Ovarian fibrosarcoma: case report and latest trends in diagnostic and therapeutic management.

The authors describe a rare case of primary ovarian fibrosarcoma and the latest trends in diagnosis and therapy. The rarity of this dis-ease and the scarce number of reported cases pose serious problems in differentiating it from other fibrous forms. A 58-year-old woman presented intermittent pelvic pain and a demarcated, mobile, and solid lump in the right adnexa. Diagnostic imaging revealed a solid- cystic inhomogeneous mass occupying the right adnexa and the CA125 level was elevated. The patient underwent total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and infracolic omentectomy. Histological findings with immunomarkers led to the final diagnosis of low-grade malignant mesenchymal neoplasm derived from the ovarian stroma compatible with fibrosarcoma. Twenty-four months follow-up showed no recurrence of disease. Ovarian fibrosarcoma is very uncommon neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Despite the efforts of several authors in reporting morphological, histological, and immunohistochemical features of this neoplasm, nowadays, the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are unresolved issues. The present case highlights the important role of immunohistochemistry to define histological type and differential diagnosis. As demonstrated by the authors' experience, they believe that surgery is curative in the early stages with low immunohistochemical positivity for ki67 and that chemotherapy should be reserved in advanced stages with regimens in use for the treatment of sarcomas.

The possible role of zinc in the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Aim of the study was to evaluate the possible involvement of zinc in the complex pathogenic process behind the onset and perpetuation of endometriotic lesions. To study the level of zinc serum between a group of patients affected by endometriosis and a group of healthy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 86 women: 42 patients whose histodiagnosis had revealed pelvic endometriosis and 44 healthy patients. The authors measured the serum zinc concentration for all patients. RESULTS: The group of patients with endometriosis presented serum zinc concentration of 1010 +/- 59.24 microg/l. The observation group presented a serum zinc concentration of 1294 +/- 62.22 microg/l. CONCLUSION: The results showed that serum zinc levels in women with endometriosis are decreased and this seems to actually confirm that this microelement can possibly affect the multifactorial pathogenesis of the disease. As a matter of fact, zinc interferes with many biological processes, among which inflammation and immunity, which seem to be the base of the development of the lesions. Therefore, the authors believe that this hypothesis requires more attention and further investigation to determine its reasonableness. If the results are confirmed, this study opens up future prospects as for the treatment of endometriosis, taking into account also the role of zinc in the onset of male sterility and the development of testicles. Zinc could in fact be used as marker to detect women at high risk of endometriosis and for the elaboration of a new treatment for sterility, from which these women often suffer.

Arterial hypertension and female sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate female sexual dysfunction in hypertensive postmenopausal women and the effects of antihypertensive therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female sexual dysfunction was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in three groups of postmenopausal patients: normotensive women (group A: 240 women), hypertensive women without therapy (group B: 220 women), hypertensive women on therapy (group C: 80 women). RESULTS: The incidence of female sexual dysfunction was increased in group B compared to groups A and C. Healthy patients showed higher FSFI scores compared to hypertensive patients (groups B and C). Hypertensive-treated patients accounted for higher scores in all items compared to hypertensive patients without therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Essential hypertension significantly affects female sexual function. Physicians should recognize and properly manage FSD in hypertensive women.

An apparently benign vulvar mass: possibly a rare malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar dermatofibrosarcoma is a rare fibrous tumor of intermediate grade malignancy, with a tendency for local recurrence, and rarely metastasizes. Management should be multidisciplinary. This is a report of an apparently benign vulvar mass with delayed diagnosis of vulvar dermatofibrosarcoma. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a vulvar tumor lasting 16 years, although several gynecological procedures and a total laparoscopic hysterectomy had been performed two years before. During this long period the lesion did not change morphological features and remained asymptomatic. Only a benign vulvar mass was diagnosed. Then, the swelling became evident showing erythematous skin with an aspect of "peau d'orange", leading the patient to consult a specialist. A firm vulvar swelling was observed in the anterior third of right labia majora continuing with about 3 cm of cord on top, quite movable above the underlying tissue but not on the overlying tissue. A wide excision was performed. The pathological examination showed positive margins. One month later an extensive deeper excision was performed. Histology confirmed a diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry was strongly positive for CD34. CONCLUSION: Vulvar lesions always require complete pathologic examination even in case of features of benign tumor to exclude a dermatofibrosarcoma. The role of the pathologist is essential to ensure negative microscopic margins and to avoid local recurrence.

Endocannabinoid system expression in ovarian epithelial tumors according to the dualistic model of ovarian carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to confirm the expression of the endocannabinoid system in the human epithelial ovarian tumors, assessing the immunohistochemical expression of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase in benign, borderline and malignant tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase immunohistochemical expression was determined in 118 epithelial ovarian tumors sequentially treated during the last decade in our department: 36 benign, 34 borderline and 48 malignant neoplasms. Cannabinoid Receptor type 1 and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase expression resulted predominantly weak-moderate in the benign and borderline forms. RESULTS: concerning malignant tumors, Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 expression resulted predominantly moderate-strong in Type I tumors and negative-weak in Type II tumors. Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase expression resulted, instead, independent by the tumor types. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase expression relatively to the tumoral stages. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed a variable expression of the endocannabinoid system in human ovarian tumors. Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 expression was significantly different in malignant epithelial ovarian tumors according to dualistic model of ovarian carcinogenesis. Thus, in the most aggressive types II ovarian tumors, Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 expression resulted predominantly negative or weak.

Perineal ultrasound evaluation of urethral mobility after the TVT-O procedure.

AIMS: The aim of study was to assess, by means of perineal ultrasound (US), women treated with the trans-obturator suburethral sling procedure for urinary stress incontinence (USI). METHODS: Twelve women with USI and urethral hypermobility were enrolled. Static and dynamic perineal US of urethral mobility was performed before and after tension-free vaginal tape opturator (TVT-O) procedure: US parameters evaluated were pubis-urethra distance and inclination angle of the urethral axis. RESULTS: The Valsalva stress US evaluation showed a return to normal range of the pubic urethral distance in all cases (p = 0.0001); also a correction of the angle of inclination of the urethral axis occurred in all patients (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results propose the use of perineal US for patients with USI as an additional diagnostic tool and a means for postsurgical follow-up.

A new approach to vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: two-year follow-up of a case report.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar carcinoma is relatively rare gynaecologic malignancy. The most prevalent vulvar cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It is not uncommon for patients to delay seeking medical attention or for physicians to delay diagnosing the condition. This delay results in many cases being diagnosed in advanced stage. The sentinel lymph node "concept" is attractive in vulvar cancer because it has the potential to avoid a radical vulvectomy associated with uni- or bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and, thus, to avoid the morbidity associated with formal groin dissection. CASE REPORT: A case of an 88-year-old woman with advanced local vulvar cancer is presented. A study of the inguinal-femoral lymph nodes was also conducted with intraoperative vital blue dye peritumoral injection and as the sentinel node was found to be negative for malignant metastasis, a radical vulvectomy without bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and without additional treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) was performed. Follow-up was performed at one, three, six, nine, 12, 18 and 24 months. No local recurrence or distant metastasis was found. CONCLUSION: The sentinel lymph node procedure allows a less aggressive treatment to be carried out in patients with invasive vulvar cancer thus reducing the complications and morbidity of treatment. Moreover, reducing the operative stress can change the overall survival and reduce the mortality linked to complications and postoperative stress.

A rare case of female pelvic mass: angioleiomyoma of the broad ligament.

Angioleiomyoma is a benign mesenchymal neoplasm composed of smooth muscle cells and thick-walled vessels. It is usually found in the skin of the lower extremities. Angioleiomyoma is a very rare tumor among the ever-expanding repertoire of growth variants described in benign uterine leiomyoma. More rare is a solitary tumor of the broad ligament. Thus angioleiomyoma of the broad ligament is an extremely rare benign tumor of the female pelvis. In this report a 52-year-old woman with a one-year history of abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Gynaecological and ultrasonography exams showed a large mass with increased vascularization in the right adnexal region. The patient underwent total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The site of the benign mass was the left broad ligament of the uterus. On pathologic examination of the specimen, the tumor was diagnosed as angioleiomyoma. We present a case of angioleiomyoma of the broad ligament because of its extreme rarity and the large size of the tumor.

Surgical approach to appendiceal mucocele mimicking an adnexal complex mass: case report.

Mucocele of the vermiform appendix is a rare disease of the appendix caused by mucoid substance retention in its lumen, due to obstruction or hyperproduction due to appendiceal retention cysts, mucosal hyperplasia, mucinous cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas. Therefore, also appendiceal malignancy can be the underlying cause, making accurate preoperative diagnosis imperative, even if this disease is often asymptomatic and an early diagnosis still remains very difficult on imaging studies. In women, appendiceal mucoceles can sometimes present on clinical and instrumental findings as a right adnexal mass mimicking an ovarian neoplasm. A rare case of appendiceal mucocele in a 36-year-old women with a right-sided painful pelvic mass is presented. The mucocele was misdiagnosed as a cystic complex mass of the right adnexa both clinically and ultrasonographically. Serum levels of CEA and CA19-9 were increased. Explorative laparoscopy was performed revealing an enlarged vermiform appendix with the uterus and adnexa macroscopically normal, and no signs of intraperitoneal metastasis or adnexal torsion. Laparotomic appendectomy followed. Histological examination revealed a mucinous cystadenoma of the vermiform appendix. This clinical entity of appendiceal mucocele should always be considered by gynaecologists as well as gastroenterologists in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting a right-sided adnexal mass on ultrasound in order to choose the best surgical approach.

Therapeutic alternatives in Behçet's syndrome.

Behçet's Syndrome (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, recurrent systemic vasculitis with an unknown cause. The disease affects all organs of the body concurrently or consecutively. Its various clinical manifestations result from ubiquitous small-vessel vasculitis, which is the underlying pathology. An Italian study has reported an increased association of the extended haplotype B51-DR5-DQw3. Without a known etiology BD syndrome has no uniformly acceptable therapy. Our study addresses therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of BD, with the systemic use of interferon alpha-2a., which has antiviral. immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, and antitumoral properties. Ten patients diagnosed with BD were referred from September 2002 to September 2005 to the Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Reproduction of the Second University of Naples. The International Study Group (ISG) Criteria for Behçet's Disease (27) was applied. Patients were treated with oral prednisone; sulfasalazine; clobetasol; and interferon alpha-2a. Every month all patients had a complete blood count, platelet count, and liver function test. Biopsies of genital ulcerations identified small vessel vasculitis with mononuclear cell and lynphocytic infiltrates. HLA-B27 and B5 were positive in three subjects. The pathergy test was positive in all patients. Today the therapy is still ongoing, and none of the patients in therapy with our protocol present clinical symptoms of BD or intolerance. Laboratory findings are in a normal range and none have had neurological failure. Our findings may be attributable to less severe disease in a patients, to our smaller number of patients, or to other unknown factors. Nonetheless, these findings remain to be confirmed in a larger number of patients.

A therapeutic algorithm for early-stage endometrial cancer: indications, patient selection, and feasibility.

Endometrial cancer is the most widely spread gynaecologic neoplasm in industrial countries. Mode of spread includes direct extension, lymphatic and haematic diffusion. Lymphatic involvement, particularly, is a topic of wide debate due to the strong therapeutic implications associated with it. In this regard, anatomic-surgical staging is better in that it corresponds to real conditions whereas clinical-instrumental staging is still today incomplete.

Third stage ovarian carcinoma--case report: the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

Ovarian carcinoma, part of a heterogeneous group of tumours, is the main cause of death by gynaecological neoplasms. The diagnosis, in general, is delayed. Multiorgan diffusion, the necessity of a surgical operation and strong chemotherapy, and the eventual pathology due to patient age are all factors that require a multidisciplinary approach. In fact the case, here reported, refers to a patient who came under our observation for a bilateral ovarian mass discovered casually during an abdominal ultrasound exam carried out for renal colic. Excellent cytoreduction with peritoneal cytology, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (Figure 2), bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, total omentectomy, removal of nodules from the mesentery, the colon and three nodules in the abdominal wall thickness was executed. The histological report was G3, angioinvasive bilateral ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Metastasis was found only in one left obturator lymph node out of 17 lymph nodes removed. All of the removed abdominal, mesenteric and intestinal nodules were neoplastic. It is concluded that the complexity of similar cases always requires a multidisciplinary approach as in our case, involving an oncologist, hematologist, surgeon, gynaecologist, radiologist, anaesthesiologist, and nursing staff in the management of third stage ovarian cancer patients to obtain the best treatment thus guaranteeing a higher survival rate and better quality of life.

Local estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis: efficacy and safety of low dose 17beta-estradiol vaginal tablets.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To verify the effectiveness and safety of low-dose 17beta-estradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of the postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 325 postmenopausal women with atrophic vaginitis in estrogenic replacement therapy with 0.025 mg 17beta-estradiol vaginal tablets, one application each day for two weeks, and a single application two times a week for the following 22 weeks (total treatment period: 24 weeks). RESULTS: Most of the women reported an improvement of symptoms just after two weeks and minimal incidence of adverse reactions. No patients showed abnormal endometrial thickness and no one had to interrupt the treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding because of systemic absorption. CONCLUSION: Low-dose 17beta-estradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of the postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis constitutes an extremely valid approach in terms of effectiveness and safety.

Pelvic actinomycosis in menopause: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between the use of intra uterine device (IUD) and the risk of actinomycosis in postmenopausal women. METHODS: We report a case of pelvic actinomycosis in a postmenopausal woman who was wearing an IUD for 14 years until 20 months after the beginning of menopause. In the last 5 years the patient had been suffering occasionally from pain, abdominal tension and rectal tenesmus. The disease was revealed clearly 18 months after removing the intrauterine device. RESULTS: The diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis was only possible after hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy and multiple biopsies. At histological features a focus with actynomycetes colonies was evident. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the previously reported association between the pelvic location of actinomycosis and the use of the IUD. The removal of IUD should be mandatory in postmenopausal women.

Contribution to the choice of therapy in abdominal pregnancy.

The goal of our study was to offer our contribution to the selection of the most suitable therapy to treat abdominal pregnancy. We discuss three patients affected with this pathology, which was diagnosed early by laparoscopy. The patients were treated with 50 mg/m2 of methotrexate administered intravenously. The abdominal pregnancy was terminated in all three patients. Since the outcome involved termination of the pregnancy, it is important to emphasize that methotrexate therapy, must be considered elective. Operative laparoscopy can be limited only to cases in which the ovum has not become implanted in the intestinal interstices and is not near sites susceptible to complications.

Pelvic lipomatosis complicating ovarian cyst removal: a case report.

Pelvic lipomatosis consists of an abdominal capsulated mass containing lipidic tissue, generally with remarkable dimensions, responsible for urinary tract disturbances. Here we describe the first case to our knowledge of accidental intraoperative diagnosis associated to an ovarian cyst in absence of objective symptoms and signs.

Haematosalpinx of fallopian tube: isolated torsion with congenital abnormal vascularisation.

We report a case of haematosalpinx due to torsion of the Fallopian tube with congenital abnormal blood supply in a girl. The symptoms were not specific and the first diagnosis was a pelvic complex mass like a tumour. The authors discuss the possible aetiology.

[Cesarean section according to Stark]. / Il taglio cesareo secondo Stark.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to compare cesarean section according to Stark to cesarean section according to conventional technique in order to evaluate advantages and limits. PLACE: Second University of Study of Naples, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, during the period from March 1996 to March 1999. PATIENTS: One hundred and two cesarean sections according to Stark were performed. These interventions have been compared with others performed, during the same period, according to the conventional technique. INTERVENTION: Comparison between cesarean section according to Stark and cesarean section according to conventional technique. RESULTS: For each case, several parameters have been compared: extraction time, total time, number of suture threads, canalization time, blood loss and fetal Apgar. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean section according to Stark is an evolution of the conventional surgical technique, which can be applied for particular indications such as maternal, fetal and anesthesiologic conditions.

[Exploration of the uterine cavity in the gynecologic preoperative diagnosis]. / L'esplorazione cavitaria uterina nella diagnostica preoperatoria ginecologica.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic accuracy of dilatation and curettage (D & C) was studied comparing retrospectively the results of histologic findings of D & C with the correspondent specimen from hysterectomy. METHODS: During five years, at the Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, II University of Studies in Naples, 260 women underwent hysterectomy, 160 of which underwent D & C prior to hysterectomy. The histologic findings were classified in: a) physiological endometrium; b) hyperplasia; c) polyps; d) atrophia; e) adenomatous hyperplasia; f) adenocarcinoma. During the period January 1989-October 1993, 260 patients underwent hysterectomy. The age was between 32 and 65 years. The indications to the intervention were: menometrorrhagia, hypogastric pains, dysmenorrhea, metrorrhagia, genital prolapse, urinary incontinence, anemia. Two hundred-sixty patients underwent hysterectomy, 160 of which underwent D & C prior to hysterectomy. Curettage was performed using a right size curette after dilatation of the uterine cervix using Hegar's metallic dilatator. Patients were submitted to general anesthesia. Histologic tissues were fixed with formalin and were sent to the Institute of Anatomopathology for examinations. RESULTS: The histologic results obtained by cavitary exploration have been compared with those reached by the analysis of the surgical samples. The results obtained confirm the reliability of D & C for the identification of endometrial lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the diagnostic utility of cavitary exploration before hysterectomy is confirmed, particularly in selected cases.

[Indications for hormone replacement therapy]. / Indicazioni alla terapia ormonale sostitutiva.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate indications and contraindications, advisability and compliance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women in the climacteric who, owing to the cessation of ovarian activity, face loss of the state of present and future wellbeing. METHODS: A series of 602 women who have attended the Menopause Centre of the II Division of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of the Second University of Naples in the period from 1/12/1998 to 10/4/2001. The diagnostic methodology adopted is outlined and the reasons for the prescription of HRT indicated. Patients who do not present contraindications were assessed in relation to the gravity of the climacteric syndrome and the likelihood of a future pathology bound up with the lack of estrogens. The intensity of the symptomatology was assessed on the basis of Kuppermann's nomogram. RESULTS: The cessation of ovarian activity occurred between the ages of 40 and 45 in 16.9% of cases while the percentage was 5.9% prior to the age of 40. Cases in which a climacteric syndrome was present numbered 147, or 24.2%. Women who present a cardiovascular risk represent a noteworthy percentage (27.1%). A high number of women are at osteoporotic risk: 223, or 37.0%. Although it has a great number of indications, HRT is only prescribed in about half the patients. Stress is laid on the caution exercised by physicians in prescribing HRT and the diffidence of women in accepting it. Of the well-known contraindications to HRT the most common are those relative to the mammary risk. CONCLUSIONS: HRT was only prescribed for about half the women who came to our attention both as a result of the caution of the physicians who consider even relative contraindications peremptory, and because of the diffidence of a percentage of women with regard to such therapy. Alternative therapies to HRT are in fact a second valid choice, especially in the prevention of osteoporosis.