Xanthogranulomatous inflammation of the female genital tract: An 11-year single institutional study of 40 cases

Abstract

Background and objectivesXanthogranulomatous inflammation (XGI) is a rare form of chronic inflammation that affects the female genital tract (FGT). The absence of a standard lexicon in the literature has contributed to the relative obscurity of this condition. We attempt to study this lesion with its various clinicopathological associations. MethodologyWe conducted an 11-year retrospective study of cases diagnosed with XGI of the FGT, analyzing relevant clinical and pathological parameters. ResultsOur study identified 40 cases reported as XGI. The mean age was 43.8 (+/− 11.8 SD) years. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain (27.5 %). Abdominal mass was seen in 37.5 % of which 22.5 % was primarily attributed to XGI and was not associated with malignancies. The most common site involved was adnexa(87.5 %), with rare involvement of myometrium(7.5 %) and endometrium(5 %). Adnexal involvement was either as tubo-ovarian masses or isolated ovary/fallopian tube involvement. XGI was also seen associated with other primary lesions of FGT like high-grade serous carcinoma(7.5 %) and mature cystic teratoma (7.5 %), while non-neoplastic associations included tubal gestation, foreign body, and Aspergillus infection in the ovary. Histologically, the infiltrate comprised of chronic inflammatory cells in all cases with additional acute inflammatory cells(60 %). Multinucleated giant cells were seen in 40 % of cases. Urine culture showed bacterial colonies in 23 % of cases. ConclusionsXGI of FGT is an extremely rare lesion and can present as isolated lesions or in association with other primary lesions of FGT. Adnexal involvement was more common than uterine XGI. It is essential to recognize this lesion because it can mimic malignancy and has a destructive nature.