Vaginal sling implant misdiagnosed as rectal subepithelial tumor

As cosmetic procedures receive increasing attention from the media, female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) has become quite popular in Korea. The safety and efficacy of these surgeries and procedures have yet to be thoroughly documented. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman who underwent a vaginal sling implantation, which resulted in the misdiagnosis of a rectal subepithelial tumor during endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). This patient suffered an iatrogenic rectal perforation during the EMR, which necessitated an exploratory operation. The sling implant was removed via the vaginal approach, and a primary repair of the vaginal and rectal walls was performed. The patient subsequently showed no sign of complication at her 6-month follow-up. Patients need to be educated about the importance of reporting a history of FGCS prior to undergoing surgical or endoscopic procedures. Also, physicians have to check the medical history of patient thoroughly to avoid misdiagnoses and unnecessary treatment.

The relationship between spontaneous abortion and female workers in the semiconductor industry

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the relationship between job type and the risk for spontaneous abortion to assess the reproductive toxicity of female workers in the semiconductor industry. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was administered to current female workers of two semiconductor manufacturing plants in Korea. We included female workers who became pregnant at least 6 months after the start of their employment with the company. The pregnancy outcomes of 2,242 female workers who experienced 4,037 pregnancies were investigated. Personnel records were used to assign the subjects to one of three groups: fabrication process workers, packaging process workers, and clerical workers. To adjust for within-person correlations between pregnancies, a generalized estimating equation was used. The logistic regression analysis was limited to the first pregnancy after joining the company to satisfy the assumption of independence among pregnancies. Moreover, we stratified the analysis by time period (pregnancy in the years prior to 2008 vs. after 2009) to reflect differences in occupational exposure based on semiconductor production periods. RESULTS: The risk for spontaneous abortion in female semiconductor workers was not significantly higher for fabrication and packaging process workers than for clerical workers. However, when we stratified by time period, the odds ratio for spontaneous abortion was significantly higher for packaging process workers who became pregnant prior to 2008 when compared with clerical workers (odds ratio: 2.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–4.81). CONCLUSIONS: When examining the pregnancies of female semiconductor workers that occurred prior to 2008, packaging process workers showed a significantly higher risk for spontaneous abortions than did clerical workers. The two semiconductor production periods in our study (prior to 2008 vs. after 2009) had different automated processes, chemical exposure levels, and working environments. Thus, the conditions prior to 2008 may have increased the risk for spontaneous abortions in packaging process workers in the semiconductor industry. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40557-017-0204-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparison of needle aspiration and vacuum-assisted biopsy in the ultrasound-guided drainage of lactational breast abscesses

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare needle aspiration and vacuum-assistedbiopsy in the ultrasound-guided treatment of lactational breast abscesses. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2014, a total of 74 patients presented withlactational breast abscesses. Thirty of these patients underwent treatment with antibioticsalone, while the remaining 44 lactating women with breast abscesses were treated withneedle aspiration (n=25) or vacuum-assisted biopsy (n=19). Age, duration of lactation, abscess diameter, pus culture results, the number of interventions, the healing time, and the cure rate were reviewed and compared between these two groups. The Student's t test and the chi-square test were used to compare the variables. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the cure rate between the needle aspirationgroup (22/25, 88%) and the vacuum-assisted biopsy group (18/19, 94.7%) (P=0.441). However, the mean healing time was significantly shorter in the vacuum-assisted biopsy group (6.7 days) than in the needle aspiration group (9.0 days) (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Vacuum-assisted biopsy is a viable option for the management of lactational breast abscesses and was found to lead to a shorter healing time than needle aspiration. However, further study is necessary to establish the clinical efficacy of vacuum-assisted biopsy in the management of lactational breast abscesses.

Aortic dissection accompanied by preeclampsia in a postpartum young woman

Aortic dissection is very rare in obstetrics, but it is a fatal disease. A 37-weeks primigravida woman with dyspnea and pitting edema presented to our emergency room. The patient was diagnosed with preeclampsia and underwent an emergency cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The patient complained of severe dyspnea after the cesarean section, and the chest computed tomography scan was done. With the finding of aortic dissection, cardiopulmonary arrest occurred 5 hours after the cesarean section, and the patient died without reaction to cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. If a patient with preeclampsia complains of severe dyspnea or chest pain, aortic dissection needs to be suspected and a diagnosis should not be delayed.

Aortic dissection accompanied by preeclampsia in a postpartum young woman

Aortic dissection is very rare in obstetrics, but it is a fatal disease. A 37-weeks primigravida woman with dyspnea and pitting edema presented to our emergency room. The patient was diagnosed with preeclampsia and underwent an emergency cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The patient complained of severe dyspnea after the cesarean section, and the chest computed tomography scan was done. With the finding of aortic dissection, cardiopulmonary arrest occurred 5 hours after the cesarean section, and the patient died without reaction to cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. If a patient with preeclampsia complains of severe dyspnea or chest pain, aortic dissection needs to be suspected and a diagnosis should not be delayed.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation with positive serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin: Embolization of both uterine arteries and extra-uterine feeding arteries

The incidence of uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is rare. However, it is clinically significant in that it can cause life-threatening vaginal bleeding. We report a case of a large uterine AVM with positive serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. A presumptive diagnosis was made; a uterine AVM accompanied by, early pregnancy or retained product of conception. Because this uterine AVM was extensive, transcatheter arterial embolization of both uterine arteries and extra-uterine feeding arteries was performed. Three months after undergoing transcatheter arterial embolization, complete resolution of the uterine AVM was confirmed without major complication.

Maternal Hypotension with Regional Anesthesia for Elective Cesarean Delivery: Risk factor and Impact on Neonate Outcome

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the prevalence and risk factor of hypotension among pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia, and whether hypotension has any impact on neonate outcome. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 440 mother-infant pairs after elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia. Data collection included information on maternal blood pressure during the cesarean section, cord blood pH and Apgar score. RESULTS: This study revealed that 20.5% of the mothers underwent a decrease in mean arterial blood pressure by ≥30% and 1.1% of the mothers underwent a decrease in mean arterial blood pressure by ≥50%. Hypotension was more severe among the mother in those with preoperative hypertension and high body weight. The occurrence of maternal hypotension during cesarean section were not found to predict any complications like low Apgar score, need for oxygen treatment, even though fetal cord blood pH. CONCLUSION: Despite a maternal hypotension during elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia, healthy term infants seem to tolerate decreased placental blood perfusion.

A Case of Maternal Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Encephalitis without Genital Skin Lesion / 대한주산의학회잡지

Herpes simplex encephalitis is the most common form of encephalitis, but herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) encephalitis is very rare during pregnancy. In immunocompetent patients, HSV-2 encephalitis is usually mild. With early diagnosis and prompt initiation of antiviral treatment, as well as enhanced neurocritical care, a favorable outcome can be expected in both mother and neonate. We report a rare case of maternal HSV-2 encephalitis diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction following appendectomy. The woman had no symptomatic genital lesion, and the infant was not infected.

Portal Vein Thrombosis during Pregnancy / 대한주산의학회잡지

Portal vein thrombosis complicating pregnancy is a rare occurrence. The etiology of portal vein thrombosis is highly diverse. A 31-year-old multigravida was diagnosed with acute portal vein thrombosis at 12 weeks of gestation by ultrasound examination. She had epigastric and left upper quadrant pain, but there was no significant medical or surgical illness in the past. Laboratory studies showed no evidence of a thrombophilia. She was managed with anticoagulants and labor was induced at 38 weeks because of premature rupture of membranes. She delivered a healthy neonate without any complications. It seems that the cause of this thrombotic event was the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy.

Practice patterns in the management of threatened preterm labor in Korea: A multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine clinical practice patterns in the management of pregnant women admitted with threatened preterm labor (TPL) in Korea. METHODS: Data from women admitted with a diagnosis of TPL were collected from 22 hospitals. TPL was defined as regular uterine contractions with or without other symptoms such as pelvic pressure, backache, increased vaginal discharge, menstrual-like cramps, bleeding/show and cervical changes. Data on general patient information, clinical characteristics at admission, use of tocolytics, antibiotics, and corticosteroids, and pregnancy outcomes were collected using an online data collections system. RESULTS: A total of 947 women with TPL were enrolled. First-line tocolysis was administered to 822 (86.8%) patients. As a first-line tocolysis, beta-agonists were used most frequently (510/822, 62.0%), followed by magnesium sulfate (183/822, 22.3%), calcium channel blockers (91/822, 11.1%), and atosiban (38/822, 4.6%). Of the 822 women with first-line tocolysis, second-line tocolysis were required in 364 (44.3%). Of 364 with second-line, 199 had third-line tocolysis (37.4%). Antibiotics were administered to 29.9% of patients (284/947) with single (215, 22.7%), dual (26, 2.7%), and triple combinations (43, 4.5%). Corticosteroids were administered to 420 (44.4%) patients. Betamethasone was administered to 298 patients (71.0%), and dexamethasone was administered to 122 patients (29.0%). CONCLUSION: Practice patterns in the management of TPL in Korea were quite various. It is needed to develop standardized practice guidelines for TPL management.

Spontaneous Uterine Rupture during Second Trimester Pregnancy after High-intensity Focused Ultrasound / 대한주산의학회잡지

Uterine rupture during pregnancy does not occur frequently, but is associated with high rates of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. As a non-invasive and conservative approach, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has received attention from both gynecologists and patients for the treatment of fibroids, especially women who wish to preserve uterus. However, there are not enough studies about complication and prognosis related pregnancy after HIFU. We present a case of uterine rupture that occurred in second trimester who had been HIFU 3months before pregnancy.

The effect of time interval between a single course of antenatal corticosteroids and delivery on outcomes in preterm neonates / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the beneficial effects of a single course of antenatal corticosteroids for neonatal morbidity change with time METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of women who received a single complete course of antenatal corticosteroid and delivered a viable singleton infant between 26 and 35 weeks of gestation. Patients were divided into 1 of 3 groups on the basis of the interval from first corticosteroid dose to delivery (48 hr~7 days, 8~14 days and > or =15 days). Neonatal morbidities were compared between each groups. RESULTS: Two hundred three pregnancies were included, of which 78 women delivered at 48 hr-7 days, 65 women delivered at 8~14 days and 60 women delivered at > or =15 days. The 3 groups were similar in clinical characteristics and indications for antenatal steroids and delivery. Neonates delivered within 7 days had a lower incidence of receiving ventilatory support for more than 24 hours than 8~14 days group (32.1% vs 50.8%, P=0.023) and > or =15 days group (32.1% vs 51.7%, P=0.02). But there were no significant differences between the groups in ventilator days, surfactant use, oxygen dependency at 36 weeks of gestation, oxygen dependency at 28 days after delivery, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis and length of hospital days. There were no periventricular leukomalacia and neonatal death in all groups. CONCLUSION: Neonates delivered more than 7 days after first corticosteroid dose needed more short-term ventilatory support, but there were no differences in other neonatal outcomes.

A case of fetal intracranial hemorrhage diagnosed by antenatal ultrasonographic examination / 대한주산의학회잡지

Fetal intracranial hemorrhage is quite rare. Antenatal fetal intracranial hemorrhage may occur spontaneously, or in association with various maternal or fetal conditions. Currently, antenatal fetal intracranial hemorrhage may be diagnosed by imaging techniques including ultrasonography and less frequently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report a case of spontaneous fetal intracranial hemorrhage that was diagnosed antenatally in the third trimester with a brief review of literatures.

Systematic Evaluation in Hospitalization in Mildly Preeclamptic Women whose Placental Dysfunction was Exacerbated / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: To compare the systematic evaluations in hospitalization of mildly preeclamptic women whose placental dysfunction was exacerbated with those whose placental dysfunction was not exacerbated. METHODS: There were seventy six mildly preeclamptic women after systematic evaluations in hospitalization, in which twenty eight women showed exacerbated placental dysfunction. Outcome markers considered suggestive of exacerbation of placental dysfunction included oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index less than 5 cm), clinical diagnosis of intrapartum fetal distress and progression to severe preeclampsia. A clinical diagnosis of fetal distress was made when the monitoring revealed recurrent late, persistent tachycardia with loss of variability or prolonged decelerations. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the amount of 24 hours urine protein, the concentrations in serum protein, creatinine, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase and hematocrit. But in exacerbated group, the concentrations of serum albumin and urine creatinine and creatinine clearance were significantly lower and the concentrations of serum uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher than not exacerbated group. CONCLUSION: In mildly preeclamptic women diagnosed after systematic evaluation in hospitalization, we must give attention to those whose concentrations of serum albumin and urine creatinine and creatinine clearance are low and concentrations of serum uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase are high.

The efficacy and safety of the combined preparation of Black Cohosh and St. John's wort in menopausal women / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the combined preparation of black cohosh and St. John's wort (GYNO-Plus(R)) in post menopausal women with symptoms. METHODS: A total number of 60 postmenopausal women with climacteric symptoms was allocated to take GYNO-Plus(R) for 3 months. And the change of the Kupperman menopausal index (KI), serum FSH and E2 level, bone densitometry (BMD), mammographic density, liver function test (LFT) and adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS: There was statistical difference in the decline of KI after 3 months treatment. But, there were no statistical differences in the change of serum FSH and E2 level, BMD, mammographic density, and LFT. There were nine adverse events in study, but two cases were directly related to the drug and they were resolved without any sequela. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the combined preparation of black cohosh and St. John's wort is a safe, effective alternative treatment option for patients in whom hormone replacement therapy is either refused or contraindicated.

Associated anomalies and perinatal outcomes in the fetus with single umbilical artery / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of associated structural anomalies, perinatal outcomes and obstetrical complications in fetuses with single umbilical artery. METHODS: 27 fetuses with a single umbilical artery were detected between May 1995 and June 2005 at our hospital. All medical records were reviewed for maternal demographics, associated anomalies, karyotypic analysis, pregnancy complications and perinatal outcome. RESULTS: Of the 27 fetuses, 1 (3.7%) was terminated and 1 (3.7%) was expired. 13 fetuses (48.1%) had an associated structural anomalies. The structural anomalies found in association with single umbilical artery were in the cardiovascular system (6 cases, 46.2%), urogenital system (6 cases, 46.2%), central nervous system (3 cases, 23.1%), neuromuscular system (3 cases, 23.1%) and gastrointestinal system (1 case, 7.7%). 6 cases (46.2%) among these had multiple malformations. Karyotypic analyses were available only in 3 cases and one of these was chromosomally abnormal. CONCLUSION: Scanning the umbilical cord should be one of the essential parts of the second trimester ultrasonographic examination. When single umbilical artery is detected, a detailed ultrasonographic examination including fetal echocardiography and fetal karyotyping should be recommended for search of associated structural and chromosomal abnormalities.

A Case of Asymmetric Crying Face After Cesarean Delivery in Mother with Hyperthyroidism / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Asymmetric crying face is caused by unilateral weakness of the depressor muscles of lower lip, which is most obvious during crying and is associated with other congenital anomalies, especially congenital heart disease. We experienced a case of asymmetric crying face after cesarean delivery in mother with hyperthyroidism and present it with a brief review of literature.

The Change of Endometrial Thickness in Tamoxifen-treated Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of tamoxifen on endometrial thickness in postmenopausal women taking adjuvant tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer after chemotherapy. METHODS: Fifty-eight tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal breast cancer patients underwent periodically transvaginal ultrasonography twice a year for 2 years and then once a year. We analyzed the correlation between the sonographic endometrial thickness and the duration of tamoxifen therapy. RESULTS: The mean endometrial thickness of breast cancer patients before tamoxifen therapy was 4.68 mm. But the mean endometrial thickness increased to 5.03 mm at 6 months, 5.21 mm at 12 months, after which it slightly declined to 5.13 mm at 18 months. And then it increased to 5.15 mm at 24 months, and 5.24 mm at 36 months. There was a significant increase in endometrial thickness after tamoxifen therapy compared with before tamoxifen therapy (por=5 mm. No cases of endometrial cancer were detected. CONCLUSION: Significant increase in endometrial thickness with the duration of tamoxifen therapy in postmenopausal tamoxifen-treated patients may be associated with a high risk of endometrial pathologies in these patients.

A Case of Cornual Pregnancy Complicated with Intraligamentary Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Cornual pregnancy, which is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, is an implantation of embryo in the intramural portion of a fallopian tubes. The incidence of cornual pregnancy is reported to be between 2-4% of all tubal pregnancy, about 1% of ectopic pregnancy, and occurs once for every 2,500 to 5,000 live births. Because the greater distensibility and vascularlity of this site lead to rupture at a latter gestational age and rapid intraperitoneal hemorrhage, cornual pregnancy causes serious maternal mortality and morbidity. Intraligamentary pregnancy, also a form of ectopic pregnancy, is one of the most unusual accident so that the diagnosis of intraligamentary pregnancy is hardly ever made prior to laparotomy. The incidence of intraligamentary pregnancy is reported to be about once for every 245 all ectopic pregnancy, and about once for every 49,000 to 184,000 all pregnancy. We have experienced an extremely rare case of right cornual pregnancy complicated with right intraligamentary pregnancy which was proven by histopathologic diagnoses in a 34-year-old woman and report it with review of literatures.

A Case of Heterotopic Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Heterotopic pregnancy, simultaneous intrauterine and extrauterine gestations, is a relatively rare condition with an estimated incidence of 1 in 30,000 pregnancies. The incidence of heterotopic pregnancies have increased in recent years because of rising incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic surgery, expanding use of assisted reproductive technology. Common sites of extrauterine gestation are salpinx, cornus and cervix of uterus, ovary, and abdomen in order of incidence. Early detection of heterotopic pregnancy is very difficult and is often more difficult in the case of abdominal pregnancy. However, to avoid high maternal morbidity, mortality, and loss of pregnancy, one should always take this into consideration and should conduct careful and thorough gynecologic evaluations. We have experienced a case of abdominal pregnancy following termination of intrauterine pregnancy in a 23-year-old unmarried woman and report it with brief review of literatures.