Cauda equina syndrome during pregnancy: A condition to consider.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is a common cause of medical consultation during pregnancy and usually supposes a non-malignant prognostic. PRESENTATION OF CASES: We report two cases of pregnant women whom suffered cauda equina syndrome during pregnancy and underwent emergency surgery after the birth of their babies. DISCUSSION: MRI is the main diagnosis method for cauda equina even during pregnancy. Modern obstetric practice asks surgeons to perform surgery under safe conditions at all gestation stages. Surgical decompression reports better prognosis when practiced within the first 48 h after the onset of saddle hypoesthesia. CONCLUSION: When CES is suspected, after MRI study, emergency surgery is the only solution to improve the condition of these patients.

Team approach with gynecologists taking the lead role in selecting patients for uterine artery embolization.

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) has become an increasingly popular treatment alternative to hysterectomy in the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Despite its growing promise, UAE has yet to be consistently offered by gynecologists to their qualified patient candidates. At the West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston Division, and Charleston Area Medical Center's Vascular Center of Excellence, we have implemented a team approach with gynecologists taking a pivotal role in the selection, co-management, and follow up of patients receiving UAE for the treatment of their uterine fibroids. We have developed a list of indications for UAE treatment in patients using our experience plus a literature search using Medline with keywords "Uterine Artery Embolization" and "Uterine Fibroids/Myomas."