated
endometriosis. It is suggested that pelvic peritoneal defects may be
causally related to endometriosis, the disease either attacking presumably
previously altered peritoneal surfaces or causing peritoneal scarring,
duplication, and reduplication secondary to the cyclic insults of the
ectopic endometrium and thereby producing the appearance of traumatic
lacerations. Further, it is suggested that when such defects are noted at
laparoscopy, the presence of other associated pathologic abnormalities,
including endometriosis, should be investigated.
PMID: 6458517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Allen-Masters syndrome
Also known as:
Masters-Allen syndrome
Associated persons:
Willard Myron Allen
William Howell Masters
Description:
Laceration of the fascial layers in the broad and Mackenrodt ligaments
resulting in "universal joint" type of mobility of the cervix. The cervix
may be moved in any direction with minimal, if any, movement of the corpus
uteri. The condition usually results from surgically traumatic or old
lacerations of the broad ligament during delivery or, less frequently, from
induced abortion, particularly as a result of excessive vaginal packing.
Complaints include pelvic congestion and pain, menstrual disturbances,
dyspareunia, fatigability, pain during intercourse, and backache.
Bibliography:
. W. M. Allen, W. H. Masters:
Traumatic laceration of uterine support. The clinical syndrome and operative
treatment.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, 1955, 70: 500-513.
Joe P.
