Is near-infrared spectroscopy a promising predictor for early intracranial hemorrhage diagnosis in the Emergency Department?

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious medical condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Early detection and treatment are essential for improving the outcome in patients with ICH. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive imaging technique that has been used to detect changes in brain tissue oxygenation and blood flow in various conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive potential of NIRS for early diagnosis of ICH in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) triage with headache. A total of 378 patients were included in the study. According to the final diagnosis of the patients, 4 groups were formed: migraine, tension-cluster headache, intracranial hemorrhage and intracranial mass, and control group. Cerebral NIRS values "rSO2" were measured at the first professional medical contact with the patient. The right and left rSO2 (RrSO2, LrSO2) were significantly lower and the rSO2 difference was significantly higher in the intracranial hemorrhage group compared to all other patient groups (P<0.001). The cut-off values determined in the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were RrSO2 ≤67, LrSO2 ≤67, and ΔrSO2 ≥9. This study found that a difference of more than 9 in cerebral right-left NIRS values can be a non-invasive, easy-to-administer, rapid, and reliable diagnostic test for early detection of intracranial bleeding. NIRS holds promise as an objective method in ED triage for patients with intracranial hemorrhage. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of this method.

Is near-infrared spectroscopy a promising predictor for early intracranial hemorrhage diagnosis in the Emergency Department?

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious medical condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Early detection and treatment are essential for improving the outcome in patients with ICH. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive imaging technique that has been used to detect changes in brain tissue oxygenation and blood flow in various conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive potential of NIRS for early diagnosis of ICH in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) triage with headache. A total of 378 patients were included in the study. According to the final diagnosis of the patients, 4 groups were formed: migraine, tension-cluster headache, intracranial hemorrhage and intracranial mass, and control group. Cerebral NIRS values "rSO2" were measured at the first professional medical contact with the patient. The right and left rSO2 (RrSO2, LrSO2) were significantly lower and the rSO2 difference was significantly higher in the intracranial hemorrhage group compared to all other patient groups (P<0.001). The cut-off values determined in the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were RrSO2 ≤67, LrSO2 ≤67, and ΔrSO2 ≥9. This study found that a difference of more than 9 in cerebral right-left NIRS values can be a non-invasive, easy-to-administer, rapid, and reliable diagnostic test for early detection of intracranial bleeding. NIRS holds promise as an objective method in ED triage for patients with intracranial hemorrhage. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of this method.

Evaluations of the radial peripapillary, macular and choriocapillaris microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the macular microvascular (MMV) architecture, radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) network and choriocapillaris using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) without systemic comorbidities. METHODS: The vessel densities (VDs) of the MMV, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters, choriocapillaris flow areas (CCFAs), RPC VDs, and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters were measured by OCT-A. Retinal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The SD-OCT and OCT-A measurements of 53 eyes of 30 SSc patients were compared with 61 eyes of 33 healthy controls. RESULTS: In the MMV analysis, a decrease in the VDs of the superficial capillary plexus and an increase in the FAZ area, FAZ perimeter and non-flow area were detected in the SSc group compared to the controls (P=0.007, P=0.001, P=0.029, P=0.018, and P=0.039, respectively). While there was a decrease in SFCT, no change was found in CCFA (P=0.001 and P=0.902, respectively). The RPC analysis revealed a decrease in the VDs of all vessels for the entire area and the intradisc area, as well as the VDs of the small vessels for the intradisc area (P=0.021, P=0.001, and P=0.003, respectively). In the ONH analysis, there was an increase in the C/D area ratios and cup volumes, and a decrease in the rim areas and nasal quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (P=0.004, P=0.004, P=0.013, and P=0.032, respectively). CONCLUSION: Decreases in RPC and MMV VDs and changes in ONH parameters were found in OCT-A measurements in patients with SSc.

Change in retinal and choroidal microvascular structures after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery and effects on visual recovery.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in retinal and choroidal microvascular structures in the macular region after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and their relationship to visual function at 3months. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study included 37 eyes of 37 patients who underwent surgery for RRD (pneumatic retinopexy and/or pars plana vitrectomy). All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), anterior segment and fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging 3months postoperatively. The healthy fellow eyes formed the control group. OCTA was used for the assessment of macular vessel density (VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), central macular thickness, and choroidal and outer retinal flow rates. RESULTS: The findings showed that the VD of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses were lower in the RRD group compared to the control group (P=0.012; P<0.001). The FAZ was larger in the RRD group (P=0.035). The choroidal flows in the 1 and 3mm2 were lower in the RRD group (P<0.001). Superficial FAZ area and choroidal flow rate (1 and 3mm2 areas) were moderately negatively correlated with BCVA (P=0.008; P=0.035; P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the FAZ was larger, and the choroidal flow rate was lower, in the RRD group compared to the control group. Choroidal flow rate was negatively correlated with postoperative BCVA. Ischemic events resulting from the RRD were likely the reason for these changes.

Publication trends in micro-CT endodontic research: a bibliometric analysis over a 25-year period.

AIM: To conduct a bibliographic analysis of the research studies published in Endodontics using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) as an analytical tool over a 25-year period. METHODOLOGY: The Web of Science electronic database was accessed, and an advanced search using strict criteria was undertaken from January 1995 to June 2020 for studies in the field of Endodontics that used micro-CT as an analytical tool. A further search was conducted between January and August of 2020 for a combination of specific terms and descriptors. For each selected article, the following parameters were recorded: field of the study, analysed specimen, publication title and year, authorship, journal of publication, institution and country of origin, collaborating institutions and countries, and number of citations. The acquired data were analysed using descriptive statistics and graphical mappings. RESULTS: The screening process identified 877 relevant articles that were classified into 30 thematic categories. The main fields of research were root canal preparation (23.8%), root canal anatomy (17.4%), canal filling (9.2%) and root canal retreatment (7.0%). The most productive half-decade comprised the period of 2015-2019 (n = 513; 58.5%), with the highest number of articles published in 2019 (n = 146; 16.6%). The authors who lead the list as first authors were G De-Deus, A Keles, F Paqué, MA Versiani and Y Gu, respectively, whilst Versiani was the most productive (n = 51). The leading countries regarding the number of studies were Brazil, China and Turkey with 236, 130 and 65 publications, respectively. The University of São Paulo (n = 90; 10.3%) followed by Wuhan University (n = 37; 4.2%) and the University of Zurich (n = 18; 2.1%) were the prominent contributors by producing the largest number of articles, whilst the University of Zurich was the most-cited institution. The selected studies were published in 140 scientific journals, but the Journal of Endodontics and International Endodontic Journal accounted for almost 50% of the publications. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis portrayed an original and comprehensive view on the progress and trends of the use of micro-CT technology in endodontic research, and enabled a deep understanding of the development process in this field over the last 25 years.

Evaluation of acute kidney injury (AKI) with RIFLE, AKIN, CK, and KDIGO in critically ill trauma patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of AKI development on mortality with four different classification systems (RIFLE, AKIN, CK, KDIGO) in critically ill trauma patients followed in the intensive care unit. METHODS: A retrospective review of 2034 patients in our intensive care unit was conducted between July 2010 and August 2013. A total of 198 patients with primary trauma were included in the study to evaluate the development of AKI. RESULTS: When the presence of AKI was investigated according to the four criteria (RIFLE, AKIN, CK, and KDIGO), the highest incidence of AKI was found according to the KDIGO classification (74.2%), followed by AKIN (72.2%), RIFLE (69.7%), and CK (59.1%). It was observed that more AKI developed according to KDIGO in patients with multiple trauma and thoracic trauma (p = 0.031, p = 0.029). Sixty-two (31%) of the 198 trauma patients monitored in the intensive care unit died; mortality was frequently found high in AKI stage 2 and 3 patients. According to the CK classification, there was a significant increase in mortality in patients with AKI on the first day (p = 0.045). AKI classifications by RIFLE, AKIN, CK, and KDIGO were independently associated with the risk of in-hospital death. CONCLUSION: In this study, the presence of AKI was found to be an independent risk factor in the development of in-hospital mortality according to all classification systems (RIFLE, AKIN, CK, and KDIGO) in critically traumatic patients followed in ICU, and the compatibility between RIFLE, AKIN, and KDIGO was the highest among the classification systems.

Predictive value of procalcitonin and IL-6 versus cervical length for the admission-to-delivery interval in preterm labour.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to determine whether concentrations of IL-6 and procalcitonin in maternal circulation can be used and compared with cervical length to predict the admission-to-delivery interval in preterm labour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients complicated with preterm labour between 24-34 weeks of gestation and having preterm birth were included in the study group. Fortyfour healthy pregnant women at similar gestational ages and having term labour ('> 37 weeks) were included in control group. Maternal concentrations of IL-6 was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and procalcitonin was measured by immunoturbidimetry with using human procalcitonin reagent kit. Transvaginal ultrasound to assess cervical length was perforned. RESULTS: Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis results of IL-6 and procalcitonin for prediction of preterm delivery (PTD)< 48 hours, < seven days, <32 weeks, < 34 weeks, and < 37 weeks were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). ). It was shown through ROC analysis, that only cervical length had area under curve (AUC) 0.692 (0.511-0.873,p = 0.044) at cut off value ≤ 3.64 cm, AUC 0.758 (0.574-0.943, p = 0.015) at cut off value ≤ 3.50 cm, AUC 0.716 (0.553-0.879,p = 0.032) at cut off value < 3.80 cm, in predicting PTD within seven days, <32 weeks and < 37 week, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that in preterm labour, although IL-6 and procalcitonin have unsatisfactory predictive value for the admission-to-delivery interval, cervical length has better predictive values for the admission-to-delivery interval.

Knowledge and attitude changes of pregnant women regarding prenatal screening and diagnostic tests after counselling.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reveal the knowledge level of pregnant women about prenatal diagnostic tests, Down syndrome (DS) and amniocentesis, their attitudes toward uptaking these tests, undergoing amniocentesis, and the termination of pregnancy. It also aimed to evaluate the effects of providing information, as well as a written information brochure about all the issues concerning women's knowledge and attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The gynecologists provided verbal and written information on prenatal screening tests (PSTs) and invasive prenatal diagnostic tests. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire, which was designed by the researchers on the basis of the literature. RESULTS: Knowledge of both DS and amniocentesis was found to be significantly higher after the education (p = 0.000 and p = 0.000, respectively). Attitudes toward amniocentesis changed significantly after the education. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that women had an inadequate knowledge about PSTs, DS, and amniocentesis. It has also revealed that education provided by gynecologists along with a written brochure of information tended to increase women's knowledge about PSTs.

Red blood cell distribution width: can it be a predictive marker for long-term valvular involvement in children with acute rheumatic carditis?

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to evaluate Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with acute rheumatic carditis during the acute phase and after anti-inflammatory therapy. METHODS: Pediatric patients diagnosed with acute rheumatic carditis (ARC) between 2006 and 2014 and age- and sex-matched controls were retrospectively analyzed. At the time of diagnosis and after 2 months of medical therapy, we reviewed the obtained demographic features; echocardiographic data; complete blood count reports, including RDW; acute phase reactants, including C-reactive protein; and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values. RESULTS: The number of the cases with ARC and age- and sex-matched controls were 100 and 110, respectively. The mean age of patients was 11.6 ± 2.5 years. WBC and platelet counts, RDW were found to be significantly higher in patient group compared with controls at the time of diagnosis, prior to the onset of treatment. RDW, platelet count, CRP, and ESR levels significantly decreased after an 8 weeks of medical treatment. RDW values after the medical treatment were still significantly higher compared with controls. RDW values were significantly higher in patients with multiple valvular involvement both prior to and after the treatment. Moreover, we found a significant and positive correlation between the RDW and the severity of mitral regurgitation in our patients (r: 0.46, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High levels of RDW after initial medical treatment may indicate an ongoing subtle inflammatory process that leads to future stenotic valvular lesions. However, long-term follow-up studies are needed involving adulthood period to support this hypothesis.

The synergistic effect of ω3 and Vit D3 on glycemia and TNF-α in islet transplantation.

The current treatment of type 1 diabetes consists of insulin administration. Transplantation of islets of Langerhans is considered very favorable because the full effect of insulin treatment cannot be obtained in severe cases. Although agents such as omega-3 (ω3) and vitamin D3 (Vit D3) are known to contribute to the success of islet allo-transplantation (ITX), in this study we aimed to experimentally determine their effects on glycemia and TNF-α production. Wistar albino rats, which were used as recipients, were given ω3, Vit D3, and islets by gavage, and intraperitoneal- and intraportal injections, respectively. Daclizumab (DAC) was used for immunosuppression. Glycemia levels decreased in rats treated with ω3 and vit D3. TNF-α increased in all groups due to application of STZ. After ITX (day +1), the weakest increase was observed in the ω3 + Vit D3 group. In the ITX+DAC group, compared with that of ITX only, DAC was shown to decrease levels of TNF- α following ITX, only in control group, however, similar levels of TNF-α were observed in other groups. The values in the treated groups were already lower than those of the controls in the ITX group and also remained almost equal in the ITX+DAC group. We suggest that the use of ω3 and Vit D3 together will improve the pro-inflammatory aspect encountered during and after ITXs, and contribute to the reduction of the dose of immunosuppressants in these procedures.

Impacts of maternal anxiety on non-stress test parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between antenatal maternal anxiety with non-stress test (NST) parameters, which is an indi- cator test of fetal well-being in the third trimester. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January and December of 2013, 212 pregnant women, with 36-41 weeks of gestation were assessed with measures of distress and anxiety with Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and with NST. The new National Institute Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) 2008 guideline criteria were used for interpretation of NST. Anxiety scores were grouped as minimal, mild, moderate, and severe. The impact of anxiety on NST parameters were investigated. RESULT: Anxiety scores were inversely correlated with fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations (r = -0.631, and r = -0.855), number of fetal movements (r = -0.633, r = -0.860), FHR variability scores (r = -0.650, r = -0.877). and NST scores (r = -0.505, r = 0.729), (for all p < 0.001). NST scores were lower in severe anxiety group than the others. CONCLUSION: The study showed that severe form of anxiety significantly affects NST parameters in near-term pregnancies.

Comparison of diagnostic methods for evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare diagnostic accuracy parameters of saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS), transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUSG), and hysteroscopy (H/S) based on histopathologic results which are accepted to be the gold standard in patients with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients who applied to Gynecology clinic of Adnan Menderes University, School of Medicine with PMB complaint aged between 43-76 years were included to the study. Fractioned curettage (F/C) and H/S guided biopsy were used for endometrial sampling. Diagnostic accuracy parameters (sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values) of different methods; TVUSG, SIS, and H/S based on histopathologic findings were investigated. RESULTS: Specificity and sensitivity values calculated based on histopathologic results for all endometrial cavity lesions were found, respectively: 44.4% and 25% for TVUSG, 88.8% and 60.7% for SIS, and 100% and 77.7% for HIS. CONCLUSION: SIS is superior to TVUSG and as effective as H/S for assessment of endometrial cavity lesions in patients with PMB.

Comparison of the effect of propofol and sevoflurane anaesthesia on acute and chronic postoperative pain after hysterectomy.

There is some evidence that propofol may reduce acute postoperative pain; however, the results are inconsistent. Furthermore, there is a paucity of information about the type of anaesthesia and chronic pain. This study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that propofol reduces acute and chronic postoperative pain compared with sevoflurane. In a randomised, prospective, double-blind trial, we assigned 80 patients having open total abdominal hysterectomy surgery to anaesthesia with either sevoflurane or propofol. Anaesthesia was titrated to clinical needs and bispectral index values to between 40 and 60. Postoperative pain was managed with pethidine and diclofenac. Acute postoperative pain for 24 hours and chronic postoperative pain at one and three months after surgery were evaluated. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate patient anxiety and depression after one and three months. There were no significant differences between the groups for opioid consumption or opioid-induced side-effects. Pain scores in the first four hours were significantly higher in the sevoflurane group. Persistent surgical pain was observed less frequently (7 out of 40 patients in the propofol group and 21 out of 40 in the sevoflurane group at three months post-surgery, P <0.01) and pain scores were lower at one and three months in the propofol group (0.78±0.55 versus 2.23±0.73 for the sevoflurane group at three months post-surgery, P <0.01). Anxiety and depression scores were significantly lower in the propofol group at three months. In this study, general anaesthesia with propofol was associated with reduced early acute postoperative and persistent pain, compared to sevoflurane-based anaesthesia, among patients undergoing open abdominal hysterectomy.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in obstetric patients. Report of three cases with literature review.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a serious clinico-neuroradiological maternal complication in pregnancy. Although it has various etiologies such as hypertensive encephalopathy, renal failure, autoimmune disorders, sepsis, multiple organ failure, and treatment with immunosuppressant or cytotoxic agents, pregnancy and postpartum complicated by hypertensive disorders more frequently lead to this condition. PRES is clinically characterized by headache, confusion, seizures, vomiting, and visual disturbances with radiographic vasogenic edema especially affecting symmetrical parietal and occipital lobes. The underlying pathophysiology is still a matter of debate. Prompt recognition and early intervention greatly improve the prognosis, so that obstetricians should be well aware of this rare entity. Timely imaging is of crucial importance especially in patients with an uncertain diagnosis for determining the appropriate treatment and preventing the possible development of neurologic deficits. In the present report, three cases of PRES are presented with clinical and radiological findings in pregnancies complicated by severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. The latest literature in the field is also carefully reviewed.

Bed rest after embryo transfer: Is it harmful?

Many interventions have been proposed to increase the success of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The most controversial is bed rest after embryo transfer (ET). Patients are frequently advised to restrict their physical activity (PA) during ART, and many fertility clinics recommend bed rest after ET for variable periods of time. It is the author's belief, however, that there is insufficient evidence to support the recommendation of bed rest after ET. In fact, accumulated data indicate that bed rest after ET or restriction of PA during ART not only fails to bring about benefits, but may actually be detrimental and associated with worse ART outcomes. As such, it is considered that the long-standing policy of bed rest after ET should be abandoned. Patients should not be encouraged to rest in bed after ET, and should maintain their routine PA during ART. If the practice is to be changed, it is important to recognize the reasons why patients tend to restrict their PA during this time period. Health professionals may play a key role in this context.

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is not associated with recurrent miscarriage.

AIM(S): The present study aimed to discover whether there is an association between thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen levels and recurrent miscarriage (RM). In particular, TAFI antigen levels of women with RM were compared with those of a control group of women with previous uncomplicated pregnancies. METHOD(S): Group 1 comprised 48 women with RM, defined as the occurrence of two or more fetal losses before 20 weeks of gestation. Group 2 (the control group) was made up of 40 women who had undergone at least two healthy pregnancies and had no history of miscarriage. Group 1 was then stratified in to two groups according to the number of pregnancy losses and group 1A (2 pregnancy losses) consisted of 22 women whereas group 1B (three or more pregnancy losses) consisted of 26 women. RESULTS: No difference was observed with regard to serum TAFI antigen levels between groups 1 and 2. There was also no statistical difference in serum TAFI antigen levels between group 1A and group 1B. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study indicated that TAFI antigen levels are not associated with RM. Further multi-centric research with more subjects is needed to better evaluate the role of TAFI in RM.

The attitudes of menopausal women and their spouses towards menopause.

OBJECTIVE: Menopausal experience and symptom reporting of the women was reported to be affected by their attitudes to menopause which in turn is influenced by a range of variables. In this study, we primarily tried to investigate the attitudes of women and their spouses towards menopause. The other aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between menopausal attitudes and menopausal symptom experience, depression and anxiety scores of the participants. METHOD: The sample included 60 physiological menopausal women and their spouses. Socio-demographic data were obtained with a questionnaire. The menopausal symptoms were measured through the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS). The women and their spouses were administered the Attitudes Towards Menopause Scale (ATMS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). RESULTS: Both the menopausal women and their spouses had a positive attitude towards menopause. The women had a mean total score of 16.36 +/- 7.62 on MRS (moderate). The mean somatic, psychological and urogenital sub-scores of MRS were 6.43 +/- 3.23 (moderate), 5.97 +/- 3.33 (moderate), and 3.93 +/- 2.77 (moderate), respectively. There were no significant differences in BDI scores between the women and their spouses. However, the scores of BAI were more likely to be higher in women than their spouses (p < 0.0001). The current study revealed a significant positive correlation between MRS scores and BAI and BDI scores of the women. A significant negative correlation was found with the scores of ATMS, and scores of MRS in women. The scores of ATMS in men were significantly and negatively correlated with the total, somatic, and urogenital subscale scores of MRS in women. CONCLUSION: The main finding of this study was that both the menopausal women and their spouses had a positive attitude towards menopause. We also found that, the women who had more negative attitudes towards menopause reported more severe menopausal symptoms. Our results also demonstrated that the severity of menopausal complaints might be related to the attitudes of the husbands towards menopause.

Emergency contraception: knowledge, attitudes and practice of the pharmacy staff in Aydin, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to emergency contraception (EC) among pharmacy staff. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional survey was conducted among 143 pharmacy staff in Aydin city centre who agreed to participate. Data was collected thorough questionnaires that were filled in by face to face interviews between April and June 2007. RESULTS: Remarkably most of the participants (n = 110) did not know the action mechanism of these pills. Forty-four participants reported that these drugs caused mostly hormonal side-effects. Only four participants knew all indications of EC pills. According to 72 participants, contraceptive pills should not be available without a prescription. The number of pharmacy staff who reported giving counseling to clients about family planning methods was low (n = 12). CONCLUSIONS: The current study revealed that pharmacy staff in the region had inadequate knowledge on EC. Pharmacy staff may play a crucial role in women's access to EC, and there is a need for new interventions to improve and update their knowledge on, and to improve their attitudes toward EC methods.

Rectal cancer in pregnancy: a case report.

Rectal cancer in pregnancy is a rare but a life-threatening disease. This paper presents a case of rectal cancer in pregnancy, discussed in light of the literature.