Fetal cerebrovascular circulation: a review of prenatal ultrasound assessment.

Antenatal intrauterine cerebrovascular events were found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of perinatal brain damage. Changes in placental vascular resistance, cardiac contractibility, vessel compliance, and blood viscosity alter the normal dynamics of fetal cerebral circulation. The circulatory mechanisms described in animal fetuses also operate in the human fetus. The isthmus of the aorta represents a watershed area reflecting the redistribution of blood during increased peripheral resistance and hypoxia. The fetal cerebrovascular system acts locally within the skull and interacts with the other components of fetal circulation to compensate by redistribution of blood in case of shortage in resources. The introduction of various sonographic techniques and the collection of data from the arterial and venous cerebral circulation have improved our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved in fetal cerebral hemodynamic events. Anatomical and physiological considerations of cerebral vasculature in health and disease are relevant in the research of variations in fetal brain blood perfusion. Changes in flow characteristics in fetal cerebral vasculature can be used for clinical decisions. However, caution is advised before applying research data into practice. The clinical utility is well established in situations of fetal compromise such as growth restriction and anemia.

Complication of laparoscopic detorsion of adnexal mass.

Detorsion of an ischemic adnexal mass has recently been advocated for most cases of twisted adnexa. Usually, the affected ovary regains some or all of its vitality and function. However, when the ovary is completely necrotic, it may form an abscess if it contains tissue components that cannot be eliminated by the peritoneal immune system. We report a case of pelvic abscess formation in a detorsed ovary that previously contained an unsuspected dermoid cyst. We call for an extensive inspection of the detorsed ovary before ending the laparoscopic operation, and if it remains necrotic and is suspected of containing a dermoid cyst, it should be removed promptly.

Cross talk between beta(1) and alpha(V) integrins: beta(1) affects beta(3) mRNA stability.

There is increasing evidence that a fine-tuned integrin cross talk can generate a high degree of specificity in cell adhesion, suggesting that spatially and temporally coordinated expression and activation of integrins are more important for regulated cell adhesive functions than the intrinsic specificity of individual receptors. However, little is known concerning the molecular mechanisms of integrin cross talk. With the use of beta(1)-null GD25 cells ectopically expressing the beta(1)A integrin subunit, we provide evidence for the existence of a cross talk between beta(1) and alpha(V) integrins that affects the ratio of alpha(V)beta(3) and alpha(V)beta(5) integrin cell surface levels. In particular, we demonstrate that a down-regulation of alpha(V)beta(3) and an up-regulation of alpha(V)beta(5) occur as a consequence of beta(1)A expression. Moreover, with the use of GD25 cells expressing the integrin isoforms beta(1)B and beta(1)D, as well as two beta(1) cytoplasmic domain deletion mutants lacking either the entire cytoplasmic domain (beta(1)TR) or only its "variable" region (beta(1)COM), we show that the effects of beta(1) over alpha(V) integrins take place irrespective of the type of beta(1) isoform, but require the presence of the "common" region of the beta(1) cytoplasmic domain. In an attempt to establish the regulatory mechanism(s) whereby beta(1) integrins exert their trans-acting functions, we have found that the down-regulation of alpha(V)beta(3) is due to a decreased beta(3) subunit mRNA stability, whereas the up-regulation of alpha(V)beta(5) is mainly due to translational or posttranslational events. These findings provide the first evidence for an integrin cross talk based on the regulation of mRNA stability.

Three-dimensional power Doppler in the evaluation of painful leiomyomas and focal uterine thickening in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of 3-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in distinguishing painful leiomyomas from focal myometrial contractions or nonpainful leiomyomas in pregnancy. METHODS: A 2D section of the area of interest in the uterine wall was first obtained in 29 patients to determine whether the pain originated from a myoma or a uterine contraction. Then, volume acquisition was activated and Doppler indices (vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization-flow index) were calculated for thickened and normal uterine wall. RESULTS: Of 15 patients found to have uterine myomas, 11 had multiple tumors and 4 had single tumors. In the remaining 14 patients the painful uterine thickening proved to be a focal contraction. Painful segments of uterine thickening were associated with lower Doppler indices. Painful myomas were found to have significantly lower indices than normal uterine wall (P=0.008, 0.03, and 0.01 for VI, FI, and VFI, respectively, vs. 0.001, 0.003, and 0.01). However, the differences in indices between nonpainful myomas and uterine wall on the one hand, and nonpainful myomas and focal uterine contractions on the other, were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound may be a sensitive and reliable tool for distinguishing painful uterine myomas from focal myometrial contractions and nonpainful myomas.

Cystic kidney dysplasia and polydactyly in 3 sibs with Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

Two infants with cystic kidney dysplasia and polydactyly were born to consanguineous parents. One infant died at age 2 months, and the other is currently 3.5 years old. A third pregnancy was terminated following ultrasonographic visualization of large echo-dense fetal kidneys and polydactyly. Although none had apparent brain anomalies, they were considered to represent the Meckel syndrome. Extinguished responses on electroretinography in our 3.5-year-old patient has led to the diagnosis of Bardet-Biedl syndrome. This observation offers an opportunity to revisit the Bardet-Biedl syndrome and provides further evidence that structural renal abnormalities are characteristic of the syndrome. We wish to alert the clinician to the diagnosis of Bardet-Biedl syndrome in patients with infantile cystic kidney dysplasia.

Neu-Laxova syndrome: prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis, clinical and pathological studies, and new manifestations.

A diagnosis of the Neu-Laxova syndrome (NLS) was made by ultrasonography at 32 wks of gestation. Ultrasonographic examination showed intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), Dandy-Walker anomaly, choroid plexus cysts, receding forehead and microcephaly, bilateral cataract without prominent eyes, scalp edema with no generalized edema, retrognathia, curved penis, and flexion deformities of limbs. The findings in this case are consistent with NLS; however, they did not fit any of Curry's [1982] groups. Massive swelling of hands and feet were among the main manifestations in classic NLS cases. In the case presented herein, edema was noted only in the scalp. This might shed further light on the question of variability vs. heterogeneity in the NLS. This case shows the existing possibility of an early diagnosis of NLS and adds Dandy-Walker anomaly and choroid plexus cysts as new findings to this syndrome.

Obstetricians' opinions regarding patient choice in cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To survey the opinions of Israeli obstetricians regarding their position on patient choice cesarean delivery. METHODS: Short anonymous questionnaires were sent by mail. The questionnaire included basic demographic data followed by three short case presentations of patients requesting cesarean delivery without a medical indication; the respondents were asked if they would consent to the patients' request. Respondents were then asked about their personal preferences on the mode of delivery, their attitude towards women's right to choose cesarean delivery, and whether obstetricians should inform their patients of this right. RESULTS: Of the 650 questionnaires sent, 257 were returned. Most of the respondents were specialists, aged 35 years or older, and worked in hospitals. Seventy-five percent were male, and 27% had a teaching academic degree. The consent rate for patient choice cesarean delivery in the three case presentations ranged from 40% to 79%. Only 9% of the respondents said they would prefer cesarean delivery for themselves (if female) or for their partners. Forty-five percent supported women's right to choose cesarean delivery, and half of them stated that obstetricians should inform their patients of this right. CONCLUSION: Although the vast majority (91%) of the Israeli respondents personally prefer vaginal delivery, almost half of them support women's autonomy to choose cesarean delivery. Consequently, approximately 50% of the respondents were willing to perform cesarean delivery on request because of their support of women's autonomy, despite the fact that they believe that vaginal delivery is a better option.

Fetal internal carotid artery pulsed Doppler flow velocity waveforms and maternal plasma glucose levels.

Eighteen women at 32-36 weeks' gestation were studied by pulsed Doppler (duplex) for recording blood flow velocity waveforms from the umbilical artery and fetal intracranial internal carotid artery. The pulsatility index was calculated for each artery separately. Each subject was investigated when fasting and 1 hour after a 100-g glucose load. Increases in maternal plasma glucose concentration of 30 mg/dL or more were followed by elevation of the mean pulsatility index in the umbilical artery from 0.9 +/- 0.22 to 1.08 +/- 0.18 (P less than .01) and in the internal carotid artery from 1.17 +/- 0.19 to 1.8 +/- 0.47 (P less than .001). The findings suggest a compensatory increase in cerebrovascular resistance during increases in glucose levels.

Flow-velocity profiles of the fetal aorta and umbilical artery in pregnancies complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension and fetal growth retardation.

Sixty-seven women undergoing ultrasonographic evaluation in the high-risk clinic were randomly recruited to be examined by a newly developed computerized method that presents flow-velocity profiles derived from pulsed Doppler-generated flow-velocity waveforms. Each woman had pulsed Doppler flow velocimetry of the fetal aorta and umbilical arteries done. Subjects were either normal controls (N = 20) or had pregnancies complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension (N = 29), fetal growth retardation (N = 11), or both (N = 7). Distinct patterns of flow-velocity distribution across the fetal aorta and proximal umbilical arteries were identified in the pregnancies characterized by increased placental resistance. At peak systole, normal velocity was maintained only at a narrow area around the center of the vessel, whereas velocity in the rest of the vessel area was markedly reduced. These changes were present in 40 of 47 subjects (85.1%) with complicated pregnancies, whereas 27 of 47 (57.4%) had umbilical artery systolic-diastolic ratios above the 95th percentile. No significant differences between normal and complicated pregnancies were seen during diastole. Our findings suggest that increased placental resistance results in a redistribution of velocities within fetal blood vessels, often before maximal end-diastolic velocity is decreased.

Sonographic estimation of umbilical coiling index and correlation with Doppler flow characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To quantitate umbilical vascular coiling antenatally, and to correlate the coiling index with Doppler flow characteristics in umbilical vessels. METHODS: We studied 45 normal term fetuses within 24 hours before delivery. The umbilical coiling index was calculated using sonographic longitudinal views of cord vessels from several segments antenatally, and by dividing the total number of helices by the cord length (in centimeters) postnatally. Doppler flow velocities were obtained from umbilical arteries and vein in each cord. Flow characteristics were correlated with the umbilical coiling index. RESULTS: The mean (+/- standard deviation) umbilical coiling index was 0.44 +/- 0.11 in the antepartum period and 0.28 +/- 0.08 after birth. Regression analysis showed a significant linear trend (r = 0.71, P < .001). The correlations between sonographic coiling index and umbilical arterial Doppler flow characteristics (mean velocity, pulsatility index, resistance index, and systolic-diastolic ratio) were not significant. The sonographic coiling index was related to time-averaged velocity and flow in the umbilical vein. A good correlation was found between umbilical vein flow and the coiling index, with a significant linear trend (r = 0.59, P < .001). CONCLUSION: An intrauterine umbilical coiling index can be determined by ultrasound and correlates well with the actual index at birth. The sonographic umbilical coiling index is related to Doppler flow characteristics in the umbilical vein.

Isometric exercise test for predicting gestational hypertension.

One hundred normotensive young primigravidas underwent an isometric handgrip exercise test between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. The same individual performed the tests and the results were withheld from the physician taking care of the patient. The study demonstrates a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 96.5%. These results demonstrate a reliable predictive ability of this simple exercise test for gestational hypertension.

Cerebral and umbilical arterial blood flow velocity waveforms in normal and growth-retarded pregnancies.

A combined sector and pulsed Doppler system was used to study the pulsatility index in the fetal internal carotid artery and umbilical artery in 156 normal pregnancies and 42 cases of intrauterine growth retardation (birth weight below the tenth percentile). All pregnancies were in the third trimester. In normal pregnancies, there was a gestational age-related fall in pulsatility index for both the umbilical artery and the umbilical artery/internal carotid artery ratio. No such fall was established for the pulsatility index in the internal carotid artery. In growth-retarded pregnancies, raised pulsatility index values in the umbilical artery were associated with reduced pulsatility index values in the internal carotid artery, suggesting the presence of a "brain-sparing" effect. When fetal causes of growth retardation were excluded, the sensitivities of the pulsatility index in the internal carotid artery, the umbilical artery, and for the umbilical artery/internal carotid artery ratio were 65, 83, and 88% at the 1 standard deviation (SD) cutoff level; and 48, 60, and 70% at the 2 SD cutoff level. Growth-retarded fetuses with structural or chromosomal defects had normal pulsatility index values in the internal carotid artery.

Fetal biometry: clinical, pathological, and technical considerations.

Sonographic measurements of fetal ultrasound parameters are the basis for accurate determination of gestational age and detection of fetal growth abnormalities. Selection of the most useful single biometric parameter depends on the timing and purpose of measurement and is influenced by specific limitations. CRL (crown-rump length) is the best parameter for early dating of pregnancy. Biparietal diameter (BPD) maintains the closest correlation with gestational age in the second trimester. In cases of variation in the shape of the skull, head circumference is an effective alternative. Abdominal circumference is the most useful dimension to evaluate fetal growth, and femur length is the best parameter in the evaluation of skeletal dysplasia. Use of multiple predictors improves the accuracy of estimates. An individual approach to each pregnancy is recommended for fetal growth assessment. The various epidemiological factors involved in fetal growth should be considered and specific charts for different communities should be used when possible. The methods of fetal weight estimation with their limitations and potential errors are presented. Clinical application of fetal biometry in abnormal growth is discussed in cases of small- and large-for-gestational-age fetuses, chromosomal aberrations, and skeletal dysplasias.

Second trimester abortion by laminaria followed by vaginal misoprostol or intrauterine prostaglandin F2alpha: a randomized trial.

Intra-amniotic injection, as well as intravaginal application of prostaglandins, have been used to terminate second trimester pregnancies. There is as yet no consensus as to the most efficient protocol of such late abortions. Our goal was to compare the efficacy of intra-amniotic injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2alpha) and intravaginal application of misoprostol in terminating second trimester pregnancies after pretreatment with intracervical laminaria. Women with live fetuses and requesting second trimester abortions were randomized into two groups. Eighteen hours following the insertion of intracervical laminaria, women were treated with either intra-amniotic injection of 40 mg PGF2alpha, or 12 hourly doses (to a maximum of 4 doses) of 200 mcg misoprostol. Fifty women were randomly assigned to each group. Failure to abort within 24 h of initiation of treatment occurred in 6 patients (12%) in the misoprostol group and 14 (28%) of the PGF2alpha group (p = 0.04). Mean time of induction of pharmacologic treatment to abortion was 13.6 h in the misoprostol group and 10.7 h in the PGF2alpha group (p = 0.03). The mean number of analgesic injections given were 0.8 in the misoprostol group and 1.6 in the PGF2alpha group (p = 0.0001). Only the method of abortion was predictive of abortion success and not other variables such as patient age, gestational age, gravidity, or parity. Following intracervical laminaria, vaginal misoprostol has been found to be more effective and less painful, compared with intra-amniotic PGF2alpha, for the termination of second trimester pregnancies with live fetuses.

The karyotype of fetuses with anomalies detected by second trimester ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of abnormal karyotype among fetuses with anomalies detected by detailed second trimester ultrasonography. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 573 patients underwent amniocentesis following the detection of anomalies by detailed second trimester ultrasonography. RESULTS: Thirty-six (6.3%) fetuses with abnormal karyotype were detected. The most common abnormal karyotypes were: trisomy 18, 11 cases; trisomy 21, 8 cases; 45XO, 7 cases; trisomy 13, 3 cases; and triploidy, 2 cases. Abnormal karyotype was detected in 20/111 (18%) fetuses with more than one anomaly, 15/182 (8.2%) with cystic hygroma, and 1/38 with nuchal thickening. No abnormal karyotype was detected among 108 fetuses with choroid plexus cyst, 58 with hydronephrosis, 25 with ventriculomegaly, 16 with a single umbilical artery, 18 with cardiac anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Half of the cases with abnormal karyotype occurred in fetuses with more than one anomaly. (2) Cystic hygroma was the isolated malformations most commonly associated with abnormal karyotype. (3) Isolated malformations such as choroid plexus cyst or hydronephrosis were not associated with abnormal karyotype.

Ultrasonic detection of fetal ascites associated with polyhydramnios.

The combination of fetal ascites and polyhydramnios is an uncommon problem that can be detected in utero by sonography. A case is reported where the etiology was found to be generalized cytomegalovirus infection. The differential diagnosis, etiology and diagnostic procedures are discussed. A thorough sonographic study is essential in the diagnosis and evaluation of fetal ascites in utero.

Is serum free estriol measurement essential in the management of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy?

A prospective study of antepartum fetal evaluation of 306 randomized hypertensive pregnancies was carried out. One hundred and fifty-four patients (group 1) were managed in accordance with a protocol (protocol A) which included non-stress test (NST), oxytocin challenge test (OCT), serum unconjugated (free) estriol measurements (E3), and ultrasound measurement of the fetal head-to-abdomen circumference ratio (H/A c.r.). A second group (group 2), composed of 152 patients, was managed using another protocol (protocol B) which included the NST, OCT and ultrasound measurement of the fetal head-to-abdomen circumference ratio (H/A). We found a good correlation between the serial normal tests and the outcome of pregnancies. We obtained good results in patients with abnormal NST-OCT and meconium-stained amniotic fluid and in patients with repeated abnormal NST-OCT with clear amniotic fluid due to active management by early deliveries ignoring fetal lung maturity. This management increased the rate of cesarean section and prematurity. There was a low correlation between patients with abnormal serum free estriol as the only antepartum pathological test and the appearance of intrapartum fetal distress, low birth weight and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The contribution of serum free estriol (E3) measurements in such patients was only of value in cases of intra-uterine fetal growth retardation, but its prediction rate was less than that of ultrasound measurement of head-to-abdomen circumference ratio. Our results indicate that hypertensive pregnancy management without serum free estriol measurement may be valuable and safe.

Sonographic evaluation of the uterus in postmenopausal women receiving tamoxifen: characterization of mid-uterine abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: Tamoxifen is known to exert agonist estrogenic effects on the uterus. Its use in postmenopausal women has also been associated with various endometrial and uterine abnormalities that can be detected by endovaginal sonography. OBJECTIVE: To study postmenopausal patients receiving tamoxifen who were referred for evaluation following the detection of abnormal uterine findings by endovaginal sonography. METHODS: Fifty-two women treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer who were found to have an abnormal uterine sonogram constituted the study population. Uterine sonograms were reviewed and clinical and sonographic data were correlated with the results of the histologic examinations. RESULTS: Forty-five women demonstrated a thickened mid-uterine structure. Of these, in thirty-nine patients (87%) either no tissue of scant fragments of normal endometrium were obtained on curettage, and six women (13%) had endometrial hyperplasia. Seven women had fluid loculation lined by thin endometrium. Their subsequent histologic examination was normal. The sonograms of the women who demonstrated an appearance of a thickened endometrium but no neoplasia, characteristically demonstrated hyperechogenic cystic area with no midline echo. CONCLUSIONS: Among 52 postmenopausal patients receiving tamoxifen presented with an abnormal uterine sonogram, 39 (75%) women were found to have a thick mid-uterine structure resembling a thickened endometrium without histologic evidence of neoplasia. This phenomenon can be characterized by typical sonographic features, and may be differentiated from other uterine abnormalities.

Congenital cardiac fibroma associated with fetal arrhythmia.

A congenital cardiac fibroma presented itself, antenatally by bursts of extrasystoles which were detected by the cardiotocograph during labor. Congenital cardiac tumors are extremely rare. The symptomatology of such tumors consists mainly of hemodynamic disturbances and various arrhythmias. Most of the reported cases were diagnosed in neonates or infants, usually in autopsies, none were diagnosed in utero. It seems logical to assume that some of the arrhythmias may have been present but not diagnosed antepartum. To the best of our knowledge the association of congenital cardiac tumor and fetal arrhythmia (FA) has not been reported yet.