Ovarian hemangioma: Differential diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Ovarian cavernous hemangioma is a rare benign vascular tumor primarily found as either an isolated ovarian mass or as diffuse abdominopelvic hemangiomatosis. Its discovery is often incidental, but symptomatic presentations can occur, including ovarian torsion, can occur without any specification. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 55-year-old menopausal woman with chronic pelvic pain. Initial diagnostic imaging and tumor markers suggested ovarian malignancy. Subsequent investigations, including ultrasound and MRI, revealed a vascularized adnexal mass with characteristics mimicking malignancy. Surgical exploration through laparoscopy unveiled an 8 cm multicystic solid-cystic lesion with histopathological analysis confirming a 9 cm cavernous hemangioma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Histologically, the lesion displayed features consistent with a benign vascular malformation. Literature review indicates variability in presentations and diagnostic challenges in distinguishing these lesions from malignant ovarian tumors. Treatment involved successful cystectomy via laparoscopic surgery, ensuring ovarian preservation so as not to increase the cardiovascular risk due to bilateral annexectomy. CONCLUSION: Ovarian cavernous hemangiomas pose diagnostic challenges due to their rarity and potential mimicry of malignancy. Timely recognition through imaging modalities, especially MRI, and confirmation via histopathological examination remain pivotal. Ovarian-sparing surgical interventions are recommended, particularly for younger patients without suspicious tumor features. Despite their rarity, awareness of these lesions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Tunisian Newborn's Cord Blood: Reference Values of Complete Blood Count and Hemoglobin Fractions.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to establish local reference values for hematological indices and hemoglobin (Hb) fractions in umbilical cord blood (UCB) for the northern population of Tunisia. STUDY DESIGN: Our study included full-term newborns by vaginal deliveries. Hematological parameters were collected using an automated blood cell counter. The amounts of Hb fractions were measured by capillary electrophoresis of Hb. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. RESULTS: A total of 328 cord blood samples were analyzed. Among them, 154 (male: 44.8%, female: 55.2%) were used to establish reference values. The normal reference values of complete blood count (CBC) and Hb fractions were calculated. Mean neonatal Hb was 14.75 ± 2.26 g/dL. Gestational age affects the expression of CBC values as red blood cell (RBC), Hb, hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cell (WBC), and the Hb profile. Umbilical blood hemogram parameters and Hb profile are affected by the environment; higher in newborns from urban regions but not affected by gender ratio. CONCLUSION: Reference ranges of normal CBC indices and Hb fractions have been successfully established in Tunisian neonates' UCB. Our data suggest reference values that could be useful for neonatal patients' laboratory results and clinical interpretation. KEY POINTS: · Reference values for CBC and hemoglobin fractions have been established.. · Hematological reference for UCB is useful to identify hemolytic anemia cases early.. · UCB hematological values are influenced by gestational age and probably by environmental factors..

Congenital Large Cutaneous Hemangioma with Arteriovenous and Arterioarterial Malformations: A Novel Association.

BACKGROUND: Congenital cutaneous hemangioma is a benign vascular lesion that is a leading cause of severe hemodynamic compromise in a fetus when it is of significant size and especially in association with arteriovenous malformation. CASE REPORT: A large cutaneous hemangioma involving the right arm of a 32-week-old male fetus was complicated by fetal hypotrophy, hydrops fetalis and neonatal death. Axillary arteriovenous fistulas and bilateral arterial carotid-subclavian anastomosis were demonstrated at autopsy. Microscopically, the main tumor was a mixed capillary-cavernous hemangioma with vascular channels lined by CD31-positive and GLUT1/Ki-67-negative endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: Congenital hemangioma can be associated with vascular malformations, and that associations with other vascular malformations may increase the morbidity/mortality.

Correlation between umbilical resistance index and fetal growth: Pilot study.

AIM: To investigate normal pregnancies to determine whether there is a relationship between umbilical resistance and fetal growth. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in three academic departments. Third trimester routine prenatal ultrasonography was used to estimate fetal weight and measure umbilical resistance index (RI). After delivery the birthweight was noted, along with the time interval between the ultrasound and the delivery, and then the weekly weight gain was calculated. These data were then used to determine the relationship between fetal growth and umbilical artery RI. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 32 ± 4.8 years; mean RI was 0.62 ± 0.07, and mean weight gain was 186.4 ± 63.9 g/week. Mean percentage weight gain relative to the estimated weight on third trimester ultrasound was 8.86 ± 3.8% per week. There was an inverse linear relationship between umbilical artery RI and fetal growth: percentage of weight gained per week relative to the estimated weight during third trimester ultrasound (%/week) = [31.3 - (36.1 × RI)] × 100. CONCLUSION: In normal pregnancies there seems to be a linear relationship between umbilical RI measured at 31-34 weeks of gestation and average fetal growth in the third trimester. The greater the resistance index, the lower the weight gain.

What are the prognostic factors in the delivery of the second twin?

Objective To evaluate the prognosis of the second twin according to different criteria (presentation, mode of delivery , term, weight, weight difference between twins ,twin to twin delivery time interval, studying the Apgar scores at birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of 183 parturients carrying twin pregnancies collected at the department of Obstetrics-Gynecology in Mahmoud Matri Hospital (Ariana) over a period of 9 years ( 1st January 2001 to 31st December, 2009 ) . Results We recorded 357 live births ( 181 J1 and J2 176 ) and 9 stillbirths . The relationship between the order of the twin and the modality of delivery on the one hand, and between the order of twin and type of presentation was considered significant (p < 0.001). We found no significant difference in Apgar score at 1 minute and 5 minutes between the 1st and the 2nd twins. A term ≤ 34 weeks was a poor prognostic factor for the Apgar score at the first and the fifth minute for the 2 twins but no significant difference between the 1st and 2nd twins (  1st min p=0.4623 ; 5th min p = 0.2899 ). Low birth weight ≤ 1500g were significantly more at risk of foetal suffering (p < 0.001). A birth weight discordance of 25% or more was observed 36 cases (19.7 %). The Apgar score was significantly influenced by the birth weight difference only in the first minute (p = 0.043 ). Thereafter, this difference disappears in the 5th minute. The type of presentation and methods of delivery did not influence significantly the second twin morbidity. A time interval between the birth of the first and second twin greater than 15 minutes was a bad prognostic factor for the Apgar score in the 1st min ( p = 0.001) and 5th min ( p = 0.019) . Transfer rate in neonatology and neonatal distress was 31.2 %.The term of birth ( before 34 weeks ), low birth weight ( ≤ 1500 g ) , and twin-to-twin delivery time interval (≥ 15 min) are parameters that influenced significantly the rate of neonatal distress and transfer to pediatric health care unit (p <0.001 , p<0.001, p = 0.004) . We found a significant increase in the transfer to pediatrics when the birth weight difference was larger than 25% ( p = 0.005). However, no significant difference was found concerning the neonatal respiratory distress (p = 0.22). The different modes of delivery and the type of presentation of the second twin did not significantly alter the rate of neonatal respiratory distress (p = 0.28 , p = 0.53) and transfer Pediatrics (p = 0,63, p = 0.38 ). Among the live births, 5 twins had died in labor room : 1st twin in two cases and in 2nd twin in 3 cases and there was no significant correlation between neonatal mortality and the twin's order (p = 0.629 ) . Conclusion A term ≤ 34 weeks, a low birth weight ≤ 1500g and a delay of more than 15 mn were factors that influenced significantly the Apgar score at 1st and 5th minute, and were responsible for more neonatal distress and transfer in pediatrics. A birth weight difference larger than 25% between the two twins influenced the Apgar score at the first minute and was responsible for an increase in the transfer rate.

[Predictors of birth outcomes related to women with a previous caesarean section: experience of a Motherhood Center, Bizerte]. / Facteurs prédictifs de l'issue de l'accouchement sur utérus unicicatriciel, expérience du centre de Maternité de Bizerte.

INTRODUCTION: Caesarean section (CS) rates have been significantly increasing in recent decades. For this reason, the obstetrician must frequently decide on the most appropriate mode of delivery for mother and fetus. This study aims to describe vaginal birth after previous cesarean section (VBACs) in our obstetric practice and to identify factors significantly associated with failed VBACs. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study among women with a history of previous cesarean delivery. The study design was retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive and analytical. The case study was conducted over a two years and three months period, from January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2014 during which we collected data from 423 medical records of patients attempting VBACs at the Maternity and Neonatology Center, Bizerte. RESULTS: The rate of attempted VBACs was 47%. The success and the failure rates of these attempts were 82,7% and 17,3% respectively. The main factors for a poor prognosis in patients attempting VBACs were: the absence of a previous vaginal delivery (p = 0.005), a previous indication for cesarean section due to stagnation of dilatation or poor labor progress, (p 0.049 and 0.002 respectively), gestational age at delivery of = 40 weeks (p = 0.046), parity <3 (p = 0,75.10-4), Bishop score <6 at the onset of labor (p = 0,23.10-47), "active labor" duration = 6h (p = 0.002), length of labor> 8 h (p = 0.0031) and the occurrence of abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) during labor (p = 0144.10 -9). We observed seven cases of uterine rupture (1.7%). There were no cases of maternal mortality. Total maternal morbidity rate was 9,5%. The difference in rates of maternal complications between the two groups (failed and successful attempted vaginal birth after cesarean) was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Attempting vaginal birth after cesarean on the basis of good and poor prognostic factors and patient consent, contributes to the reduction in maternal and neonatal morbidity and should lead to the establishment of clear and codified Tunisian guidelines as part of a policy against unjustified iterative caesarean sections.

[Adnexal torsion during the second trimester of pregnancy: about two cases]. / Torsion d'annexe au second trimestre de la grossesse, à propos de deux cas.

Acute pelvic pain during pregnancy makes the differential diagnosis more challenging. We here report two cases of adnexal torsion during the second trimester of pregnancy in order to draw attention to this diagnosis and to highlight the importance of early treatment to avoid irreversible damages due to ischemia which can be fertility-threatening. The first patient, G1P0, 20 weeks pregnant, initially presented with appendix syndrome. Exploration with a small McBurney incision showed a right ovarian necrosis, hence ovariectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. The second patient, G2P2, 26 weeks pregnant, presented to the emergency departments with acute left iliac fossa pain. Laparotomy revealed the torsion of a hydatid of Morgagni whose necrotic appearance due to twisting required hydatid ablation. No postoperative complications were noted in the two patients. Adnexal torsion is an emergency condition that should not be ignored in the case of acute pelvic pain in pregnant women. Conservative treatment represents the gold standard and proper management is necessary to avoid possible maternal and fetal complications.

Rupture of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm: role of ultrasonography in postpartum hemorrhage management.

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) rupture should be considered in case of late genital bleeding without obvious cause and lead to perform a sonographic examination with Doppler-scan. We report two cases of late post-partum hemorrhage from UAP diagnosed as such using color Doppler US. In order to avert life-threatening bleeding, prompt and accurate diagnosis should be made using color Doppler US since the latter plays a significant role in demonstrating the vascular nature of this anechoic uterine lesion.

[Delivery in breech presentation: what way should we choose?]. / Présentation de siège: quelle voie d'accouchement choisir?

BACKGROUND: The breech delivery is considered dangerous because of the higher rates of perinatal mortality and morbidity which become attached to it, consequences of obstetric traumas bound to the obstetric operations. What way of delivery is it necessary to privilege? What are the arguments which we have to support our choice? AIM: To assess the maternal and fetal outcome according to the way of delivery. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 194 women with a singleton pregnancy in a breech presentation delivered at term in our maternity unit in Ariana's Hospital from January 2007 to December 2009. RESULTS: Breech presentation was noticed in 2, 59%. The main factors favoring this presentation are: the primipara, the uterine deformations, the pathological ponds, the abnormalities of the amniotic liquid, the fetal weight and the fetal deformations. Vaginal delivery was accepted in 57,7% of women and 75% from them delivered in natural way. The rate of caesarians was 56,7 %. Among these patients, 74, 5 % were indications in a cold caesarian (scar womb, pathological pond, RPM > 12 hours, estimated (esteemed) fetal weight > 3800g). The Apgar's score was superior to seven in 97.6% of cases. There was no significant difference in fetal morbidity, Apgar's score or in the need of transfer in intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: When the acceptance conditions of the vaginal delivery are combined and when the surveillance of the labour is rigorous, it seems that there is no excess of neonatal risk by the natural ways.

[Cervical incompetence: diagnosis, indications and cerclage outcome]. / Incompetence cervicale: diagnostic, indications et devenir du cerclage.

BACKGROUND: Cervical incompetence, a major cause of late abortions and preterm delivery is a diagnosis increasingly easy to establish.Strapping is deemed effective to prevent recurrence of such accidents midwifery. AIM: To evaluate the relevance of the diagnosis of cervical incompetence, check the main indications of banding and study the outcome of rimmed pregnancies. METHODS: A retrospective study about 103 rimmed pregnancies collected in the service of Motherhood Hospital Mahmoud El Matri Ariana to the period of January 2001 until December 2008. RESULTS: The diagnosis of cervical incompetence is suspected in a body of evidence linking ATCD of late abortions or premature births found in respectively 46.2% and 31.1% of our patients in our series, 16.98% are carriers of known uterine defects. 8.49% are classified as high risk front of 3-ATCD of late abortions or preterm delivery and were circled systematically. 2.83% are rimmed after confirmation the incompetent cervix by calibration of the cervix and 55.99% because of clinically short cervix. The strapping has reduced the rate of late abortion which decreased from 46.6% before strapping to 7.6% after. As for preterm delivery, it is reduced from 31.1% before strapping to 18.5% after. This difference is statistically significant. The average term of confinement in our series is 36SA six days. 68 cases were delivered at term. Among patients in whom we have accepted the vaginal delivery, 74.2% had spontaneous labor. One case of rupture of the anterior lip of the cervix was noted. CONCLUSION: The indication of a cervical strapping needs a well established diagnosis involving data from history, clinical examination and possibly endo-vaginal ultrasound to confirm the high-risk of cervical incompetence. The strapping participates significantly to prolong the duration of pregnancy, to lower rates of early major premature and to improve the chance of viability and prognosis of fetuses without serious repercussions on the workflow.

Selective salpingography and tubal catheterization in infertile women.

BACKGROUND: Use of selective salpingography (SS) and fallopian tube catheterization (TC) has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of proximal tubal infertility. AIM: To evaluate results of women treated for proximal tubal obstruction by selective salpingography and tubal catherization. METHODS: Selective salpingography was performed in women with proximal bilateral tubal obstructions. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 12 months. RESULTS: twelve patients had been shown to have bilateral proximal obstruction of the fallopian tube. After SS/TC, patency was achieved in 8 cases. Spontaneous conceptions occurred in 4 women. CONCLUSION: SS and TC should be used more widely because it is simple and effective in case of proximal tubal blockage.

[Ovarian drilling for the treatment of infertility with dystrophic ovaries]. / Place du forage ovarien dans le traitement de l'infertilité liée à la dystrophie ovarienne.

BACKGROUND: Dystrophic ovaries represent the main cause of female infertility in Tunisia. AIM: To assess the contribution of ovarian drilling in the treatment of infertility in patients with ovarian dystrophy. METHODS: A retrospective study of 23 patients with dystrophic ovaries that have benefited through their subfertility of laparoscopic ovarian drilling, in the gynecology-obstetrics hospital Mahmoud EL Matri, Ariana, Tunisia. Our study spans a period of 3 years from January 2004 to December 2006. RESULTS: Among the 23 patients who underwent drilling for clomiphene citrate resistance, 9 have been pregnant. The average age of patients having had a pregnancy after ovarian drilling was 29.6 years, the average delay was 7.1mois. Regarding prognostic factors, only infertility's duration lower than 3 years was predictive of a good result. CONCLUSION: Ovarian drilling is an interesting alternative to induction by FSH for patients with dystrophic ovaries.