Uterine Artery Pseudoaneurysm after Cervical Cerclage: A Rare Case and Its Management Through Uterine Artery Embolization.

Background: Uterine arterial pseudoaneurysm (UAP) is a rare cause of vaginal bleeding. Usually, UAP follows cesarean section, uterine curettage, vaginal delivery, or cervical conization and must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Here we report a very unusual case of UAP causing intra-abdominal and vaginal bleeding after cervical cerclage and its successful management through the endovascular route. Case Presentation: This 30-year-old P2L1A2 woman presented with vaginal bleeding after 7 days following hysterotomy for termination of pregnancy. At 16 weeks of her index pregnancy, she underwent cervical cerclage for cervical insufficiency, followed by an emergency hysterotomy at 20 weeks for profuse vaginal bleeding after failed medical management. On ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), uterine dehiscence and a cervical pseudoaneurysm were detected. Dehiscence was repaired surgically, and pseudoaneurysm was successfully managed by uterine artery embolization. Conclusion: UAP is an uncommon cause of vaginal bleeding; however, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a woman with unusual vaginal bleeding, particularly in the postpartum or postoperative setting like cesarean section, uterine curettage, cervical conization, or cerclage. Endovascular uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive, effective, preferred, and safe method for managing UAP.

Familial recurrent molar pregnancy: positive for KHDC3L gene mutation.

Recurrent hydatidiform moles are defined by the occurrence of two or more molar pregnancies in the same patient. These can be sporadic or familial where familial recurrent hydatidiform mole is rare and inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. Here, we present a case of four consecutive complete molar pregnancies with similar history in the sisters, who was diagnosed with fourth complete molar pregnancy. She underwent suction and evacuation followed by weekly serum ß-hCG. On genetic analysis, she was found to be homozygous for KHDC3L gene mutation. She was advised for evaluation of her sisters and to consider In vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor ovum or adoption. Prompt suspicion and diagnosis along with counselling of the couple regarding the fertility options available to them are the main aspects of this disease to protect them from repeated physical as well as psychological trauma.

Hemodynamic changes in pregnancy: does central blood pressure have any role?

Pregnancy is associated with alteration in the hemodynamic state. In clinical practice, only peripheral blood pressure is measured; however, central blood pressure is a better predictor of cardiovascular events. We have investigated variations in peripheral blood pressure, central blood pressure, and augmentation index in healthy non-pregnant and pregnant women. This was a cross-sectional study of 107 pregnant women (I trimester n = 19, II trimester n = 39, and III trimester n = 49) and age-matched 53 non-pregnant women (Follicular phase n = 25 and luteal phase n = 28). The augmentation index showed a significant decrease with the progression of pregnancy. Central systolic blood pressure showed a decreasing trend (non-significant) with the progression of pregnancy. Heart rate shows a significant increase from follicular to luteal phase in non-pregnant women, which further increases with the progression of pregnancy. Longitudinal studies involving larger sample sizes might provide some insights into the significance of including central blood pressure and augmentation index for routine checkups in both non-pregnant and pregnant women.

An unreported case of intraoperative frozen section diagnosis of a sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary- A report with a review.

ABSTRACT: Sclerosing stromal tumor is a benign sex cord-stromal tumor, that commonly occurs in the second and third decades of age. Intraoperative diagnosis of this entity poses a great challenge because of the rare occurrence and can mimic malignant lesions. A 15-year-old female presented with a right ovarian mass. Serum markers were within normal limits. The radiological evaluation showed a large heterogeneously enhancing solid cystic abdominopelvic mass of size 16 × 14 × 9 cm with non-visualization of both ovaries separately and a few areas of calcification with mild ascites. An open cystectomy was performed. A part of the cyst wall was sent for an intraoperative frozen section. It was reported as sclerosing stromal tumor, and the post-operative specimen also confirmed the same. Areas of calcification and ossification were also identified as additional findings. We reported this case because of the uncommon occurrence, highlighting additional histological features, and also did a literature review, especially focussing on the intra-operative diagnosis.

Cerebroplacental Ratio Versus Nonstress Test in Predicting Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: In developing countries, nonstress test (NST) is the most widely used method for antenatal fetal surveillance.Lately, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) has emerged as a predictor for adverse perinatal outcomes, especially in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). Against this background, the present study was conducted with the primary objective of quantifying the diagnostic accuracy of cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) versus nonstress test (NST) in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in women with HDP. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in a tertiary care institute in eastern India. All consecutive women with hypertension in pregnancy at a gestational age of ≥32 weeks were recruited into the study. Both CPR and NST were performed at baseline and repeated weekly till delivery. The parameters obtained within one week of delivery were entered for analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-two of the 65 women completed the study. There were 22 women (35.5%) in group A (both CPR and NST normal), 17 (27.4%) in group B (CPR abnormal, NST normal), 14 (22.6%) in group C (CPR normal and NST abnormal), and nine (14.5%) in group D (both CPR and NST abnormal). CPR had greater sensitivity (93.33% versus 46.67%), with higher positive predictive value (53.85% versus 30.43%), specificity (74.47% versus 65.91%), and negative predictive value (97.22% versus 79.49%) than NST for predicting neonatal intensive care unit admission. CPR also had higher sensitivity (84.62% versus 61.54%) and specificity (91.34% versus 69.39%) than NST in predicting neonatal complications. The negative predictive value (NPV) of CPR was 100% for predicting requirement of bag and mask ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure. CONCLUSION: CPR had greater diagnostic accuracy in terms of both higher sensitivity and greater specificity than NST in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma in a Near-term Pregnant Patient.

Introduction: Spontaneous development of spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is rare condition with acute presentation and usually associated with some predisposing factors. Early diagnosis and management of SEH are very important because of the risk of permanent neurological deficit. Case Report: Here, we report a rare case of SEH in young pregnant female at 35 week of gestation who presented with short history of paraplegia that was diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and treated successfully with delivery of the baby by caesarean section and release of cord compression by laminectomy. Conclusion: Spontaneous SEH can be rarely seen in pregnancy. MRI is the investigation of choice. Clinical suspicion is necessary for early management and better prognosis.

Secondary vaginal atresia following caesarean section: an unreported entity.

Postpartum genital tract adhesions are infrequent and exact incidence is not reported. Severe dystocia, obstructed labour and frequent pelvic examinations have been proposed as possible causes of vaginal adhesion following vaginal delivery. Atresia/adhesions of vagina following caesarean section is very rare. Here, we report a rare case of 21-year-old P1L1 woman presenting with secondary amenorrhoea associated with cyclical abdominal pain following caesarean section. Per speculum examination showed a blind vagina with no communication with the upper one-third. We created a neovagina after adhesiolysis. We hope to increase the awareness of the obstetricians around the globe about postpartum genital tract adhesion, which may even occur as a rare secondary complication of caesarean section. We also wish to bring to the light of obstetricians that numerous pelvic examinations or difficult vaginal delivery may lead to genital tract trauma, and thus, must be minimised in an attempt to prevent postpartum genital tract adhesions.

Predictors of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in women with hypertension in pregnancy: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical neuro-radiologic abnormality associated with eclampsia and is diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, MRI scans to detect PRES may be difficult to obtain routinely. Thus, it would be useful to see whether standard demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters are predictive of PRES. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prediction of PRES with standard parameters. RESULTS: 30 hypertensive pregnant women were enrolled. Brain MRI scans were performed after delivery till 7 days post-partum. Area under curves (AUC)s for clinical and laboratory parameters were generated for PRES prediction. A total of 8 women (5 with eclampsia and 3 with preeclampsia with features of severity) had PRES features in MRI. The most specific parameters for predicting PRES were age (<24 years), platelet count (<0.69 lacs/mm3), serum ALT (>129 IU/L) and AST (>55 IU/L), total bilirubin (>1.3 mg/dl), low hemoglobin (<8.7 g/dl) and presence of seizures. The most sensitive predicting parameters were serum uric acid > 5.2 mg/dl, systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 164 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg and serum creatinine > 0.8 mg/dl. The best AUCs > 70% and good Youden indices were obtained for age < 24 years, SBP > 164 mm Hg, total bilirubin > 1.3 mg/dl, AST > 55 IU/L, hemoglobin < 8.7 mg/dl and uric acid > 5.2 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: In women with preeclampsia, younger age, raised SBP, elevated serum total bilirubin, uric acid and AST and low hemoglobin best predict PRES.

Krukenberg Tumor of Ovary During Pregnancy: Learning From A Mistake.

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor of the ovary with heterologous differentiation is a relatively uncommon tumor that occurs in females of variable age range. Krukenberg tumor (KT) is a relatively more common tumor of the ovary although only a few cases of KT occur during pregnancy making it an equally uncommon tumor in this setting. We received a unilateral ovarian mass in a 25-yr-old primigravida which we reported as Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor with heterologous (intestinal) differentiation based on its clinical and histomorphologic features. However, on further investigation, a gastric mass was found which was a signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma. We rectified our diagnosis of ovarian mass as KT. We retrospectively analyzed the reasons for our mistake and concluded that the rarity coupled with the nonclassic clinical features and histomorphology of KT during pregnancy pose challenges to the correct diagnosis. This report highlights the diagnostic challenges faced by us along with the ways to circumvent them in the future.

Mature Cystic Teratoma of Douglas' Pouch: A Rare Entity.

Mature cystic teratoma is one of the more common ovarian neoplasms; however, teratoma in the pouch of Douglas is extremely rare, and the exact etiology is unknown. Here, we report a rare case of mature cystic teratoma of Douglas' pouch in a 40-year-old woman who had undergone laparotomy. A 15 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm cyst was noted arising from the pouch of Douglas, and the mass was seen separated from both ovaries. Microscopically, the cyst was a mature cystic teratoma not arising from the ovaries.

Postnatal quality of life, depressive symptoms, and social support among women in southern India.

Evaluation of postnatal quality of life (QOL) has remained a poorly researched area in India. The present cross-sectional study assessed postnatal QOL, using the Mother Generated Index (MGI) and its associated risk factors, and was conducted during January-March 2013 among 274 mothers, 6-8 weeks postnatally. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to evaluate sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and social support. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and QOL using the MGI. The vast majority (90.1 percent) of respondents in our study had a primary MGI score <5, those with significantly higher prevalence of physical problems and psychological distress. A total of 39.8 percent of respondents were screened as having other (not major) depressive symptoms and 4.7 percent as having major depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age (ß = 0.033, p = .018) and socioeconomic status (ß = 0.156, p < .001) were significantly positively associated with QOL, while increased depressive symptom scores (ß = -0.075, p < .001) were significantly negatively associated with QOL. A wide spectrum of QOL aspects were reported, including physical, emotional, social, and economic concerns by the mothers. Prevention, evaluation, and treatment of postnatal depressive symptoms and impaired QOL are warranted, taking into account the role of various biopsychosocial risk factors and specific concerns raised by the mothers.