Diagnostic utility of contrast-enhanced computed tomography for ectopic pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is an emergent diagnostic imaging modality to identify the bleeding site and survey the abdominal cavity. The diagnostic utility of CECT for ectopic pregnancy (EP) has not been well-investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of CECT findings in patients with EP and extract specific findings that could contribute to the identification of implantation sites. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study, reviewing suspected EP cases between April 2015 and March 2018 in our hospital. Clinical symptoms, blood test results, transvaginal sonography findings, and surgical and pathologic findings from the medical records were assessed. CECT images were evaluated by a certified radiologist and gynecologist retrospectively in consensus. The following were selected as positive findings for specific determination of the ectopic implantation site: the ectopic gestational sac, lateralization of the hemoperitoneum around the adnexa on either side, and extravascular leakage of the contrast agent outside the uterine cavity. RESULTS: CECT was performed in 41 women with an EP. The ectopic implantation site was detectable on CECT in 90.2% (37/41), whereas it was noted in 70.0% (32/41) on transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS). Of nine patients with an EP with an undetectable implantation site on TVS, six were positive for the specific determination of the ectopic implantation site on CECT. CONCLUSION: CECT has the potential to predict ectopic implantation sites with high-level sensitivity. As CECT is an urgent diagnostic imaging tool to be used in an emergent setting, it may be a good option for EP diagnosis when the availability of magnetic resonance imaging is limited.

Laeverin/aminopeptidase Q induces indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 in human monocytes.

Human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invades the maternal endometrium and reconstructs uterine spiral arteries cooperatively with maternal immune cells. Although EVT has allogeneic paternal antigens, the maternal immune system does not reject it. Here, we found that laeverin (LVRN), an EVT-specific cell surface peptidase, interacts with monocytes to produce indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1). LVRN-transfected Swan71 cells, a cytotrophoblast-derived cell line, and increased IDO1 expression in PBMC under cell-to-cell interacting conditions. Soluble recombinant LVRN (r-LVRN) interacted with CD14-positive monocytes and induced their IDO1 expression without the intervention of other immune cell populations. LVRN-induced IDO1 production was promoted in PMA-activated monocyte-like THP-1 cells. Furthermore, r-LVRN decreased the tryptophan level and increased the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio in the culture media of the PMA-treated THP-1 cells. These findings suggest that LVRN is one of the key molecules that mediate the interaction between EVT and monocytes/macrophages and creates an immunosuppressive environment at the maternal-fetal interface in the uterus.

Spheroid formation induces chemokine production in trophoblast-derived Swan71 cells.

PROBLEM: In the cell column of anchoring villi, the cytotrophoblast differentiates into extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and invades the endometrium in contact with maternal immune cells. Recently, chemokines were proposed to regulate the decidual immune response. To investigate the roles of chemokines around the anchoring villi, we examined the expression profiles of chemokines in the first-trimester trophoblast-derived Swan71 cells using a three-dimensional culture model. METHOD OF STUDY: The gene expressions in the spheroid-formed Swan71 cells were examined by microarray and qPCR analyses. The protein expressions were examined by immunochemical staining. The chemoattractant effects of spheroid-formed Swan71 cells were examined by migration assay using monocyte-derived THP-1 cells. RESULTS: The expressions of an EVT marker, laeverin, and matrix metalloproteases, MMP2 and MMP9, were increased in the spheroid-cultured Swan71 cells. Microarray and qPCR analysis revealed that mRNA expressions of various chemokines, CCL2, CCL7, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8, and CXCL10, in the spheroid-cultured Swan71 cells were up-regulated as compared with those in the monolayer-cultured Swan71 cells. These expressions were significantly suppressed by hypoxia. Migration assay showed that culture media derived from the spheroid-formed Swan71 cells promoted THP-1 cell migration. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that chemokine expressions in Swan71 cells increase under a spheroid-forming culture and the culture media have chemoattractant effects. Since three-dimensional cell assembling in the spheroid resembles the structure of the cell column, this study also suggests that chemokines play important roles in the interaction between EVT and immune cells in their early differentiation stage.

Uterine Deletion of Bmal1 Impairs Placental Vascularization and Induces Intrauterine Fetal Death in Mice.

Recently, it was demonstrated that the expression of BMAL1 was decreased in the endometrium of women suffering from recurrent spontaneous abortion. To investigate the pathological roles of uterine clock genes during pregnancy, we produced conditional deletion of uterine Bmal1 (cKO) mice and found that cKO mice could receive embryo implantation but not sustain pregnancy. Gene ontology analysis of microarray suggested that uterine NK (uNK) cell function was suppressed in cKO mice. Histological examination revealed the poor formation of maternal vascular spaces in the placenta. In contrast to WT mice, uNK cells in the spongiotrophoblast layer, where maternal uNK cells are directly in contact with fetal trophoblast, hardly expressed an immunosuppressive NK marker, CD161, in cKO mice. By progesterone supplementation, pregnancy could be sustained until the end of pregnancy in some cKO mice. Although this treatment did not improve the structural abnormalities of the placenta, it recruited CD161-positive NK cells into the spongiotrophoblast layer in cKO mice. These findings indicate that the uterine clock system may be critical for pregnancy maintenance after embryo implantation.

Case-based survey: The impact of breast-cancer treatment on fertility in Japan.

AIM: To assess the impact of breast-cancer treatment on fertility. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, case-based survey of treatments administered for infertility and pregnancy outcomes after patients underwent treatment for breast cancer. Surveys were distributed to breast oncology facilities and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) facilities. RESULTS: As high as 60% of the pregnancies in women under the age of 35 years occurred spontaneously. Additionally, the fertility rates decreased as age increased (under 35 years of age: 40%, 35-39 years of age: 21%, 40-44 years of age: 10%, respectively). In women who became pregnant after treatment for breast cancer, conception was achieved within 1 to 3 years after beginning to try for pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: After treatment for breast cancer, women can expect spontaneous pregnancy, especially if they are under 35 years of age. It is important for patients 35 years of age and older to commence assisted reproductive technology in a timely manner when pursuing fertility after treatment for breast cancer.

Amniotic band syndrome in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after rupture of the dividing membrane in the early second trimester: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Amniotic band syndrome is a rare phenomenon, but it can result in serious complications. We report herein our experience of amniotic band syndrome in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy where rupture of the dividing membrane occurred early in the second trimester. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old nulliparous woman was referred to us for management of her monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy at 10 weeks of gestation. When we were unable to identify a dividing membrane at 15 weeks of gestation using two-dimensional ultrasonography, we used three-dimensional ultrasonography to confirm its absence. Both modalities showed that the left arm of baby B was swollen and attached to a membranous structure originating from the placenta at 18 weeks of gestation. Tangled umbilical cords were noted on magnetic resonance imaging at 18 weeks of gestation. Emergency cesarean delivery was performed at 30 weeks of gestation because of the nonreassuring fetal status of baby A. The left arm of baby B had a constrictive ring with a skin defect. Both neonates had an uncomplicated postnatal course and were discharged around 2 months after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Attention should be paid to the potential for amniotic band syndrome if rupture of the dividing membrane between twins is noted during early gestation.

Wavy Floating Greater Omentum Findings Are Useful for Differentiating the Etiology of Fetal Ascites.

The greater omentum is an apron-like peritoneal mesothelial sheet that was described by ultrasound as a floating fluid-filled viscus in ascites during the fetal period. To examine the association between the etiology of fetal ascites and ultrasound findings of the greater omentum, a retrospective study was conducted. Ultrasound findings of fetal omentum were defined as follows: (1) a cyst-like shape with a thin membrane observed as wavy in the ascites, (2) beside the stomach and below the liver, and (3) no blood flow noted on color Doppler. Eleven pregnancies had fetal ascites. A fetal greater omentum was confirmed in eight cases in which ascites were caused by non-peritonitis: fetal hydrops (n = 4), congenital cytomegalovirus infection (n = 2), idiopathic chylous ascites (n = 1), and unknown cause (n = 1). Of these eight cases, no abdominal surgical management was required in three live babies. However, a fetal greater omentum was not confirmed in all three cases of meconium peritonitis. It was suggested that the finding of the greater omentum can be an important clue for estimating the pathophysiological etiology of fetal ascites and helping with postnatal management. It should be reasonable to add the finding of the greater omentum to the detailed ultrasound examination checklist.

Nationwide survey of Japanese breast oncology and reproductive endocrinology departments about the impact of breast cancer treatment on fertility.

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of breast cancer treatment on the reproductive potential. We conducted a nationwide survey of breast oncology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) departments using a questionnaire designed to assess the impact of breast cancer treatment on fertility. We received responses from 312 breast oncology departments (response rate, 31.9%) and 541 REI departments (response rate, 50.9%). The most common method of achieving pregnancy reported by breast oncology departments was natural insemination (69.6%), followed by assisted reproductive technology ( 15.6%) and intrauterine insemination (IUI; 14.8%). The most common method of achieving pregnancy reported by REI departments was conventional in vitro fertilization and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (51.0%), followed by natural insemination with or without ovulation induction (40.0%) and IUI (8.0%). The overall pregnancy rate for patients who underwent treatment for infertility at REI departments after breast cancer treatment was 39.0%. Vast patients who experienced breast cancer treatments conceived mainly by natural insemination based on the data from breast oncology departments. On the other hand, 61.0% of the patients who visited REI departments presumably due to infertility by natural insemination did not conceive even by infertility treatments with exclusive knowledge in REI departments.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with dysmenorrhea in early adulthood: A cohort study.

AIM: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are serious conditions that occur in 5-10% of pregnancies. Maternal factors, such as maternal age, obesity, and renal disease, have been described as risk factors. In order to extract the background lifestyle and gynecological characteristics for HDP, we conducted a prospective cohort study. METHODS: Pregnant participants were administered a questionnaire on characteristics, menstrual abnormalities and lifestyle factors. The women were followed individually until 1-month postpartum. We used medical records to examine the relationship between menstrual abnormalities and the onset of HDP. RESULTS: We collected data from 193 pregnant women, and excluding 3 who had miscarriage, examined the records of 190. A total of 26 patients developed HDP, of which 10 had early-onset HDP and 16 had late-onset HDP. Although there was no significant association between HDP and dysmenorrhea just prior to pregnancy, there was a significant increase in the incidence of HDP in patients who experienced dysmenorrhea around the age of 20 years (odds ratio 4.362 [95% CI 1.61-11.81]). CONCLUSION: We found that patients with a history of dysmenorrhea around the age of 20 years have a significantly higher risk of developing HDP. Although dysmenorrhea in young adulthood is ameliorated, it may become apparent as a perinatal disease when a physical load such as pregnancy is applied.

Ovarian hyperstimulation closely associated with resumption of follicular growth after chemotherapy during tamoxifen treatment in premenopausal women with breast cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that tamoxifen (TAM)-induced ovarian hyperstimulation (OHS) is associated with high serum concentrations of estradiol in premenopausal women with breast cancer. To investigate risk factors for TAM-induced OHS, we performed a retrospective multicenter study. METHODS: Premenopausal patients who received surgical therapy for endocrine-dependent breast cancer (n = 235) were recruited in this study and classified into 4 groups: group A, treated with TAM alone; group B, TAM treatment after 2-year-combined therapy with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonist; group C, TAM treatment after chemotherapy; group D, 5-year-combined therapy with TAM and a Gn-RH agonist. A serum estradiol value of more than 300 pg/mL or mean follicular diameter of more than 30 mm was defined as OHS. RESULTS: The incidence of OHS in group A (n = 13/26, 50.0%) was significantly higher than those in group B (n = 17/63, 27.0%), group C (n = 20/110, 18.2%), and group D (n = 0/36, 0%). The incidence of OHS was significantly correlated with aging, and the median serum concentration of estradiol in the presence of OHS was 823.0 pg/mL. The incidence of OHS (less than 47 years old) was 62.5% in group A, 48.6% in group B, and 28.2% in group C, respectively. Notably, the incidence rate of OHS following amenorrhea in group C (n = 13/20, 65.0%) was significantly higher than that in group B (n = 1/17, 5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the onset of OHS following amenorrhea was common in the post-chemotherapeutic group, while its ratio was low in the group after Gn-RH analog treatment, suggesting that combined treatment-based management involving TAM therapy is necessary for premenopausal patients with breast cancer.

Amniotic epithelial cells damage by oxidative stress in cases of diffuse chorioamniotic hemosiderosis.

The amniotic membrane plays an important role in the physiological maintenance and protection of the embryo. Indeed, dysfunction of the amniotic membrane is thought to have an adverse effect on the continuation of pregnancy. In this report, we examined the pathological changes in the amniotic epithelium in three cases of diffuse chorioamniotic hemosiderosis (DCH) and investigated the cause of necrosis of the amniotic epithelial cells and its relationship with oligohydramnios. Diffuse chorioamniotic hemosiderosis was confirmed in all three cases. More extensive amniotic epithelial necrosis led to more severe hemosiderosis. Immunostaining for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative stress, was positive in the amniotic epithelial cells. We speculate that oxidative DNA damage of the amniotic epithelium occurs by decomposition products of blood cells in cases accompanying subchorionic hematomas and pathological DCH. Furthermore, disorder of the amniotic epithelium may disrupt the balance of the amniotic fluid volume and cause oligohydramnios.

Embryo transfer associated with hormone replacement therapy cycles using assisted reproductive technology increases placenta accreta spectrum.

AIM: To evaluate obstetric outcomes in embryo transfer (ET) during estrogen with progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles using assisted reproductive technology (ART). METHODS: Of the 118 singleton pregnancies conceived with ART and delivered between January 2015 and December 2017, we reviewed the data of 87 cases that had information on HRT at the time of ET. Data on pregnancy outcomes included the presence of small for gestational age fetuses, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, placenta previa (including low-lying placenta), placental abruption and placenta accreta spectrum (including placenta accreta, placenta increta and placenta percreta). We investigated the relationship between HRT cycles and adverse placental outcomes (placenta accreta spectrum, placental abruption, placenta previa, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and small for gestational age fetuses). We then analyzed the associations that correlated with adverse placental outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with ET during HRT cycles were more likely to have placenta accreta spectrum. During the study period, 87 out of 118 singleton live births using ART had information on HRT (60 HRT cycles and 27 ovulation cycles). The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum was significantly higher in the HRT cycle group than in the ovulation cycle group (HRT cycle, 31.7% [19 of 60] vs ovulation cycle, 7.4% [2 of 27]; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The obstetric outcomes occurring in pregnancies involving HRT use may differ among ET cycles. ET during HRT cycles were associated with adverse obstetric outcomes due to placenta accreta spectrum. The potential interaction between HRT cycles and adverse placental events is novel and warrants further investigation.

Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence with blood chimerism in monochorionic dizygotic opposite-sex twins.

We report a case of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence with blood chimerism in monochorionic dizygotic twins born to a 30-year-old woman who conceived via ovulation induction. The neonates developed twin anemia-polycythemia sequence; the female twin had anemia and the male had polycythemia. We detected blood chimerism using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence carries not only perinatal risks, but also genetic and immunological implications due to blood chimerism. Although previous reports have described twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in monochorionic dizygotic twins, we report the first case of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence in monochorionic dizygotic twins.

Detection of circulating tumor cells in cervical cancer using a conditionally replicative adenovirus targeting telomerase-positive cells.

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are newly discovered biomarkers of cancers. Although many systems detect CTC, a gold standard has not yet been established. We analyzed CTC in uterine cervical cancer patients using an advanced version of conditionally replicative adenovirus targeting telomerase-positive cells, which was enabled to infect coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor-negative cells and to reduce false-positive signals in myeloid cells. Blood samples from cervical cancer patients were hemolyzed and infected with the virus and then labeled with fluorescent anti-CD45 and anti-pan cytokeratin antibodies. GFP (+)/CD45 (-) cells were isolated and subjected to whole-genome amplification followed by polymerase chain reaction analysis of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. CTC were detected in 6 of 23 patients with cervical cancers (26.0%). Expression of CTC did not correlate with the stage of cancer or other clinicopathological factors. In 5 of the 6 CTC-positive cases, the same subtype of HPV DNA as that of the corresponding primary lesion was detected, indicating that the CTC originated from HPV-infected cancer cells. These CTC were all negative for cytokeratins. The CTC detected by our system were genetically confirmed. CTC derived from uterine cervical cancers had lost epithelial characteristics, indicating that epithelial marker-dependent systems do not have the capacity to detect these cells in cervical cancer patients.

Giant fetal hydrometrocolpos associated with cloacal anomaly causing postnatal respiratory distress.

Persistent cloaca is a rare presentation wherein the urethra, vagina, and rectum converge into a common channel with a single perineal opening. Fetal hydrometrocolpos can result if fluid accumulates behind an obstruction of this common channel. A 29-year-old woman (G4P1021) was referred at 36 2/7 weeks of gestation for evaluation of a fetal abdominal cystic mass. Detailed ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed two symmetric cystic masses, bilateral hydronephrosis, and oligohydramnios. Elective cesarean delivery was performed at 37 0/7 weeks; the baby weighed 4043 g with Apgar scores of 5 and 6 at 1 and 5 min. Intubation was performed for respiratory distress, and the infant was noted to have an imperforate anus; persistent cloaca was diagnosed. Drainage of the hydrometrocolpos improved the infant's breathing remarkably, and extubation was achieved. This child's imaging findings are among the largest ever reported, and resulted in neonatal respiratory distress.

Familial discrepancy of clinical outcomes associated with fibrinogen Dorfen: A case of huge genital hematoma after episiotomy.

This study demonstrates a case of a huge genital hematoma after delivery, associated with fibrinogen Dorfen. Fibrinogen Dorfen is the mutation of a fibrinogen-coded exon gene, which has a single heterozygous GCC → GTC transition at codon 289 of the γ gene, predicting an Ala → Val substitution. Because Ala289 plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of the polymerization site of hole 'a' via a hydrogen bond, it is speculated that the γ 289Ala → Val substitution can change not only the fibrinogen structure, but also the function of polymerization. In our case, although the patient's gene mutation was the same as that of her mother, there was a discrepancy in the clinical outcomes. Although the precise mechanism regarding this discrepancy remains unknown, it may cause different perinatal outcomes in terms of vaginal delivery, such as the severe bleeding in this patient and the absence of clinical symptoms in her mother. This is the first report suggesting the heterogeneity of fibrinogen functions of fibrinogen Dorfen, which may be critical to the clinical outcome.

Tamoxifen-induced ovarian hyperstimulation during premenopausal hormonal therapy for breast cancer in Japanese women.

PURPOSE: Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogenic drug that is widely used for endocrine-dependent breast cancer as adjuvant hormonal therapy, and its use has been reported to be frequently associated with high levels of serum estradiol. Since the population of premenopausal women receiving tamoxifen therapy is growing in Japan, we retrospectively analyzed the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation by tamoxifen therapy in Japanese women. METHODS: Eleven patients who received surgical therapy for endocrine-dependent breast cancer and showed high values of serum estradiol during post-operative tamoxifen therapy were recruited in this study and evaluated by examining the serum concentration of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and follicular development. RESULTS: The mean age, serum concentrations of estradiol and FSH, and follicular diameter were 41.3 years old, 1015.8 pg/mL, 11.8 mIU/mL, and 3.47 cm, respectively. In 6 cases, multiple follicular development was observed, while the other cases showed single follicular development with a mean serum estradiol level of 848.6 pg/mL and follicular diameter of 4.46 cm. There was no significant difference in age or FSH concentration between the two groups. The mean periods from the start of the single administration of tamoxifen to the initial detection of a high estradiol concentration was 716.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that tamoxifen could stimulate the ovarian function even after 2-year treatment. Since single and multiple follicular developments with large sizes were observed, dual mechanisms through the inhibition of both negative and positive feedback to the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis can be proposed to explain the adverse effects of tamoxifen on ovarian function.

Macrophage with gold nanorod visualized by optical-resolution and acoustic-resolution photoacoustic microscopes.

Macrophages play a key role in inflammation and they are frequently observed in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. In the present study, macrophages phagocytosing gold nanorod (AuNR) were observed by optical-resolution (OR) and acoustic-resolution (AR) photoacoustic microscope (PAM). The OR-PAM consisted of diode laser optically focused to 60 micron and planar ultrasonic transducer with the central frequency of 8 MHz placed under the object. AR-PAM consisted of concave ultrasonic transducer with the central frequency of 20 MHz and optical fiber through the center hole of the transducer for laser irradiation. First, PA signal from gold, silver and copper wire were measured in order to determine the best metal substrate for enhancing PA contrast. Gold generated largest PA signal. AuNR with the resonance wavelength of 1064 nm was co-cultured with the macrophages for phagocytosis. PA signal was successfully detected from macrophages with AuNR by both OR-PAM and AR-PAM. PA imaging of the macrophages with AuNR indicates inflammation in the vulnerable plaque and AR-PAM method would be applicable for clinical settings.