Ascites in puerperium: a rare case of atypical pseudo-Meigs' syndrome complicating the puerperium.

PURPOSE: We report the case of puerperal ascites, associated with elevated CA125 levels and secondary to a uterine myoma. The literature on pseudo-Meigs' syndrome associated with pregnancy was reviewed. CASE: A 35-year-old woman complained of abdominal distension 2 days after a spontaneous vaginal delivery. A mass of 5 cm in the right uterine corner had been detected during the first trimester ultrasound and had been diagnosed as subserosal myoma. Physical examination and ultrasound revealed massive ascites. Computed tomography confirmed ascites and laboratory investigations showed CA125 raised levels. Cytology of ascitic fluid resulted negative for malignancy. A laparotomy was performed and a large pedunculated myoma was removed. A final diagnosis of atypical pseudo-Meigs' syndrome was performed, being computed tomography and chest X-ray negative for pleural effusion. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by a uterine leiomyoma described in puerperium and without hydrothorax. Though ascites is very rare in obstetrics, it should be considered when evaluating puerperal patients complaining of abdominal distension.

Resectoscopic treatment of atypical endometrial polyps in fertile women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and prognosis of hysteroscopic resection and coagulation of the base of endometrial polyps with focal atypia in fertile women with or without progestin suppression. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a quasi-randomized trial in which conservative treatment was offered to 21 patients who had endometrial polyps with focal atypia and a surrounding normal endometrium. The polyps were analyzed separately from their bases. Random biopsy specimens were taken from 4 standard places of the endometrium. RESULTS: Eighteen women (10 women with an intrauterine device and 8 women with no intrauterine device) completed the follow-up procedure. After 5 years, we found no difference in the 2 groups regarding recurrence of atypical polyps. CONCLUSION: Conservative resectoscopic treatment may be considered in fertile women with atypical polyps if polyp base and surrounding endometrium are benign. If women want to become pregnant at short term, the use of progestins can be delayed, with a strict follow-up procedure. Larger studies should be encouraged.

Is resectoscopic treatment of atypical endometrial polyps a safe option?

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term efficacy and prognosis of hysteroscopic resection and coagulation of the polyp base of endometrial polyps with focal atypia in postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: In this observational noncomparative study, conservative treatment was offered to 16 patients, with high anesthesiologic risk, who had endometrial polyps with focal atypia and a surrounding atrophic endometrium. To confirm the focality of the lesion, the polyps were analyzed separately from their bases. Patients with atypia in the polyp base were excluded. RESULTS: After 5 years of follow-up, 13 patients are disease free, 2 underwent vaginal hysterectomy and annessiectomy due to other causes, and 1 died for cardiac disorders. CONCLUSION: Adenomatous polyps with atypia can be treated resectoscopically if the treatment is associated with an accurate histologic examination of the polyp base and its eventual involvement and the features of the remaining uterine mucosa. A thorough follow-up is recommended. Studies on wider casuistries of patients are needed.

Toxic megacolon complicating a Clostridium difficile infection in a pregnant woman.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in non-hospitalized patients has been reported with increased frequency, whereas an association between CDI and pregnancy has not been highlighted. We report a case of toxic megacolon complicating a severe CDI during the second trimester of pregnancy in a patient without traditional risk factors, such as antibiotic use, immunodeficiency, and prolonged and recent hospitalization.