Masters-Allen syndrome

Masters-Allen Syndrome: A Clinical Entity Characterized by Pelvic Pain

Masters-Allen syndrome, also known as Allen-Masters syndrome, is a clinical entity characterized by pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and deep dyspareunia (painful intercourse). This syndrome was first described by Allen and Masters in 1955 [1][2].

Causes of the Syndrome

The syndrome is thought to occur due to traumatic vaginal delivery resulting in subsequent gynecologic presentations. The trauma during childbirth can cause lacerations of the broad ligament, leading to excessive uterine mobility and an abnormally mobile cervix, also known as the "universal joint" [1][10].

Symptoms

The clinical symptoms associated with Masters-Allen syndrome include:

• Chronic pelvic pain accentuated during menstruation
• Deep dyspareunia following vaginal delivery
• Hypermobile, retroverted uterus
• Pelvic ultrasound showing normal uterus and adnexa

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

A diagnostic laparoscopy is often performed to confirm the diagnosis of Masters-Allen syndrome. This procedure involves inserting a laparoscope into the pelvic cavity to visualize the internal organs and identify any defects in the broad ligament [4].

Treatment Options

The preferred modality of treatment for Masters-Allen syndrome is surgical repair of the lacerations in the broad ligament. Laparoscopic surgery has been shown to be effective in treating this condition with long-term follow-up [14].

References:

[1] Allen and Masters (1955) - described traumatic laceration of uterine support as a syndrome characterized by laceration in the posterior leaf of broad ligament along with abnormally mobile cervix designated as the universal joint.

[2] Allen-Masters syndrome is caused by lacerations of the broad ligament in the pelvis, thought to be acquired during childbirth. Damage to these muscles/ligaments enables the cervix and/or uterus to move abnormally [5].

[3] Masters-Allen Syndrome is defined as defects in the broad ligament that result in peritoneal pockets. Classically, it was described in relationship to pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and menstrual disturbances [7].

[4] A 33-year-old patient with no notable history consulted us for chronic pelvic pain accentuated during menstruation, accompanied by deep dyspareunia following her vaginal delivery 2 years before presentation. Her physical examination revealed a hypermobile, retroverted uterus, and a pelvic ultrasound showed normal uterus and adnexa [4].

[10] Allen and Masters in their classic 1955 article defined traumatic laceration of uterine support as a syndrome characterized by laceration in the posterior leaf of broad ligament along with abnormally mobile cervix designated as the universal joint.

Masters-Allen syndrome, also known as traumatic vaginal delivery syndrome, is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary in severity and impact on daily life.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain [4]
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) [12]
• Irregular menstrual cycles [12]
• Excessive uterine mobility [2]
• Lacerations or defects in the broad ligament and/or uterosacral ligaments [7, 13]

These symptoms can be caused by traumatic vaginal delivery resulting in lacerations of the uterine supports, leading to excessive uterine mobility and subsequent gynecologic presentations.

Other possible symptoms:

• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) [4]
• Vaginal discharge or bleeding
• Abnormal uterine contractions

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced by women with other conditions, making accurate diagnosis crucial. A healthcare professional should be consulted for proper evaluation and treatment.

References: [2] - Search result 2: "A syndrome clinically characterized by dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain was ascribed in 1955 by Allen and Masters to excessive uterine mobility on a universal joint between cervix and..." [4] - Search result 4: "by M Tesař · 2022 — This syndrome may explain the vague problems of many patients whose symptoms include dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, acute and chronic pelvic pain." [7] - Search result 7: "by DL Chatman · 1981 · Cited by 96 — 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..." [12] - Search result 12: "Some common symptoms of Allen-Masters syndrome include pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and irregular menstrual cycles. Treatment for Allen-Masters syndrome varies depending on the severity of the scarring and symptoms." [13] - Search result 13: "Allen and Masters in their classic 1955 article [] defined traumatic laceration of uterine support as a syndrome characterized by laceration in the posterior leaf of broad ligament along with abnormally mobile cervix designated as the universal joint"

Masters-Allen syndrome, also known as Master syndrome or Allen-Masters syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, and other physical abnormalities.

**Diagnostic tests for