Condyloma acuminatum: atypical presentation during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Genital warts, or condylomata acuminata, are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Pregnancy can alter a woman's immune status and increase blood supply, potentially influencing the growth of existing HPV lesions.

Observation:

• An unusual case of a large, pedunculated vaginal wart (6 x 4 cm) was observed protruding from the vaginal introitus in a woman during labor.
• The growth was found to be attached to the posterior and lateral vaginal walls near the fornix.

Findings:

• The observed vaginal wart demonstrated significant proliferation, consistent with HPV lesion growth during pregnancy.
• The large size and location of the wart posed a potential obstruction to vaginal delivery.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of genital warts in pregnant individuals.
• Vaginal warts can present unique challenges during labor and delivery, necessitating careful management to ensure maternal and fetal safety.
• Further research into the management of extensive vaginal warts during pregnancy may be warranted.