Reproductive System, Female

Vagina - Necrosis

Narrative
Comment:

Necrosis of the vaginal epithelium (Figure 1 and Figure 2) is rarely observed. It is most typically observed secondary to intravaginal administration of xenobiotics, irritating vehicles, and/or intravaginal devices. The features of vaginal necrosis include nuclear pyknosis and/or karyorrhexis, cytoplasmic eosinophilia, cellular swelling or shrinkage, exfoliated cells, and/or intraluminal cellular debris. Vaginal necrosis is often associated with acute inflammation and may result in erosion/ulcer.

Recommendations:

Necrosis of the vaginal epithelium and muscularis should be diagnosed and graded. If the necrosis is secondary to another lesion, such as inflammation or neoplasia, it should not be diagnosed separately. Lesions that are secondary to necrosis, such as inflammation, hemorrhage, or edema, should not be diagnosed separately unless warranted by severity but should be described in the pathology narrative as a component of the necrosis.

References:

National Toxicology Program. 1994. NTP TR-433. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Tricresyl Phosphate (CAS No. 1330-78-5) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage and Feed Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/6010
  • Image of necrosis in the vagina from a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat in a chronic study

    Vagina - Necrosis, Epithelial in a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat from a chronic study. There is necrosis of the vagina.

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Vagina - Necrosis, Epithelial in a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat from a chronic study. There is necrosis of the vagina.
Vagina - Necrosis, Epithelial in a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat from a chronic study. There is necrosis of the vagina.
Vagina - Necrosis, Epithelial in a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). There is necrosis of the vagina and an associated inflammatory response.
Vagina - Necrosis, Epithelial in a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). There is necrosis of the vagina and an associated inflammatory response.

Authors

Gabrielle Willson, BVMS, Dip RC Path, FRC Path, MRCVS
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Karen Y. Cimon, DVM, MS
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Karen S. Regan, DVM, DABT, DACVP
Pathologist
Regan Path/Tox Services, Inc.
Ashland, OH  

Darlene Dixon, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Fellow, IATP
Group Leader, Molecular Pathogenesis Group
National Toxicology Program Laboratory
National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC