Neuroendocrine carcinoma of ovary: Hitherto rare entity in primary ovarian tumors.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) of the female genital tract are extremely uncommon. These tumors can be broadly divided into well differentiated (carcinoid) and poorly differentiated NEN (small cell and large cell carcinomas). Occurrence of neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) in ovary has rarely been reported. These high-grade malignant tumors have a fulminant clinical course with a short period of survival, even when diagnosed at an early stage. We hereby report two cases of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovary.

Metallacages with 2,6-dipicolinoylbis(N,N-dialkylthioureas) as novel platforms in nuclear medicine for 68Ga, 177Lu and 198Au.

BACKGROUND: Heterometallic gold metallacages are of great interest for the incorporation of several cations. Especially in nuclear medicine, those metallacages can serve as a platform for radionuclides relevant for imaging or therapy (e.g. 68Ga or 177Lu). Moreover, the radionuclide 198Au is an attractive beta emitter, for potential application in nuclear medicine. Here, we aim to synthesize a new set of gold metallacages and to study their ability to coordinate to 68Ga, 177Lu and 198Au. RESULTS: New heterometallic gold metallacages of composition [M{Au(Lmorph-κS)}3] (M = La3+, Tb3+, Lu3+ or Y3+) and [Ga{Au(Lmorph-κS)}2]NO3 have been synthesized from 2,6-dipicolinoylbis(N,N-morpholinylthiourea) (H2Lmorph) with [AuCl(THT)] and the target M3+ metal ions in yields ranging from 33 (Lu) to 62% (Tb). The characterization of the compounds bases on ESI-MS, 1H NMR, IR, EA and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques (all except the Ga derivative). Selected gold cages derived from H2Lmorph were compared to previously reported gold cages that were derived from 2,6-dipicolinoylbis(N,N-diethylthiourea) (H2Ldiethyl). The tested metallacages show similar IC50 values close to that of auranofin in four different cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC-3, U383, U343), e.g. 4.5 ± 0.7 µM for [Ga{Au(Ldiethyl)}2]NO3 on PC-3. The radiolabeling experiments thereof show high radiochemical purities with 68Ga and 198Au and low radiochemical purity with 177Lu. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that these gold metallacages could serve as a novel platform for inclusion of different (radio)nuclides with potential theranostic applications in nuclear medicine.

Comparative Analysis of Peri-Operative Outcomes Following Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy with Conventional Bipolar-Electrosurgery versus High-Pressure Pulsed LigaSure Use.

Objectives: Quick and effective hemostasis is essential for a successful laparoscopic surgery. Hence, it is of utmost importance for laparoscopic surgeons to understand the various available and emerging energy sources to tailor their use according to their properties and surgical requirement. The aim of this study was to compare LigaSure, an advanced bipolar versus conventional bipolar in total laparoscopic hysterectomy, with respect to operating time, mean blood loss, mean reduction in hemoglobin, intraoperative, and postoperative complications, and duration of prospective hospital stay. Materials and Methods: It was a randomized controlled study. One hundred and twenty patients scheduled for elective hysterectomy for any benign indication were randomly allocated to two groups namely, conventional bipolar group and LigaSure group. Patients with a history of ≥3 laparotomies, uterine size >20 weeks were excluded. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy/salpingo oophorectomy was done in all the patients and endpoints were evaluated. Results: All the recruited participants (n = 120) achieved study endpoints. There was statistically significant difference in the meantime to dissect adnexal ligaments, primary and total operating time (for adnexal ligaments: Conventional bipolar-9.44 min vs. LigaSure-7.05 min; P = 0.000) (Primary: Conventional bipolar-97.03 min vs. LigaSure 74.39 min; P = 0.000) (Total: 142.5 min vs. 136.37 min P = 0.002). Mean blood loss (145 ml vs. 141.67 ml; P = 0.846), mean reduction in hemoglobin (0.802 versus 0.752; P = 0.484) and duration of postoperative stay (2.54 days vs. 2.32 days; P = 0.128) were comparable (P > 0.05). None of the participants suffered from any major complication during the surgery or in the postoperative recovery period. Conclusion: With an ability to effectively reduce operating time, LigaSure is a safe and efficient instrument for laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Interstitial and Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy: Conservative Surgical and Medical Management.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial and cornual ectopic pregnancy is rare, accounting for 2-4% of ectopic pregnancies and remains the most difficult type of ectopic pregnancy to diagnose due to low sensitivity and specificity of symptoms and imaging. The classic triad of ectopic pregnancy-abdominal pain, amenorrhea and vaginal bleeding-occurs in less than 40% of patients. The site of implantation in the intrauterine portion of fallopian tube and invasion through the uterine wall make this pregnancy difficult to differentiate from an intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound. The high mortality in this type of pregnancy is partially due to delay in diagnosis as well as the speed of hemorrhage. METHODS: Three cases of interstitial pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed. RESULT: Successful laparoscopic cornuostomy and removal of products of conception were performed in two cases, while one case was successfully managed by local injection with KCL and methotrexate followed by systemic methotrexate. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and timely management are key to the management of interstitial and cornual ectopic pregnancy. With expertise in ultrasound imaging and advances in laparoscopic skills progressively, conservative medical and surgical measures are being used to treat interstitial and cornual ectopic pregnancy successfully.