SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy and Histological Alterations in the Placenta.

(1) Background: Despite the high number of cases of COVID-19 during pregnancy, SARS-CoV-2 congenital infection is rare. The role of the placenta as a barrier preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from the mother to the fetus is still being studied. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on placental tissue. (2) Methods: This was a transversal monocentric observational study. In the study, we included pregnant women with COVID-19 who delivered at "Sfântul Pantelimon" Clinical Emergency Hospital between 1 April 2020 and 30 March 2022. Histological analyses, both macroscopic and microscopic, were performed for placentas that came from these cases. (3) Results: To date, a characteristic placental lesion has not been clearly demonstrated, but most findings include features of maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion, which probably reflect the reduction in placental blood flow due to low oxygen level from the hypoxic respiratory disease and underlying hypercoagulable state induced by the COVID-19 infection. (4) Conclusions: The histopathological aspects found in placentas that came from COVID-19-positive pregnant women are common for many other diseases, but when they are found together, they are highly suggestive for viral infectious involvement of the placenta.

The Risk of Obstetrical Hemorrhage in Placenta Praevia Associated with Coronavirus Infection Antepartum or Intrapartum.

Background and Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the severity of obstetrical bleeding in the third trimester associated with COVID infection in placenta previa and accreta. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to compare the risk of obstetrical bleeding in the case of placenta previa with or without associated SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients presenting with placenta previa before labor were classified into three groups: group A (control) as no infection throughout their pregnancy, group B as confirmed infection during the 1st trimester, and group C as confirmed infection at the time of delivery. Infected patients were stratified according to the severity of signs and symptoms. The severity of obstetrical hemorrhage at birth was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. All placentas were analyzed histologically to identify similarities. Results: Prematurity and pregnancy-induced hypertension appear significantly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the 3rd trimester. Placenta accreta risk increases significantly with infection during the 1st trimester. No statistically significant differences in the severity of hemorrhage associated with childbirth in cases with placenta previa between groups A and C but increased obstetrical bleeding mainly due to emergency hemostatic hysterectomy in group B driven by placenta accrete were detected. Obstetrical hemorrhage at birth in the case of coexistence of the infection was found not to correlate with the severity of the viral disease. Meanwhile, the number of days of hospitalization after birth is related to the specific treatment of COVID infection and not related to complications related to birth. Conclusions: The study finds an increased incidence of placenta accreta associated with placenta previa in cases where the viral infection occurred in the first trimester of pregnancy, associated with an increased incidence of hemostasis hysterectomies in these patients. Placental histological changes related to viral infection are multiple and more important in patients who had COVID infection in the first trimester.

Prognostic value of the location of submucosal uterine leiomyomas in infertility.

Submucosal fibroid location and size are predictive factors of impaired fertility. Submucosal fibroids cause infertility through several mechanisms including distortion of the endometrial cavity, increased uterine contractility, local inflammation and remodeling of the endometrial blood supply. This is a monocentric, retrospective, cross-sectional study, conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of 'Sf. Pantelimon' Clinical Emergency Hospital, analyzing patients from a 5-year period (January 2015-December 2019). In the present study, the relationship between different characteristics of the submucosal fibroids (among others, location and dimensions) and fertility (birth rates, early pregnancy loss rates) were investigated. This study identified that submucosal and intramural fibroids are risk factors for reduced birth rate compared with subserosal fibroids (P=0.02, RR=2.58, 95% CI 1.03-6.47; P=0.005, RR=1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.35, respectively). In addition, G2 leiomyomas are risk factors for low birth rate compared with G0 and G1 fibroids (P=0.01, RR=1.95, 95% CI 1.05-3.60). Moreover, the presence of a subserosal fibroid was associated with an increased early pregnancy loss rate (P=0.01, RR=2.14, 95% CI 1.05-4.35). In conclusion, the location and degree of uterine cavity distortion are important factors that alter the normal development of a pregnancy and the birth rate.

Obstetrical Soft Tissue Trauma during Spontaneous Vaginal Birth in the Romanian Adolescent Population-Multicentric Comparative Study with Adult Population.

Romania is a country with high rates of adolescent births, associating scarce comprehensive obstetrical management with this specific population. This research aims to assess soft tissue trauma after vaginal birth in teenage mothers compared to their adult counterparts. A retrospective case-control study was conducted for one year in two hospitals. All vaginal deliveries were considered; the age cut-off value was considered at 20 years old for case and control groups. Lacerations were divided into three subgroups, considering the involved anatomical region; group I: labial and periurethral lacerations, group II: vaginal and perineal lacerations, and group III: cervical lacerations. There were 1498 women included in the study: 298 young mothers and 1200 adults. Teenagers were more likely to have an episiotomy during vaginal delivery compared to adult women: 56% versus 26.7% (p = 0.00, Pearson Chi-square) and a 1.89 times increased risk for developing additional group II lacerations: p = 0.01, Pearson Chi-square test with Bonferroni correction: OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.18-3.02. Group II lacerations were the most frequent type of birth trauma in both study groups. Fetal weight ≥4000 g was associated with a two times higher risk for vaginal and perineal lacerations when age criterion was not considered (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.13-3.47, p = 0.01). The incidence of group I and II lacerations increased with age: from 0% and 9.1% between 10 and 14 years old to 6% and 26.2% between 18 and 19 years old. All groups of lacerations were more often identified in the case group, compared to the adult group. Fetal macrosomia and spontaneously ruptured membranes at admission could not be documented as risk factors for obstetrical injury in young mothers. Episiotomy performed in teenagers was not a protective procedure for group II lacerations.

Investigating Caesarean Section Practice among Teenage Romanian Mothers Using Modified Robson Ten Group Classification System.

The Robson ten-group classification system is a recognized effective method of assessing caesarean rate. It is based on dividing patients into ten mutually exclusive groups, focusing on six maternal and newborn variables (parity, gestational age, plurality, foetal presentation, previous caesarean, and mode of labour onset). The aim of our analysis was twofold: first, to present the implementation of Robson classification in a pregnant teenage population; and second, to identify the indications for CS in the adolescent population. This study was designed as a one-year prospective analysis and considered all women younger than 20 years of age who delivered in a tertiary care hospital. Before discharge, women who had caesarean delivery responded to a questionnaire regarding their education, prenatal surveillance, and obstetrical history. Caesarean sections accounted for 47.01% of all births. A proportion of 24.57% of the participants had at least one previous caesarean section. Group 10 (all women with a single cephalic preterm pregnancy) was second most often identified among women in middle adolescence (14.03%); 32.20% of the participants in late adolescence were in group 5 (multiparas with a scarred uterus, single cephalic term pregnancy). Differences between the two age groups were not statistically different (p = 0.96). Abnormal cardiotocographic findings (38.23%), the arrest of descent (19.11%) and arrest of dilation (19.11%), were the most frequent indications for caesareans in Robson group 1. Neonates from mothers in Robson groups 8 (women with a multiple pregnancy) and 7 (multiparas single breech pregnancy) had the most unfavourable outcomes regarding gestational age at delivery and admission to the intensive care unit. We concluded that future focus on obstetrical management is mandatory in Robson groups 7 and 8. Adolescents in Robson group 1 (nulliparas, single cephalic term pregnancy, spontaneous labour) are the primary beneficiaries of strategies to reduce caesarean sections rates.

Assessment of Postpartum Depression in Adolescents Who Delivered during COVID-19 Social Restrictions: The Experience of a Tertiary Hospital from Bucharest, Romania.

In the context of the viral spread of COVID-19 in 2020, Romanian authorities declared national confinement for two months. Our country faces a public health issue regarding adolescent pregnancy. This study assessed the predisposition of teenage mothers to postpartum depression and the influence of the viral pandemic on their emotional status. This study enrolled patients 10 to 19 years old who delivered in our department between March-December 2020. Teenagers were attributed to the "lockdown group" (n = 30) and the "open group" (n = 171). All study participants agreed to take an interview based on a three-part questionnaire, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). In the "lockdown group", 16.67% of patients felt stressed over the last year compared to 11.11% of individuals in the "open group", but there was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding overall EPDS scores (z value 0.51, Mann-Whitney U test). Predictable variables for postpartum depression were the use of cigarettes (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00-1.16), intended pregnancies (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09-0.68, p = 0.007) and absence of stressors in the last year (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.30, p = 0.0002). More adolescents were stressed during confinement compared to those who delivered in the following time period; this aspect did not interfere with depression screening scores. A planned pregnancy, even during adolescence, can serve as a protective factor for postpartum depression.

Factors affecting the decision to undergo abortion in Romania: Experiences at our clinic.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: It is estimated that 25% of pregnancies worldwide end in induced abortion. In Romania, the abortion situation shows a specific pattern. Following the fall of the communist regime, first-trimester abortions were legalized, and between 1990 and 1992, the country's abortion rate was the highest in the world, with 182 abortions per 1000 women of reproductive age. However, there are currently no statistically reliable data, as some abortions are not reported. The purpose of this study was to identify the main circumstances that determine the choice to undergo abortion with all related potential risks, rather than using contraception. METHOD: We conducted a prospective type 1 cohort study based on a Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement that included women who presented at Bucur Maternity, Saint John Hospital, Bucharest, for abortion during the first trimester, between July and December 2018. The patients were asked to complete a 21-item questionnaire based on psychosocial data. RESULTS: The study included 119 patients, with a mean age of 29.57 years. Their educational level was average (ie, 51.3%, 4.2%, and 8.4% had completed high school, elementary school, and college or university, respectively). Most women were married (46.2%), and 47.9% were unemployed. The main reason for deciding to undergo an abortion was poverty (P = .014), and guilt was correlated with this decision (P = .004). CONCLUSION: The profiles of the women who chose to undergo an abortion as a family planning method were as follows: in the third decade of life, resident of urban areas, married, unemployed, and with a low family income. The main reasons for abortion were financial status, advanced maternal age, incompatibility of pregnancy with future plans, and the desire to postpone conception.

Novel diagnosis of mesenteric endometrioma: Case report.

RATIONALE: Mesenteric cysts are benign gastrointestinal cystic lesions, with an incidence of <1/100 000. They usually develop in the small bowel mesentery, mesocolon (24%), retroperitoneum (14.5%), and very rarely originate from the sigmoid mesentery. Endometriomas represent a localized type of endometriosis and are usually within the ovary. Our case is unique because there are no reports in the literature of endometrial mesenteric cysts. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present a case of a 29-year-old woman who underwent a routine gynecologic control. DIAGNOSIS: Clinical examination and imaging identified 2 endometriomas on the left and posterior to the uterus. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy. Unexpectedly, a 10 cm mesenteric cyst was identified; this was associated with adhesions in the left adnexal area and a left ovarian endometrioma. The classic surgical approach which was necessary identified the mesenteric cyst with cranial mesosigmoid and ileal adhesions, as well as distal adhesions which included the uterus, ileum, left ovarian endometrioma, left hydrosalpinx, left ureter, and rectum. The cyst was removed completely and a left adnexectomy was performed because of the presence of the endometrioma and adhesions. OUTCOMES: The patient's outcome was favorable, with discharge at 72 hours after surgery. The histopathological report revealed that both the mesenteric and ovarian cysts were endometriomas. LESSONS: Our case is unusual in that a mesenteric cyst was identified in a patient with no clinical symptoms. Furthermore, the histopathological examination revealed the endometriotic origin of the mesenteric cyst which has not previously been reported in the literature.

The wide spectrum of ultrasound diagnosis of holoprosencephaly.

AIM: Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is the most common brain malformation. A wide spectrum of anatomical variants are characterized by a lack of midline separation of the cerebral hemispheres. The aim of this study was to assess the ultrasound diagnostic criteria for HPE. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A database of 175 fetuses with central nervous system anomalies identified by ultrasound was collected retrospectively from 2006 to 2016 in this multicenter, retrospective, observational study. Among them 18 cases (10.2%) with HPE were identified. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPE was 2.5:10.000 with the sex distributionmale:female of 1:1.6. Six cases were alobar subtype, 3 were semilobar, 7 were lobar and 2 were middle interhemispheric variant. In the second trimester, we consider that the abnormal fusion of the lateral ventricles and the absence of the cavum septum pellucidum are the most important landmarks for HPE. Facial abnormalities varied considerably. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the heterogeneity of HPE with different cerebral and facial appearances.

A rare case of synchronous ovarian tumors: clinical case report and literature review.

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma makes up 90-95% of all ovarian malignancies, taking into account also low-malignant-potential tumors. The Krukenberg tumor is a rare metastatic adenocarcinoma (ADK) in the ovary, representing 1-2% of ovarian tumors. Multiple primary malignant neoplasms may exist when more than one cancerous tumor is diagnosed in the same or a different organ. The incidence of multiple primary cancers among malignancies is between 2.4% to 8%. The aim of this paper is to report the case of a 47-year-old patient with two synchronous malignant tumors involving both ovaries, one diagnosed as primary papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma and the other one diagnosed as ovarian metastasis (Krukenberg tumor) of a synchronous colorectal ADK, and the complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that such a rare case poses. Histopathological (HP) examination and especially the immunohistochemical analysis had a determining role in differentiating between an ovarian primary tumor and a metastasis from a gastrointestinal tract cancer. The tumors examination for somatic mutations of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) genes was performed in order to individualize the chemotherapic treatment in this difficult case. The conclusion of this case is that, although synchronous multiple primary cancers in a young patient are a rare condition, this situation should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis when we encounter clinical and HP diagnostic challenges.

The problems associated with adolescent pregnancy in Romania: A cross-sectional study.

RATIONALE: The extent of pregnancy in adolescents and young adults, especially in low and middle-income countries, is a source of increasing concern given its social and economic impact. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that there would be correlations between female patients becoming pregnant at a young age and practices such as harmful alcohol misuse, cigarette smoking, and drug use, the use of toxic substances, low educational attainment, and an essential absence of health care seeking about the outcome of adolescent pregnancies. METHODS: We performed a prospective cross-sectional study of patients who gave birth between August and November 2017 at St. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, Romania. Seventy-four patients aged 14 to 20 years, with a mean maternal age of 18.07 years, were enrolled in the study and answered a 15-item questionnaire about their social, educational, and medical background. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (71.6%) gave birth by caesarean section and 21 (28.3%) by vaginal delivery. Notably, patients aged 14 to 16 years had a lower rate of caesarean delivery compared with those aged 17 to 20 years. Moreover, 83.0% of the caesarean sections and 76.1% of the vaginal deliveries were at term. With reference to age and type of delivery, women are more likely to give birth by caesarean section at any age group (the association is not statistically significant at P < .05), except for the age of 15 years (five out of six patients in our sample had a spontaneous birth). Smoking was the most common risk behavior in the sample (45.9%, n = 34), followed by alcohol consumption (17.5%, n = 13) and drug use (5.40%, n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of caesarean delivery was reported, particularly in patients aged >17 years. The percentage of female participants who underwent a caesarean delivery for their second pregnancy was significantly higher than compared with primipara participants. Patients receiving consistent antenatal care visits compared with those who did not monitor their pregnancy did not differ in the likelihood of undergoing a caesarean section.

Defensive caesarean section: A reality and a recommended health care improvement for Romanian obstetrics.

RATIONALE: Defensive caesarean section (CS) has become one of the most common medical procedure worldwide. Additionally, performing CS in accordance with the patient's choice is an appropriate professional practice. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: This paper reports a prospective, observational, multicenter study to quantify the use of this type of practice that is performed by obstetricians to avoid medico-legal complaints and decrease the frequency of malpractice litigations. METHODS: We interviewed 73 obstetricians from three distinct units of obstetrics and gynaecology, to assess their opinion regarding defensive caesarean delivery and caesarean delivery performed upon maternal request. We conducted an opinion-based survey using questionnaires based on nine, close-ended questions. RESULTS: Out of 73 respondents, 51 (69.9%) stated that they perform defensive CS; 63 (86.3%) declared that their choice of birth delivery is influenced by the risk of being accused of malpractice; 60 (82.2%) indicated that it is normal for the patient to be able to decide on the type of delivery; and 63 (86.3%) declared that they consult their patients regarding their delivery preferences. We found statistically significant differences between the respondents who declare that they perform defensive CS (69.9%) and those who said that they are influenced by the risk of malpractice when they choose the method of delivery for their patients (86.3%) (P < .001; McNemar Test). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that defensive caesarean section is a widespread practice among obstetrics practitioners in Romania.

A multicenter cross-sectional study of episiotomy practice in Romania.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to focus attention on episiotomy practice in Romanian maternity units in order to identify factors associated with the very high rate of the procedure in Romania and to consider strategies to reduce it. METHODS: In this clustered cross-sectional study, a total of 11 863 patients were recorded in eight Romanian maternity units to assess the prevalence of episiotomy. A random effects Poisson model was used to estimate the prevalence rate in univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: Among the 11 863 patients included for analysis, 8475 (71.4%) had an episiotomy. The prevalence of episiotomy was 92.7% for the first vaginal birth, 73.2% for the second vaginal birth, and 35% for the third vaginal birth. The overall rate of suturing was higher than the episiotomy rate for all patients (total rate 79.2%). The likelihood of exiting the maternity ward with an intact perineum after the first vaginal birth was less than 5% at the first vaginal birth. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, routine episiotomy is the norm in Romanian maternity units, with episiotomy rates among the highest in Europe. Episiotomy use is mainly driven by local professional norms, experiences, previous training, and practitioners' decisions rather than evidence, guidelines, or variations in patient needs at the time of vaginal birth.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma in a 27-year-old woman. Case report and literature review.

Endometrial stromal tumors are very rare, representing approximately 0.2% of uterine malignancies, having an incidence of one to two from a million of women. The diagnosis cannot be established by imaging, it is histopathological only, often necessitate supplementary immunohistochemistry tests. We report the case of a 27-year-old woman who had an initial diagnosis, in another hospital, of uterine adenomyoma, established by dilatation and uterine curettage and then by subsequently histopathological exam. This diagnosis led to an initial non-oncological surgery, with interannexial total hysterectomy. The establishment of the final histopathological diagnosis of stromal endometrial sarcoma has led to a serious reassessment of the case. Making a review of the literature, we found very few cases of endometrial stromal sarcoma in young women less than 30 years old and we have not identified any clear strategy of treatment. However, from precautionary and considering that may be at risk, even with very few cases reported, the distance metastases can be present, sometimes at large intervals of time, we decided, for oncological safety, reintervention after one month. At the second surgery, it was practiced bilateral salpingo-ovarectomy, cardinal ligaments excision, partial omentectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy extended lumbo-aortic and interaortico-cava, sampling biopsy from the inguinal femoral adenopathy and re-excision of the vaginal vault. The evolution was favorable, the patient being follow-up together with the oncologist specialist.

Three-dimensional scan of the uterine cavity of infertile women before assisted reproductive technology use.

The primary objective was to assess the utility of routine 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in the evaluation of infertile women and to estimate the prevalence of uterine anomalies before the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), using the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy classification system. A second objective was to assess the effect of uterine anomalies on the pregnancy rate in patients who underwent assisted reproductive techniques.We retrospectively studied 668 patients treated in the Department Obstetrics Gynecology and Neonatology "Sf Ioan" Clinical Emergency Hospital and in the Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine "'Transilvania" University of Brasov between July 2016 and February 2017 for subfertility. Patients were examined using 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasound. Müllerian duct anomalies were present in 6.13% of patients, with the most common anomaly being a dysmorphic uterus (class U1c in 42.68% of patients), 17 patients (20.73%) with incompletely septate uterus (class U2a), 12 patients (14.63%) with a completely septate uterus (classU2b), 8 patients (9.75%) with a partly bicorporeal uterus (classU3a), and 6 patients (7.31%) with a completely bicorporeal uterus (class U3b). Only 1 (1.21%) patient had an aplastic uterus without a rudimentary cavity (class U5b). The pregnancy rate in the presence of uterine anomalies was 55% and the pregnancy rate in control group patients was 39.8%. The incidence of pregnancy in the group with uterine anomalies was statistically similar with the control group of normal uterus (P < .11). For ongoing pregnancy rate and live birth rate, our data indicated a slightly elevated rate for both of those indexes in the anomalies group. The incidence of miscarriage in the presence of uterine anomalies was 24% and 6.7% in the control group, which is statistically significant (P = .05).3D ultrasound evaluation of the uterus should be considered before ART in order to make an accurate diagnosis of the uterine congenital anomaly and improve ART results.

Clinical and morphological correlations in early diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

The prevalence of endometrial cancer among asymptomatic women is rather reduced also due to the absence of a cost-efficient test, as there are no ideal screening examinations for endometrial cancer. Several methods were proposed in medical practice to discover endometrial neoplasia at an early stage, among which: endometrial biopsy, endovaginal ultrasound, targeted biopsy hysteroscopy. This study was made on a group of 38 patients monitored for metrorrhagia in the interval between July 1, 2014-July 1, 2016. All patients were monitored clinically and by ultrasound, endometrium samples were taken by biopsied uterine curettage, and a histopathological examination was performed, completed by immunomarking, whenever necessary. The clinical and paraclinical methods allowed for the creation of a protocol by which patients were monitored. This protocol allowed for the modulation and effectiveness of the treatment, establishing the best therapeutic conduct and the remote supervision.

Correlation of ultrasound features and the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm score for different histopathological subtypes of benign adnexal masses.

Ovarian masses are one of the most frequently identified entities in gynecological practice. Early differential diagnosis is a key factor in the medical management of each patient. Transvaginal ultrasound along with additional preoperative testing, such as serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels and the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) score, usually provide sufficient information for a presumptive diagnosis. Minimally invasive surgery as a therapeutic approach is the standard procedure for uncomplicated and benign adnexal masses. Histopathological examination alone, or in conjunction with immunohistochemical testing establishes a more certain diagnosis in the final step of the patient management plan. We developed a retrospective descriptive observational study based on the evaluation of 107 patients admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at "Sf Pantelimon" Clinical Emergency Hospital in Bucharest between January 2000 and July 2017. Each patient was diagnosed with an ovarian mass and underwent laparoscopic surgery for treatment. All data underwent descriptive statistical analysis in order to establish correlations between preoperative test results and definitive diagnoses. The typical ultrasound findings of endometriotic cysts were histopathologically confirmed in 52.6% of the examined patients. Using ultrasound, benign teratomas were suspected in 66.6% of all documented dermoid cysts and 90% of the patients with a calculated ROMA score had corresponding values less than 15%. Mean CA-125 value was 26.58 U/mL. Laparoscopic surgery with ovarian cystectomy was performed for 78.5% of the cases. Histopathological examinations established endometriosis was present in 26.16% of cases. According to an independent samples t test (with 2 extreme values eliminated), patients in the premenopausal group had a significantly lower mean ROMA score than postmenopausal patients (6.87% vs 20.98%, respectively; P < .001). The groups had similar homogeneity (P = .131 according to the Levene test). Our results showed that transvaginal ultrasound established a presumptive diagnosis for almost half of our patients. Cystectomy was the main surgical procedure used for the management of benign ovarian masses. Endometriosis was the most common benign ovarian pathology evaluated and treated in our study.

Alobar holoprosencephaly associated with a rare chromosomal abnormality: Case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Holoprosencephaly is a structural malformation of the brain that results from the complete or incomplete noncleavage of the forebrain of the embryo into 2 hemispheres. We report a severe case of alobar holoprosencephaly diagnosed at 38 weeks, associated with cebocephaly, microcephaly, and craniosynostosis. PATIENT CONCERN: The main knowledge added by this case is the late ultrasound diagnosis and chromosomal analysis that revealed a very rare abnormality (45X/46,XX/47,XX) with mosaicism at chromosome 18. DIAGNOSES: Investigation of the mother revealed nothing remarkable from clinical point of view and on laboratory tests. Ultrasonography identified a fetal biometry appropriate for gestational age, except for the head biometry and abdominal circumference, that were appropriate for less than the fifth percentile. Microcephaly, a large midline monoventricle, absent midlinestructures, cleft lip, cebocephaly (hypotelorism, single-nostril nose), ethmocephaly (hypotelorism, interorbital proboscis) and craniosynostosis, were also present. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging of fetus revealed an absent midline structure, a central monoventricle, abnormal corpus calosum, and abnormal gyri. INTERVENTIONS: A cesarean section at 38 weeks was indicated for fetal bradycardia and a female baby was delivered, with Apgar score 6, weight 2290g. After birth, the diagnosis of the fetus confirmed holoprosencephaly with facial anomalies and demonstrated repeated tonic-clonic seizure, severe respiratory failure, cyanosis, decreased muscle tone, palor, and apnea. Laboratory examination of the newborn revealed acidosis and a prolonged of prothrombin time. The neonate was treated for severe respiratory distress syndrome, with immediate intubation and resuscitation. Vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma, and antibiotics were also administered. OUTCOMES: After delivery, exitus of the fetus occurred at 3 days and 18hours due to massive pulmonary hemorrhage. LESSONS: We described a case of alobar holoprosencephaly diagnosed at 38 weeks of gestation and associated with a rare chromosomal abnormality (45X/46,XX/47,XX) with mosaicism at chromosome 18. Emotional implications could have been less severe if the patient underwent regular ultrasonography allowing a diagnosis in the first or early second trimester.

Adnexal masses in pregnancy: perinatal impact.

The incidence of adnexal masses in pregnancy has increased significantly over the last decades and this is mostly because of the widespread use of ultrasound for pregnancy surveillance. Although a clear majority of adnexal masses found in the first trimester are functional cysts, which have a small diameter and disappear spontaneously, those that do persist into the second and third trimester require ultrasound surveillance for proper management. The presence of a large adnexal mass in the third trimester of pregnancy represents solid grounds for delivery via Caesarean section (C-section) both because of the risk of dystocia and the advantage of one-step approach of cystectomy/oophorectomy at the time of C-section. This is a retrospective study of all the third trimester pregnancy related adnexal masses that delivered in our Hospital in the last 10 years via C-section where cystectomy was also performed. Our aim was to look at the histological type of ovarian mass and to compare our results to those previously published by other authors. We also wanted to see whether the clinical suspicion based on prenatal ultrasound aspect, where this was available, was similar to the postnatal histology report. Secondary outcomes were gestational age at delivery, fetal weight and Apgar score. We found that dermoid cysts are the most common type of adnexal mass with an incidence of 46%, followed by mucous cysts 27%, serous cysts 18% and endometrioses 9%, which is consistent with the data published by other authors in larger series. In terms of prenatal clinical diagnosis, detailed ultrasound assessment of the ovarian mass was available only in less than half of these cases, but in these, the clinical suspicion was confirmed by histology report. In our series, we had no case that required premature delivery because of adnexal mass-related complications and fetal outcome was very good with normal birth weight and high Apgar score. Although this is a small series of cases, it confirms the incidence previously published of the different histological types of ovarian tumors. It also shows that fetal outcomes are very rarely affected by the presence of ovarian masses and premature iatrogenic delivery for maternal well-being is the only note wordy one of them.

UPA effects on endometrium - what is the significance?

INTRODUCTION: Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs), such as Mifepristone, Asoprisnil, Ulipristal acetate (UPA) and Vilaprisan, were tested for their antiproliferative effects on uterine fibroids. In Romania, despite the UPA availability, physicians remained reserved on the lack of experience and concerns about the safety of the drug on endometrium. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an observational study on premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. The patients received UPA in doses of 5 mg for 12-13 weeks. The fibroids dimensions and endometrium thickness were recorded at before and after the treatment. The pathological samples were assessed by two pathologists, and they recorded progesterone receptor modulator associated endometrial changes (PAEC) as extensive PAEC (EPAEC), minimally PAEC (MPAEC), absent PAEC (APAEC) and Ki67 immunoexpression in endometrium. RESULTS: A number of 57 women were introduced in our study and we had a dropout of one patient. The fibroid dimensions and endometrial thickness decreased after UPA. The pathological exam of the endometrium revealed: APAEC in 26.8% of cases, MPAEC in 60.7% of cases and EPAEC in 12.5% of cases. EPAEC were more frequent in patients with larger fibroids. PAEC had a strong correlation with Ki67 index (p≤0.01). PAEC were more frequent in older women (p≤0.01). Ki67 had a higher expression in EPAEC - mean: 69% (range: 63-75%), standard deviation (SD): 3.95. CONCLUSIONS: UPA treatment decreased fibroids dimension and improved patients' symptoms in our study. EPAEC was associated with abundant Ki67 antigen. UPA administration for three months is a safe method without endometrial atypia but longer protocols require extended studies about the proliferative potential of the endometrium.