Surveillance of fetal lung lesions using the congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio: natural history and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio (CVR) is a widely used sonographic measure of relative mass size in fetuses with lung malformations. The purposes of this study were to examine serial CVR measurements to understand longitudinal growth patterns and to determine correlation with postnatal imaging. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was performed on fetuses referred for an echogenic lung malformation between 2002 and 2014. For each fetus, the CVR was prospectively calculated using 2D ultrasound and followed with advancing gestation. RESULTS: Based on 40 fetuses, the mean initial CVR was 0.51 ± 0.07 at 20.5 ± 0.3 weeks of gestation. The CVR increased after 24 weeks of gestation (p = 0.0014), peaking at a CVR of 0.96 ± 0.11 at 25.5 ± 0.05 weeks, followed by a significant decrease in the CVR to 0.43 ± 0.07 prior to term (p < 0.0001). However, approximately one third showed no appreciable increase in size. The mean CVR was significantly correlated with postnatal chest computed tomography (CT) size dimensions (p = 0.0032) and likelihood for lung resection (p = 0.0055). CONCLUSIONS: Fetal lung malformations tend to follow one of two distinct growth patterns, characterized by either (1) a maximal CVR between 25 and 26 weeks of gestation or (2) minimal change in relative growth. The mean CVR correlates with postnatal CT size and operative management.

Vanishing fetal lung malformations: Prenatal sonographic characteristics and postnatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the natural history and outcomes of prenatally diagnosed lung masses that appear to undergo complete regression before birth. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective review was performed on 100 consecutive fetuses with a congenital lung malformation at a single fetal center. Prenatal and postnatal imaging as well as outcomes of vanishing fetal masses was analyzed and compared to those with persistent fetal masses. RESULTS: Seventeen lesions (17%) became sonographically undetectable at 35.3 ± 2.3 weeks gestation. Vanishing fetal masses were associated with microcystic disease (100% vs. 69%, p=0.005) and a low initial congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio (CVR; 0.31 ± 0.35 vs. 0.70 ± 0.66, p=0.002) when compared to those with persistent fetal lesions. Based on postnatal CT imaging and pathology data, 10.3% of all fetal masses completely regressed. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of prenatal ultrasound for detecting lung malformations in late gestation were 96% and 43%, respectively. All infants with vanishing fetal lesions were asymptomatic at birth and were more likely to be managed nonoperatively (75% vs. 22%, p<0.0001) when compared to infants with persistent fetal masses. CONCLUSIONS: Vanishing lung lesions late in gestation are relatively common and are associated with a low CVR and microcystic disease.

Fetal lung lesions: can we start to breathe easier?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and accurate approach for risk stratification of fetal lung lesions that are associated with respiratory compromise at birth. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective review of 64 prenatal lung lesions that were managed at a single fetal care referral center (2001-2011). Sonographic data were analyzed and correlated with perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: Hydrops occurred in only 4 cases (6.3%). Among fetuses without hydrops, the congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio (CVR) was the only variable that was associated significantly with respiratory compromise and the need for lung resection at birth (P < .01). Based on a maximum CVR >1.0, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for respiratory morbidity were 90%, 93%, 75%, and 98%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nonhydropic fetuses with a maximum CVR >1.0 are a subgroup of patients who are at increased risk for respiratory morbidity and the need for surgical intervention. These patients should be delivered at a tertiary care center with pediatric surgery expertise to ensure optimal clinical outcomes.

Ectopic pregnancy: role of laparoscopic treatment.

Ectopic pregnancy is a common condition with the immediate risk of life-threatening hemorrhage and subsequent risks of infertility and recurrence. Despite remarkable advances in diagnosis and treatment, ectopic pregnancies account for 9% of all maternal deaths. Early diagnosis has led to the development of innovative surgical and nonsurgical options. The choice of treatment, including expectant, medical, and surgical approaches, depends on ectopic location, symptoms, gestational age, and future fertility desires. Goals are to make the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy early and provide the most effective and least invasive procedure while sparing future fertility when desired.