Hysteroscopic Fenestration with Precise Incision of the Cavity Septum: A Novel Minimally Invasive Surgery of Complete Septate Uterus with Double Cervix.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and describe a novel surgical procedure that involves hysteroscopic fenestration with precise incision of the complete uterine septum and double cervix preservation after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation in patients and to evaluate its efficacy. DESIGN: A prospective consecutive clinical study. SETTING: A university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with complete septate uterus and double cervix. INTERVENTIONS: Three-dimensional reconstruction of uterus was performed with pelvic MRI and three-dimensional SPACE sequence scanning. Hysteroscopic fenestration with precise incision of the cavity septum and double cervix preservation was performed in patients. Three months after operation, follow-up pelvic MRI and second-look hysteroscopy were performed conventionally. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Operating time, blood loss, operative complications, MRI and hysteroscopic changes of uterus, symptoms improvement, and reproductive outcomes were assessed. The surgery was successfully completed without any intraoperative complications in all patients. Operating time was 21.71 ± 8.28 minutes (range, 10-40 minutes) and blood loss was 9.92 ± 7.14 mL (range, 5-30 mL). Postoperative MRI showed the uterine anteroposterior diameter (3.66 cm vs 3.92 cm; p <.05) was increased. Postoperative MRI and the second-look hysteroscopy showed the cavity shape and uterine volume were expanded to the normal. Symptoms of dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and dyspareunia were ameliorated after the surgery in 70% of patients (7 of 10), 60% of patients (3 of 5), and 1 patient, respectively. The preoperative spontaneous abortion rate was 80% (4 of 5) and the postoperative spontaneous abortion rate was 11.11% (1 of 9). After the surgery, there were 2 ongoing pregnancies and 6 pregnancies ended in term births. Two live births were delivered by cesarean section and 4 by vaginal delivery without cervical incompetence during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Hysteroscopic fenestration with precise incision of the uterine septum and double cervix preservation is an effective surgical procedure.

When is There no Benefit in Performing a Biopsy in the Suspicion of Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether colposcopy-directed biopsy is necessary to increase the accuracy of diagnosing cervical intraepithelial lesions in relation to colposcopy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational study by analyzing medical records obtained from Hospital de Clínicas do Paraná from February 2008 to February 2018. Patients with results of Pap tests, colposcopy, colposcopy-directed biopsy, and surgical procedures (high-frequency surgery or cold conization) were included. Data such as quadrants involved during colposcopy and age differences were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 299 women were included. Colposcopy was found to have an accuracy rate of 76.25% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.4-81.1). Among the highest-grade lesions, the accuracy rate was 80.5% (95% CI, 75.7-85.3). The accuracy rates for biopsy were 79.6% (95% CI, 75-84.2) and 84.6% (95% CI, 80-89.1) for the highest-grade lesions. High-grade lesions were accurately confirmed in 76.9% and 85% of patients with 1 and 2 or more affected quadrants, respectively. For women younger than 40 years, the accuracy rates were 77.6% and 80.8% for colposcopy and biopsy, respectively. For women 40 years or older, the accuracy rates were 72.5% and 76.3% for colposcopy and biopsy, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is no difference between the accuracy of colposcopy and that of biopsy in diagnosing cervical intraepithelial lesions in relation with the result of conization. The patients who received the greatest benefit when biopsy was not performed were those with high-grade lesions at colposcopy, a lesion involving 2 or more quadrants, and those younger than 40 years.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a biópsia colpodirigida é necessária para aumentar a acurácia diagnóstica nas lesões intraepiteliais de colo uterino em relaçãoà colposcopia. MéTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional, incluindo pacientes submetidas a colposcopia, biópsia colpodirigida, e procedimento cirúrgico (cirurgia de alta frequência ou conização a frio), no período de fevereiro de 2008 a fevereiro de 2018, no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná. Dados como número de quadrantes da lesão presentes na colposcopia, número de fragmentos retirados nas biópsias e diferenças por idade também foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Um total de 299 mulheres foram incluídas. Foi encontrada uma acurácia de 76,25% (intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% 71,4­81,1) entre a colposcopia e a conização, sendo 80,5% % (IC 95% 75.7­85.3) nas lesões de maior grau. A acurácia da biópsia foi de 79,6% (IC 95% 75­84,2), sendo 84,6% (IC 95% 80­89,1) nas lesões de maior grau. Pacientes com 1 quadrante acometido tiveram confirmação de 76,9% nas lesões de maior grau, enquanto as com 2 quadrantes acometidos apresentaram o mesmo resultado em 85% dos casos. A acurácia com a biópsia de 1 fragmento foi de 78% e com 2 ou mais fragmentos 80%. Para mulheres com menos de 40 anos, a acurácia foi de 77,6% e 80,8% para colposcopia e biópsia, respectivamente. Para mulheres com 40 anos ou mais, a acurácia foi de 72,5% e 76,3% para colposcopia e biópsia, respectivamente. CONCLUSãO: Não há diferença entre a acurácia da colposcopia e a da biópsia colpodirigida no diagnóstico de lesões intraepiteliais cervicais em relação ao resultado da conização. As pacientes que tiveram o maior benefício quando a biópsia não foi realizada foram as que apresentaram lesão de alto grau na colposcopia e aquelas com menos de 40 anos, não existindo benefício em realizar biópsia previamente a conização neste grupo de pacientes.

Interventions to prevent preterm delivery in women with short cervix before fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative short cervical length (CL) remains a major risk factor for preterm birth after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), but the optimal intervention to prolong pregnancy remains elusive. The objective of this study was to compare secondary methods for the prevention of preterm birth in twin pregnancies with TTTS undergoing fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP), in the setting of a short cervix at the time of FLP, in five North American Fetal Treatment Network (NAFTNet) centers. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data collected prospectively at five NAFTNet centers, conducted from January 2013 to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS, undergoing FLP, with preoperative CL < 30 mm. Management options for a short cervix included expectant management, vaginal progesterone, pessary (Arabin, incontinence or Bioteque cup), cervical cerclage or a combination of two or more treatments. Patients were not included if the intervention was initiated solely on the basis of having a twin gestation rather than at the diagnosis of a short cervix. Demographics, ultrasound characteristics, operative data and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was FLP-to-delivery interval. Propensity-score matching was performed, with each treatment group matched (1:1) to the expectant-management group for CL, in order to estimate the effect of each treatment on the FLP-to-delivery interval. RESULTS: A total of 255 women with a twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS and a short cervix undergoing FLP were included in the study. Of these, 151 (59%) were managed expectantly, 32 (13%) had vaginal progesterone only, 21 (8%) had pessary only, 21 (8%) had cervical cerclage only and 30 (12%) had a combination of treatments. A greater proportion of patients in the combined-treatment group had had a prior preterm birth compared with those in the expectant-management group (33% vs 9%; P = 0.01). Mean preoperative CL was shorter in the pessary, cervical-cerclage and combined-treatment groups (14-16 mm) than in the expectant-management and vaginal-progesterone groups (22 mm for both) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in FLP-to-delivery interval between the groups, nor in gestational age at delivery or the rate of live birth or neonatal survival. Vaginal progesterone was associated with a decrease in the risk of delivery before 28 weeks' gestation compared with cervical cerclage and combined treatment (P = 0.03). Using propensity-score matching for CL, cervical cerclage was associated with a reduction in FLP-to-delivery interval of 13 days, as compared with expectant management. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of pregnancies with TTTS and a short maternal cervix undergoing FLP were managed expectantly for a short cervix, establishing a high (62%) risk of delivery before 32 weeks in this condition. No treatment that significantly improved outcome was identified; however, there were significant differences in potential confounders and there were also likely to be unmeasured confounders. Cervical cerclage should not be offered as a secondary prevention for preterm birth in twin pregnancies with TTTS and a short cervix undergoing FLP. A large randomized controlled trial is urgently needed to determine the effects of treatments for the prevention of preterm birth in these pregnancies. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Invisible External Cervical Os. Tips and Tricks to Overcome this Challenge during In-Office Hysteroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard technique for the diagnosis and management of intrauterine pathology allowing to "see and treat" patients in 1 session if desired [1-3]. Pain and the inability to enter the uterine cavity are the most common limitations of hysteroscopy, especially when performed in an office setting [4-7]. Cervical stenosis is a common hysteroscopic finding frequently encountered in postmenopausal women, especially in patients with a history of cervical procedures such as cone biopsy [8]. It represents a challenge even for the most expert hysteroscopist. Overcoming the stenosis of the external cervical os is technically more demanding than facing the obliteration of the internal os. The aim of this video article is to illustrate the use of simple techniques that allow the hysteroscopist to safely identify the location of the external cervical os and to overcome the difficulties in entering the uterine cavity during in-office hysteroscopy in patients with severe cervical stenosis including those with complete obliteration of the external cervical os. These techniques are easy to adopt and can be used in different clinical situations in which the hysteroscopic evaluation of the uterine cavity is needed in women with severe cervical stenosis. DESIGN: A series of videos of challenging cases with severe cervical stenosis with complete obliteration of the external cervical os are presented that demonstrate maneuvers to properly identify and enter the cervical canal, unfolding key aspects of the procedure. Tips and tricks to facilitate the adoption of these useful maneuvers into clinical practice are highlighted. SETTING: In-office diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed using a 5-mm rigid continuous flow operative hysteroscope. Patients were placed in a dorsal lithotomy position. The vaginoscopy "no touch" technique was used [9]. No anesthesia or sedation was administered to any of the patients. Normal saline was used as distention media. INTERVENTIONS: Taking advantage of the magnification provided by the hysteroscope, the location of the external cervical os was determined. In cases in which the external cervical os was not clearly recognized, the cervix was gently probed with the use of the uterine palpator, grasper, or scissors (Fig. 1). Recognition of the landmarks of the cervical canal provides reassurance of the adequate identification of the external cervical os and facilitates the use of the correct plane of dissection that leads into the uterine cavity (Fig. 2). Additional maneuvers that are useful to navigate the endocervical canal to overcome stenosis of the internal cervical os are also illustrated. CONCLUSION: The combination of a delicate technique and operator experience aids in overcoming the challenge of cervical stenosis in an office setting. Adopting the presented tips and tricks to enter the uterine cavity in the presence of severe cervical stenosis will reduce the rate of failed hysteroscopic procedures, decreasing the need to take patients to the operating room and the use of general anesthesia.

Interpretation pitfalls and malignant mimics in cervical cytology.

Cervical cytology has remained a diagnostically challenging area despite its long and widespread use. At least part of this challenge has stemmed from the cytomorphologic overlap between benign and neoplastic processes. The present review has highlighted select benign processes that present diagnostic pitfalls. For each of these, we have discussed the pertinent cytologic features and emphasized the morphologic clues that will aid in distinguishing the benign entities from the neoplastic processes they mimic.

Association between Trichomonas vaginalis infection and cervical lesions: a population-based, nested case-control study in Taiwan.

Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection. According to the 2019 WHO cancer report, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women. However, previous research, which has not included a large-scale study to date, has revealed that Trichomonas vaginalis increases cervical cancer risk. In this study, we investigated a group of Asian females in Taiwan to determine the association between trichomoniasis and the risk of developing cervical lesions, including cancer, neoplasm, and dysplasia. We conducted a nested case-control study by using the National Health Insurance (NHI) program database in Taiwan. The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision classifications (ICD-9-CM) was used to categorize all of the medical conditions for each patient in the case and control groups. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between trichomoniasis and cervical lesions were estimated using multivariable conditional logistic regression to adjust for all comorbidities and variables. In total, 54,003 individuals were enrolled in the case group and 216,012 were enrolled in the control group. Trichomonas vaginalis exposure had a significant association with cervical lesions (AOR 2.656, 95% CI = 1.411-5.353, p = 0.003), especially cervical cancer (AOR 3.684, 95% CI = 1.622-6.094, p = 0.001). In patients with both trichomoniasis and depression, the relative risk increased 7.480-fold compared to those without trichomoniasis or depression. In conclusion, female patients with Trichomonas vaginalis exposure had a significantly higher risk of developing cervical lesions (especially cervical cancer) than those without exposure.

Prostatic Metaplasia of the Vagina and Uterine Cervix: An Androgen-associated Glandular Lesion of Surface Squamous Epithelium.

Prostatic-type differentiation in the lower female genital tract is encountered rarely and its causes and clinical associations are not well established. Within the vagina, reports to date have invariably described ectopic prostatic-type differentiation as restricted to the lamina propria. We recently encountered a patient receiving testosterone for gender dysphoria whose vaginectomy specimen showed a prostatic glandular proliferation within the surface epithelium. To elucidate its potential association with androgen exposure, we sought similar lesions, resected over a 26-year period, from patients with exogenous or endogenous androgen excess. Thirteen cases were identified, involving the vagina (n=12) and exocervix (n=1). The most common clinical context was gender dysphoria with long-term testosterone therapy; the lesion was present in 7 of 8 gender-dysphoric patients examined. Four other patients had congenital disorders of sexual development associated with endogenous androgen excess (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 46,XY disorder of sexual development, and ovotesticular disorder of sexual development). Two had no known exposure to androgen excess. Immunohistochemically, glands stained for NKX3.1 (100% of cases), androgen receptor (100%), CK7 (92%), and prostate-specific antigen (69%). Follow-up (median duration, 11 mo) showed no masses or neoplasia. We propose the designation "androgen-associated prostatic metaplasia" for this form of prostate tissue with distinctive clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical features. It is novel and previously unrecognized within the vagina. It is strikingly prevalent among patients undergoing gender-affirming surgery, an increasingly common procedure. Recognition is important to distinguish it from other potentially neoplastic glandular lesions and facilitate accrual of more follow-up data to better understand its natural history.

Female genital tuberculosis in light of newer laboratory tests: A narrative review.

Female genital tract tuberculosis (FGTB) is a chronic disease with varied presentation. The diagnosis of FGTB for early institution of treatment remains a clinical challenge. Its laboratory diagnosis is difficult because of paucibacillary nature of the condition and limitation of available diagnostic tests. In view of the intricate problems in diagnosis of FGTB, physicians tend to over treat with empirical anti-tuberculosis drugs. Apart from concerns of drug toxicity, this may be a contributing factor in the increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant TB reported in India. The main goal for advances in TB diagnostics is to reduce delay in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, there should be reduced complexity, improving robustness, and improving accuracy of the laboratory test for diagnosis of Female genital tuberculosis. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review is written with the following objectives. 1) To get a comprehensive overview as well as recent advances in diagnostic test used in the detection of FGTB. 2) To understand the limitations as well as advantages of these laboratory diagnostic test. 3) To provide clinical guidance regarding the detection in susceptible women. METHOD: The literature search was performed using electronic database of Pubmed, Medline, Embase and Google Scholar. Grey literature search was also done. Studies published in English were included. Following keywords were used for search - Tuberculosis, extra pulmonary tuberculosis, female genital tuberculosis, diagnosis of female genital tract tuberculosis. The personal knowledge and experience of authors in the field, helped in archiving the relevant articles. RESULT: Studies suggest that though culture is an invaluable contributor in the diagnosis of FGTB, molecular tests like PCR, LAMP, Xpert MTB/RIF and line probe assays have shown potential and are now being explored to strengthen the diagnostic algorithm of FGTB. CONCLUSION: The use of algorithm approach with combination of both rapid culture and newer molecular techniques will facilitate the accurate and timely diagnosis of FGTB.

Primary localized amyloidosis of the uterine cervix during pregnancy.

Amyloidosis of the uterine cervix is rare. A 35-year-old pregnant woman underwent a cervical biopsy and was found to have amyloid deposits. The results of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed that these deposits mainly consisted of immunoglobulin light chain (kappa chain). After undergoing several examinations, the patient was diagnosed with localized amyloidosis, without systemic or secondary amyloidosis. She underwent a normal delivery without disease exacerbation. The possible presence of systemic and secondary amyloidosis must be evaluated carefully during the diagnosis of localized cervical amyloidosis.

Plasma expression of miRNA-21, - 214, -34a, and -200a in patients with persistent HPV infection and cervical lesions.

BACKGROUND: To examine differences in the plasma levels of miRNA-21, - 214, -34a, and -200a in patients with persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection or with cervical lesions of different grades. METHODS: Venous blood was collected from 232 individuals to measure the plasma expression levels of miRNA-21, - 214, -34a, and -200a. The subjects included normal controls and patients with persistent hr-HPV infection, CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, or cervical cancer (n = 42, 31, 19, 54, 71, and 15 patients, respectively). Cervical conization specimens were collected from all the women. To ensure the accuracy of histopathology, three consecutive tissue sections with an identical diagnosis were selected, and dissection samples were taken from them for miRNA detection. Eligible cases met the inclusion criteria based on sample observation using the middle slice of sandwich tissue sections from the pathological tissue in accordance with the diagnosis of CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3 in 8, 29, and 26 cases, respectively. The miRNA-21, - 214, -34a, and -200a expression levels in the paraffin-embedded tissue samples were determined. The percentage of patients with a CIN2+ diagnosis at 30-49 years old was significantly different from that of those diagnosed with CIN1. The incidence of CIN2+ patients exposed to passive smoking was significantly different from that of CIN1- patients. The percentage of CIN2+ patients with three pregnancies was significantly different from that of those with CIN1, and the percentage of CIN2+ subjects with ≥4 pregnancies was significantly different from that of CIN1- patients. The number of CIN2+ patients with two or more induced abortions was significantly different from that of patients with CIN1. The percentage of CIN2+ patients who underwent a caesarean section was significantly different from that of patients with CIN. The percentage of CIN2+ patients with first-degree relatives with cancer was significantly different from that of those with CIN1. Among CIN2+ patients, the percentage with a first sexual encounter at ≤20 years old was significantly different from that of those with CIN1. The percentage of CIN2+ patients with ≥2 sexual partners was significantly different from that of CIN1- patients. RESULTS: The plasma miRNA-214, -34a, and -200a expression levels were decreased in patients with more severe cervical lesions. Plasma miRNA levels in CIN1- patients were significantly different from those in CIN2+ patients. The kappa values for miRNA-21, - 214, -34a and -200a in tissue versus plasma were 0.7122, 0.9998, 0.8986 and 0.7458, respectively. The sensitivity of each biomarker for detecting CIN2 was calculated, and ROC curves of the four miRNA biomarkers were drawn. The AUC of the four plasma miRNAs was greater than 0.5, with the AUC of miRNA-21 being the largest at 0.703. The plasma miRNA expression levels exhibited at least one tie between CIN1 and CIN2. The AUCs for miRNA-21, -34a, -200a and - 214 were 0.613, 0.508, 0.615 and 0.505, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in plasma miRNA-21, - 214, -34a and -200a levels were associated with cervical lesion severity. The plasma miRNA levels in CIN1- subjects were significantly different from those in CIN2+ subjects. This analysis may help in detection of high-grade cervical lesions.

Correlación de resultados de los métodos diagnósticos de las patologías del cuello uterino en el Hospital "Camilo Cienfuegos" / Correlation of Diagnostic Methods Results of Cervical Pathologies at Camilo Cienfuegos Hospital

Introducción: El cáncer cérvico uterino es la segunda neoplasia más común en mujeres en el mundo. Una buena correlación entre las pruebas de tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento de las lesiones cervicales optimiza su manejo, evita procedimientos innecesarios y maximiza recursos disponibles. Objetivo: Identificar la relación entre los métodos diagnósticos de las patologías del cuello uterino. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo en el Hospital Provincial Camilo Cienfuegos de Sancti Spíritus, desde septiembre de 2015 a septiembre de 2017. Se tomó una población de 1172 pacientes de la consulta de patología de cuello uterino según los criterios de la investigación. Los métodos científicos fueron: de nivel teórico, empírico-experimental y matemático-estadístico. Se asumieron las variables: edad, factores de riesgo asociados, sintomatología, citología, colposcopia y biopsia. Resultados: El grupo de edad que con mayor frecuencia se presentó estuvo comprendido entre 26 y 35 años de edad. Los principales factores de riesgo asociados fueron: edad de inicio de las relaciones sexuales antes de los 18 años, virus del papiloma humano, paridad de más de dos hijos y antecedentes familiares de alguna patología de cuello. La sintomatología destacada fue el sangramiento poscoital e intermenstrual. Los resultados de los métodos diagnósticos fueron: virus del papiloma humano y displasia leve, tanto en la citología como en la biopsia, y lesiones de bajo grado en la colposcopia. Conclusiones: La asociación entre los métodos diagnósticos estudiados mostró una buena correlación citocolposcópica y colpohistológica, con diagnóstico de confirmación principalmente ante lesiones de alto grado(AU)

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common neoplasm in women in the world. Good correlation between screening tests, diagnosis and treatment of cervical lesions optimizes management, avoiding unnecessary procedures and maximizing available resources. Objective: To identify the relationship between the diagnostic methods of cervical pathologies. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted at Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial Hospital in Sancti Spíritus, from September 2015 to September 2017. A population of 1172 patients was taken from the cervical pathology clinic according to the research criteria. The scientific methods were theoretical, empirical-experimental and mathematical-statistical. The assumed variables were age, associated risk factors, symptomatology, cytology, colposcopy and biopsy. Results: The age group that most frequently appeared was ages between 26 and 35 years. The main associated risk factors were age of first sexual intercourse before 18 years old, human papillomavirus, parity of more than two children and family history of some cervix pathology. The outstanding symptomatology was postcoital and intermenstrual bleeding. The results of the diagnostic methods were human papillomavirus and mild dysplasia, both in cytology and biopsy, and low-grade colposcopy lesions. Conclusions: The association between the diagnostic methods studied showed good cytocolposcopic and colpohistological correlation, with confirmation diagnosis mainly in cases of high-grade lesions(AU)

Abnormal menstruation after radical trachelectomy and its effects on fertility.

AIM: To evaluate and identify the risk factors for abnormal menstruation after radical trachelectomy. METHODS: This study included 58 patients who underwent radical trachelectomy at our hospital between April 2005 and January 2018. Patients were divided into groups of those with no change in postoperative menstruation (regular [R] group; n = 46) and those with abnormal menstruation such as amenorrhea or hypomenorrhea (irregular [I] group; n = 12). The perioperative characteristics and fertility of the groups were compared retrospectively. The data were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test for univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis for multivariate analysis, with the level of statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Based on Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging, 54 patients had stage IB1, 2 had stage IB2 and 2 had stage IIA1 cervical cancer. Eight patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pretreatment tumor size, residual uterine cavity length and neoadjuvant and postoperative chemotherapy use were not significantly different between the groups. Abnormal menstruation was significantly more common in patients with postoperative pelvic infection (R group, 13.0%; I group, 58.3%) and cervical stenosis (R group, 15.2%; I group, 58.3%). CONCLUSION: To maintain healthy menstruation even after radical trachelectomy, it is important to prevent postoperative pelvic infection and cervical stenosis.

Whole-Genome Analysis of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Prevalent in Japanese Women with or without Cervical Lesions.

Recent large-scale genomics studies of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have shown a high level of genomic variability of HPV16, the most prevalent genotype in HPV-associated malignancies, and provided new insights into the biological and clinical relevance of its genetic variations in cervical cancer development. Here, we performed deep sequencing analyses of the viral genome to explore genetic variations of HPV16 that are prevalent in Japan. A total of 100 complete genome sequences of HPV16 were determined from cervical specimens collected from Japanese women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical cancer, or without cervical malignancies. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the variant distribution in the Japanese HPV16 isolates; overall, lineage A was the most prevalent (94.0%), in which sublineage A4 was dominant (52.0%), followed by sublineage A1 (21.0%). The relative risk of sublineage A4 for cervical cancer development was significantly higher compared to sublineages A1/A2/A3 (odds ratio = 6.72, 95% confidence interval = 1.78-28.9). Interestingly, a novel cluster of variants that branched from A1/A2/A3 was observed for the Japanese HPV16 isolates, indicating that unique HPV16 variants are prevalent among Japanese women.

Arterioesclerosis de Monckeberg en vasos uterinos: un interesante hallazgo incidental / Arteriosclerose de Monckeberg nos vasos uterinos: um achado incidental interessante / Monckeberg arteriosclerosis in uterine vessels: an interesting incidental finding

Se realizó la comunicación de un caso clínico-patológico, diagnosticado en el Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico "Joaquín Albarrán" de La Habana. En dicha entidad se presentó en una paciente femenina de 85 años de edad con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, ingresada por cuadro de insuficiencia arterial de miembro inferior izquierdo por lo cual se le realizan amputación supracondilia y al tercer día de su estadía hospitalaria, fallece. En la autopsia se arribó al diagnóstico anatomopatológico de arterioesclerosis de Mönckeberg de vasos del útero. Esta es una forma de arterioesclerosis muy relacionada con la senectud, pero factores de riesgo como diabetes mellitus y la enfermedad renal crónica pueden contribuir de forma directa en su desarrollo y progresión. Su diagnóstico es un hallazgo incidental en muestras histopatológicas(AU)

A clinical-pathological case was reported, diagnosed at the Joaquín Albarrán Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital in Havana. In this entity, an 85-year-old female patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus was presented, admitted due to arterial insufficiency of the lower left limb, for which she underwent supracondylar amputation and died on the third day of her hospital stay. At the autopsy, the pathological diagnosis of Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis of vessels of the uterus was reached. This is a form of arteriosclerosis closely related to old age, but risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease can directly contribute to its development and progression. Its diagnosis is an incidental finding in histopathological samples(AU)

Um caso clínico-patológico foi relatado, diagnosticado no Hospital de Clínica Cirúrgica "Joaquín Albarrán" em Havana. Nessa entidade, apresentou-se uma paciente de 85 anos, com história de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, internada por insuficiência arterial do membro inferior esquerdo, para a qual sofreu amputação aupracondiliana e faleceu no terceiro dia de internação. Na autopsia, o diagnóstico patológico da arteriosclerose de Mönckeberg de navios do útero foi conseguido. Essa é uma forma de arteriosclerose intimamente relacionada à velhice, mas fatores de risco como diabetes mellitus e doença renal crônica podem contribuir diretamente para seu desenvolvimento e progressão. Seu diagnóstico é um achado incidental em amostras histopatológicas(AU)

Overcoming the Challenging Cervix: Identification and Techniques to Access the Uterine Cavity.

IMPORTANCE: Cervical stenosis is a challenging clinical entity that requires prompt identification and management in order to avoid iatrogenic injury at the time of endocervical canal cannulation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify cervical stenosis and discuss associated etiologies, risk factors, and review medical and surgical approaches for overcoming cervical stenosis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Computerized searches of MEDLINE and PubMed were conducted using the key words "cervix", "cervical stenosis," "embryo transfer," "hysteroscopy complications," "misoprostol," and "ultrasound." References from identified sources were manually searched to allow for a thorough review. Data from relevant sources were compiled to create this review. RESULTS: Transcervical access to the uterine cavity is frequently required for procedures such as hysteroscopy, dilation and curettage, endometrial biopsy, sonohysterogram, hysterosalpingogram, intrauterine insemination, embryo transfer in those undergoing in vitro fertilization, and insertion of intrauterine devices. These procedures can become complicated when difficult cannulation of the endocervical canal is encountered. Management strategies include preprocedural use of cervical-ripening agents or osmotic dilators, ultrasound guidance, no-touch vaginoscopy, manual dilatation, and hysteroscopic resection of the obstructed endocervical canal. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cervical stenosis is associated with iatrogenic complications that can result in significant patient morbidity. In patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, difficult embryo transfer is associated with lower pregnancy rates. The clinician should carefully consider the patient's menopausal status, risk factors, and symptoms in order to anticipate difficult navigation of the endocervical canal. Various medical and surgical management strategies, including hysteroscopic resection, can be used to overcome the stenotic cervix.

Clinical application of photodynamic diagnosis and photodynamic therapy for gynecologic malignant diseases: A review.

INTRODUCTION: Several types of photosensitizers such as 5-aminolevulinic acid are progenitors of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). PpIX accumulates in cancer cells and has photosensitivity. Based on these characteristics, they are used in photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). These methods have recently been applied to gynecologic malignant diseases. Here, we review articles on clinical applications of PDD and PDT for these diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search in Pubmed was performed with a combination of keywords to collect the articles. RESULT: There were eight articles on PDT for uterine cervical diseases, including one study that included patients with cervical cancer. The disease remission rate ranged from 31.6% to 100%. PDD under hysteroscopy had positive effects on endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia and secretory endometrial tissue, and 7 of 11 patients were able to become pregnant after PDT for endometrial cancer. For ovarian cancer, the sensitivity and specificity of clinical PDD were high. DISCUSSION: There is a need to improve the disease remission rate in uterine cervical diseases, and application of PDT for cervical cancer should be considered. For endometrial cancer, the risks and benefits of PDD that should be compared with those of hysteroscopy using narrow band imaging, which already has been shown to have high efficacy and few side effects. For ovarian cancer, it will be necessary to collect more data to evaluate the effect of PDD on overall survival. CONCLUSION: PDD and PDT can contribute to diagnosis and therapy in clinical practice for gynecologic malignant diseases.