An unusual enhanced Doppler vascular profile of a rare uterine tumor: PEComa.

PEComas represent a rare class of mesenchymal tumors, with different primary locations. There are less than 100 cases of uterine PEComas published in English literature until now and information considering imaging features of these PEComas is very limited, focusing on CT and MRI and not as much on ultrasounds (US). The authors present here a case of rapidly growing uterine PEComa, with local invasive potential and recurrence, and the review of literature on US characteristics of PEComas. Harboring a hyperechogeneous heterogeneous aspect with no clear separation from the adjacent uterus on the whole boundary, with an extremely rich central vascular network, with low impedance and a rapidly growing profile, this tumor does not show the classic US appearance of malignant PEComas, which are generally easily confused with leiomyomas. However, even if this pattern did not allow the authors to anticipate the histopathological result, it offered clear clues about its invasiveness potential.

Postpartum splenic rupture: a possible iatrogenic event, but finalized with successful conservation of the spleen.

The authors present the case of a postpartum splenic rupture induced probably by iatrogenic injury (recent vaginal delivery with a prolonged expulsion with uterine fundus compression) including the left hypochondria region costal grid. The case was solved with splenic preservation and achieving hemostasis only by local plugging and Gelaspon. The case raised also other problems regarding the etiology of splenic rupture, in establishing a causal relationship between a intrapartum splenic injury, and the three episodes of inferior genital tract hemorrhaging, in establishing the cause of the infectious syndrome from the 24h postpartum day, (parietal infection or splenic abscess requiring splenectomy).

Repeat measurements of nuchal translucency at 11-14 weeks of gestation: when do we need them?

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have recommended that several repeat measurements of nuchal translucency (NT) be obtained to optimize sensitivity of the screening process. However, truncation is applied within the risk calculation for small NT measurements; therefore, repeating NT measurements in the lower range may be unnecessary. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal number of NT measurements and whether this is dependent on the initial value obtained. METHODS: We simulated the expected distribution of sets of five repeat NT measurements and their corresponding likelihood ratios (LR) for a variety of crown-rump length (CRL) values at 11-14 weeks' gestation, based on the published mixture model for first-trimester NT measurements and on published data regarding NT measurement variability. The ratio between LR obtained from the highest and the initial measurement in each set were computed, with a ratio of 1 indicating that repeat measurements would have no effect on risk estimation. We calculated NT cut-offs below which a change in estimated LR would occur in fewer than 10% of cases if repeat measurements were obtained, and we tested this approach on a real first-trimester screening dataset. RESULTS: The simulations performed indicated that repeating NT measurements when the first NT obtained ranged between ≤ 0.9 and ≤ 1.6 mm at CRLs of 45 and 84 mm, respectively, is not useful. When applied to a real dataset, our approach allowed avoiding repetition of measurements in 47/165 cases (28%). CONCLUSIONS: Although there is some variability in NT measurements, repeat assessment is not useful to optimize screening performance for the smallest NT measurements due to lower truncation limits that are applied in risk calculation. Our study provides NT cut-off values, in relation to CRL, below which it appears that there is no need to repeat measurements once a good quality image has been obtained.

The endoscopic management of uterine synechiae. A clinical study of 78 cases.

UNLABELLED: Intrauterine adhesions (1UA) are easily diagnosed by hysteroscopy, which also offers the main method for treatment. In this study, we analyze the value of the method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have selected 78 cases of IUA diagnosed during a 3 year period. In cases when interventions were needed, we used mechanical techniques (pushing, scissors, forceps) or electrical resection, addressed to synechiae and other concomitant pathologies (fibroids, polyps). The follow-up ranged between 3-6 months (for amenorrheic patients) and 6-12 months for infertility patients. RESULTS: In our 78 cases the presenting diagnostic was synechiae (44%), irregular cycles (19%), amenorthea (16%), infertility (15%). Hysteroscopy allowed the IUA extension evaluation, and the majority of cases had early stage disease. From them 60% had therapeutic gestures, with success criteria being: visualization of both tubal ostium- in 70%, clinical normal cycles (91%) and pregnancy in 5 cases (41% from patients addressed mainly for infertility). There was one perforation in an Ashermann syndrome case, with no further surgical gestures needed. The main postoperative treatment was hormonal treatment, in all cases. In conclusion, although hysteroscopy allows easy diagnostic for IUA, therapeutic gestures should be done in severe cases by experimented specialists.

Electrosurgical loop excision/conisation for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in an algorithm that excludes punch biopsy--a study of 210 cases.

UNLABELLED: This study aims to evaluate the use of LLETZ/conisation in an algorithm that excludes the colposcopically guided biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 210 patients with LLETZ/conisation, performed in our service in 2 years. They were selected by pap smear, colposcopy, HPV genotyping, without punch biopsy. RESULTS: The pathological results on the excision specimen showed: benign lesion 10%, CIN 1/condyloma 58%, CIN 2 18%, CIN 3/CIS 11%, microinvasion 2% and invasion 1%. The Pap test showed: HGSIL 27%, LGSIL 56%, ASCUS 13%, and normal/benign in 4%. The therapeutic efficiency of the excisional treatment showed that there was a 9.5% excessive treatment, 14.8 residual lesions, 3 cases of hemorrhage, 2 cervical stenosis, and 7 cases with specimen alteration that made the pathological diagnostic difficult or impossible. In conclusion, the LLETZ/conisation are ambulatory procedures with an acceptable rate of over-treatment and residual lesions, and reduced rate of complication.

[National statistical parameters of cervical cancer in Romania: 1992-1997]. / Indicatori statistici ai cancerului de col în România în perioada 1992-1997.

UNLABELLED: Cervical cancer is an important health issue in Romania, as the 1990-1992 statistics of IARC mentioned it to be first in Europe as mortality through this neoplasia. We bring to 1997 the national statistical data regarding the cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our data provided by the Romanian Health Ministry statistical Office allowed estimations over the following parameters: incidence (crude and age-related), prevalence and number of deaths, and relationships between these parameters and age group, clinical stage, geographical distribution, etc. Usual statistical methods of interpretation are used, as well as prognosis using the parabola methods, and world-standardized incidence rates. RESULTS: Between 1992-1997, there were 14743 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in Romania. The crude incidence per 100,000 was 21.27, and age-related incidence ranged between 0.27 per 100,000 for the under 20 to 46.73 in the 40-49 group. World standardized incidence rate indexed by age groups gave an incidence of 16.84. The mortality was 2.37, with world standardized age related deaths of 2.81. The clinical stage distribution showed stages 0 (15.02%), I (14.04%), II (34.91%), III (27.81%) and IV (8.19. The incidence and mortality data shows a better evolution for younger age groups, but a steady increase in 30-39 group for incidence and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The data above place Romania on a stable but high incidence of cervical cancer, with a high mortality due to late diagnostic and socio-economical conditions.