Hemorrhage of cerebral cavernous malformation in third trimester of pregnancy.

Cerebral cavernous malformation is a rare but important cause of cerebral hemorrhage in pregnancy and puerperium. In pregnancy, cavernomas can more easily bleed as a result of increased female hormones and growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor. We present the case of a pregnant woman who had been diagnosed with a cerebral cavernoma about ten years previously, after repeated headache episodes; at the 28th week of pregnancy the woman was hospitalized for epileptic seizures and active bleeding from the anterior cerebral artery. We describe the management of the case, the decision for a preterm delivery and for a resolutive neurosurgical procedure.

Case Series of Acute Meconium Peritonitis Secondary to Perforation of the Ileum in the Antepartum Period.

Perforation of the ileum in the antepartum period resulting in meconial peritonitis is a condition that, although rare, is burdened by several complications. In 80-90% of cases, meconial ileus is the first manifestation of a disease, cystic fibrosis. In the remaining 10-20% of cases, it is caused by other situations, such as prematurity. In most cases, the diagnosis of meconial ileus occurs after birth, although in some cases it can be suspected prenatally, with the finding of a hyperechoic intestine on second trimester ultrasound. The prognosis depends on the gestational age, the location of the obstruction and the presence of fetal abnormalities. Mortality is very high and the recovery of intestinal function in the postoperative course is very high risk. In this case series, we describe two meconial peritonitis and our experience at the center.

Cerebral cavernous malformation: Management and outcome during pregnancy and puerperium. A systematic review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral cavernomas malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations that occur with an incidence of 0,4-0,8 % in general population. The most feared complication is cerebral hemorrhage. Currently there are no guidelines for pregnant women with CCMs. Some authors claimed that many physiological changes related to pregnancy could be linked to an high risk of rupture and bleeding of the cerebral cavernoma. However, more recent studies highlight that the presence of cerebral cavernomatosis is not a contraindication for pregnancy and that the risk of bleeding is similar in pregnant and in non-pregnant women. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of our work is to analyze, through the study of controversial findings in literature, all the information currently available trying to establish a common approach for management of women with cerebral cavernomatosis in pregnancy, during childbirth and in the puerperium. FINDINGS: In accordance with existing literature, pregnancy does not appear to be a significant risk factor for the worsening of clinical manifestations associated with the presence of CCMs. Vaginal delivery is not contraindicated in patients with CCMs and there is no indication to perform cesarean section to reduce the incidence of hemorrhage. The only indication for neurosurgery of CCMs in pregnancy is the presence of rapidly progressive symptoms and should be postponed to the puerperium if arises after 30 weeks. The puerperium is a critical time for the woman with cavernomas for the possibility of bleeding and clinical observation must be continued. CONCLUSION: The patients with a diagnosis of a CCMs can have a pregnancy without any particular risk to themselves and the fetus but should be addressed to highly specialized obstetrics center to assesses the initial individual risk related to their pathology and to follow the pregnancy.