The expanding role of sonography for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis: Results of a large case series.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of the sonographic identification of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in women presenting with complaints suggestive of DIE. Sonography findings were correlated with subsequent surgical exploration, and histologic verification. METHODS: A retrospective observational case series was investigated to document the ability of the use of sonography to accurately detect the presence of deep infiltrating endometriosis. The clinical observations were performed consistent with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) recommendations for observational studies. Recognizing the real-world office setting for this may introduce the importance of the practical clinical aspects of diagnostic procedures in general. RESULTS: Three-dimensional transvaginal sonography was able to accurately identify deep invasive endometriosis in 92% of the 100 women subjectively complaining of the associated symptoms of endometriosis, who underwent sonography, surgical exploration, and pathologic analysis. Additional sonographic evidence of pelvic pathology was found during the course of this investigation, perhaps complementing other means for diagnosing endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional transvaginal sonography is a diagnostic tool that can effectively identify deep infiltrating endometriosis, which may otherwise go undetected and untreated. These findings should encourage the use of sonography for the detection of this subtype of endometriosis.

Race and Ethnic Categories: A Brief Review of Global Terms and Nomenclature.

Terminology regarding descriptors of race and ethnicity have been constantly evolving. Due to differences in terminology, data collection, demographics, and group identity, there are numerous challenges in determining what descriptors are suitable and acceptable to all individuals. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has defined six racial and ethnic categories that should be used for reporting purposes. This review gives a historical background of the definition of the different racial and ethnic categories. This review also aims to define acceptable categories of race and ethnicity to provide guidelines for reports and best practices.

Reducing the cesarean delivery rate.

BACKGROUND: The cesarean delivery rate has been rising in recent years, having associated maternal morbidities. Elective induction of labor has also been seen to rise during this same time period. OBJECTIVE: This current study investigated the difference in the cesarean delivery rate between induction of labor and spontaneous labor among nulliparous, term, singleton, and vertex-presenting women. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort in a single institution over a seven-year period was used for this analysis, observing the difference in cesarean delivery rate at different term gestational ages and neonatal morbidity using the 5-minute Apgar score < 5. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in cesarean delivery rate between those women whose labor was induced and those whose labor began spontaneously, at each term gestational age of labor initiation (P < 0.001). The proportion of indications for induction was described (i.e. elective vs. medically-indicated), and no difference was found for neonatal morbidity between the groups analyzed, using the 5-minute Apgar score as the perinatal outcome measure. CONCLUSION: A comparison was made between spontaneous and induced labor regarding the resultant cesarean delivery rate, and a significant difference was found favoring spontaneous labor. This should be considered when electing to deliver using an induction methodology for nulliparous women, especially when there are no medical indications for it.

The Laborist trend: its implications.

PURPOSE: To offer obstetrical practitioners a current perspective about an important contemporary practice model which has implications that may not have been adequately recognized. METHODS: A description of individual past professional experience. RESULTS: A resultant perspective from decades of professional obstetric practice. CONCLUSION: A description of potential clinical impact on patients and practitioners alike.

Female Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Pelvic Pain.

A variety of conditions can give rise to the perception of painful sexual intercourse in women with pelvic pain. Female sexual dysfunction may stem from psychological, medical such as endocrinological disturbances, and gynecological pathologies. This article provides a discussion of various conditions, offering diagnostic and therapeutic measures to consider in women with pelvic pain experiencing sexual dysfunction. Treatment and management options are also reviewed.

Clinical Value of 3-Dimensional Ultrasound in Gynecology.

This report provides examples of using 3-dimensional ultrasound diagnostically in gynecology. The cost efficiency it provides and the wide range of applications it has support the routine use of this ultrasound technology in the practice of gynecology.

Diagnosis and management of intramural ectopic pregnancy.

Intramural pregnancy, a gestation completely surrounded by the myometrium located within the uterine wall with separation from the uterine cavity, is an extremely unusual form of pregnancy. Complications resulting from intramural pregnancy include inevitable uterine rupture with resultant hemorrhage and possible hysterectomy if diagnosis is not made early and treatment is not initiated. An asymptomatic patient was initially diagnosed with a missed abortion at approximately 6 weeks of gestation after a routine ultrasound. Suction curettage was performed approximately 1 month after the initial diagnosis. The pathology specimen failed to reveal placental villi. Ultimately, the diagnosis of intramural pregnancy was made via ultrasound and a computed tomography scan. She was treated with a single dose of systemically administered methotrexate. Over a period of 4 months, ß-human chorionic gonadotropin levels trended downward; however, the intramural pregnancy failed to resolve completely, and a persistent mass remained. The intramural pregnancy was removed using the da Vinci laparoscopic procedure (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). If the diagnosis of intramural ectopic pregnancy is made sufficiently early, conservative measures can be taken, which can preserve a patient's future fertility.