A. Monteagudo

Transvaginal ultrasonographic characterization of ovarian masses by means of color flow-directed Doppler measurements and a morphologic scoring system

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that a combination of a previously devised morphologic scoring system and color flow-directed Doppler measurements would afford better discrimination between benign and malignant ovarian masses. STUDY DESIGN The scoring system and color flow-directed Doppler measurements for 115 masses were prospectively analyzed and correlated with histopathologic surgical findings. RESULTS In 21 masses (18 patients) no flow was obtained. Seventy-eight masses in 70 patients were benign, and 16 masses in 12 patients were malignant. The mean total score for the benign masses was 6.7 and for the malignant masses 11.7. The resistance index was 0.64 for the benign lesions and 0.39 for the malignant masses (range 0.2 to 0.98). The mean pulsatility index of the benign masses was 1.17 and 0.52 for the malignancies (range 0.2 to 2.6). There were no malignancies in the group with no flow obtained. The sensitivity and specificity of score alone was 94% and 87%, respectively, with a 60% positive predictive value. By means of resistance index or pulsatility index the sensitivity was 94%, the specificity 99%, and the positive predictive value 94%. CONCLUSION These results suggest that Doppler flow measurements alone and in conjunction with a scoring system help differentiate benign from malignant masses.

Multifetal pregnancy reduction by transvaginal puncture: Evaluation of the technique used in 134 cases

OBJECTIVE This report reviews multifetal pregnancy reductions performed transvaginally and tests the feasibility and associated pregnancy loss rates with this technique. STUDY DESIGN One hundred thirty-four consecutive multifetal pregnancy reductions were analyzed regarding different aspects of total pregnancy losses and complications. The first 40 manually performed were compared with the last 94 procedures performed with an automated puncture device and a thin needle. The losses were also analyzed as a comparison of the reduction of the lower-lying with the higher-lying fetuses located in relation to the internal os. RESULTS A total uncorrected total pregnancy loss rate of 12.6% and a corrected loss rate of 10.6% was observed. Of the 112 pregnancies in which the lower-lying fetus was reduced, 11 losses were seen. The loss rate in the group reducing the upper fetus was three of 22. The manual versus the puncture device groups showed the same loss rate (10%); however, the manual group had a larger number of subchorionic hematomas after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS The data are indicative of a very low maternal complication rate (infection) and an acceptable loss rate of the entire pregnancy. The loss rates compare favorable with those for multifetal pregnancy reduction performed transabdominally.

Mitochondrial myopathy and preeclampsia associated with pregnancy.

Mitochondrial myopathy is characterized by weakness, exercise intolerance, and acidosis. Pregnancy has been reported to accelerate the disease process. This report discusses pregnancy and management of labor complicated by mitochondrial myopathy and the therapeutic dilemmas that arise when preeclampsia is diagnosed.

Exencephaly-Anencephaly Sequence: Proof by Ultrasound Imaging and Amniotic Fluid Cytology

We present and discuss major current theories about the developmental natural history of the anencephalic human fetus. We confirm previous observations made using transvaginal ultrasonography of exencephalic fetuses which were later imaged and/or delivered as anencephalic fetuses. We explore the possibility of proving the theory of the slowly rubbed-off exposed brain tissue by cytologic examination and special staining of aspirated cells in amniotic fluid. Three fetuses with a typical sonographic picture of exencephaly at 13-15 postmenstrual weeks underwent amniocentesis. The aspirated fluid contained pathognomonic neural cells. The same fetuses later showed the characteristic sonographic and postabortion picture of anencephaly. Our results support the theory that exencephaly is the forerunner of anencephaly.

Transvaginal color Doppler sonography of the ureteral jets: a method to detect ureteral patency.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of the detection of ureteral jets into the bladder in obstetric-gynecologic patients using transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound. Methods Fifty-two women were recruited and categorized into four groups: 1) 20 normal nonsurgical, 2) 17 postcesarean delivery, 3) 12 post-total abdominal hysterectomy, and 4) three with only one functional kidney or ureter. In the first three groups, transvaginal color Doppler sonography was used to evaluate the time to detection of the first jet and the number of jets in 5 minutes bilaterally. In the last group, the presence or absence of the jet was documented only on the functional side. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test and analysis of variance followed by Tukey honestly significant difference. Results Urine jets could be detected bilaterally in all women except for those with only one functional kidney (accuracy 100%). Time to detection of the first jet did not differ significantly in the nonsurgical, cesarean, or hysterectomy patients on either the right side (P = .07) or the left side (P = .43). The total number of jets was similar in the nonsurgical and cesarean patients, but was significantly lower in the hysterectomy group (right side P = .006; left side P = .004). In the women with one functional kidney, the normal side was identified in all cases. Conclusion Transvaginal color Doppler sonography is a simple, accurate technique that can be used to evaluate ureteral jets into the bladder in women. The length of time to detection of the first jet is not affected by the postoperative status. Fewer jets should be expected in women who have undergone hysterectomies. This method should be used when ureteral integrity is in question, especially after surgery.