Patient satisfaction with ultrasound, whole-body CT and whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI for pre-operative ovarian cancer staging: a multicenter prospective cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the diagnostic accuracy of imaging methods, patient-reported satisfaction with imaging methods is important. OBJECTIVE: To report a secondary outcome of the prospective international multicenter Imaging Study in Advanced ovArian Cancer (ISAAC Study), detailing patients' experience with abdomino-pelvic ultrasound, whole-body contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (WB-DWI/MRI) for pre-operative ovarian cancer work-up. METHODS: In total, 144 patients with suspected ovarian cancer at four institutions in two countries (Italy, Czech Republic) underwent ultrasound, CT, and WB-DWI/MRI for pre-operative work-up between January 2020 and November 2022. After having undergone all three examinations, the patients filled in a questionnaire evaluating their overall experience and experience in five domains: preparation before the examination, duration of examination, noise during the procedure, radiation load of CT, and surrounding space. Pain perception, examination-related patient-perceived unexpected, unpleasant, or dangerous events ('adverse events'), and preferred method were also noted. RESULTS: Ultrasound was the preferred method by 49% (70/144) of responders, followed by CT (38%, 55/144), and WB-DWI/MRI (13%, 19/144) (p<0.001). The poorest experience in all domains was reported for WB-DWI/MRI, which was also associated with the largest number of patients who reported adverse events (eg, dyspnea). Patients reported higher levels of pain during the ultrasound examination than during CT and WB-DWI/MRI (p<0.001): 78% (112/144) reported no pain or mild pain, 19% (27/144) moderate pain, and 3% (5/144) reported severe pain (pain score >7 of 10) during the ultrasound examination. We did not identify any factors related to patients' preferred method. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound was the imaging method preferred by most patients despite being associated with more pain during the examination in comparison with CT and WB-DWI/MRI. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03808792.

Retroperitoneal schwannoma during pregnancy: A case report and practice-based overview.

The retroperitoneum is the rarest site for Schwannomas, tumors that originate from Schwann cells and usually present as benign, slowly growing masses. During pregnancy, the routine application of ultrasound for fetal assessment has led to an increased rate of detection of maternal asymptomatic masses, notably including the retroperitoneal ones. While most of these masses prove to be benign, it is imperative to consider the potential for malignancy. This report presents a rare case involving a woman diagnosed with bilateral adnexal cysts and a pre-sacral retroperitoneal mass during the first trimester of pregnancy. Surgical intervention was employed to remove ovarian tumors, and a biopsy was performed on the non-adnexal tumor to determine its nature. The histological examination revealed a bilateral borderline seromucinous tumor in the ovaries and identified a Schwannoma in the sacral mass. Despite the considerable size of the pre-sacral mass, which significantly impacted the patient's quality of life, successful measures were taken to achieve a near-term pregnancy, culminating in the delivery of a healthy baby. Subsequently the patient underwent neurosurgical treatment of the substantial pre-sacral Schwannoma. The discovery of a Schwannoma during pregnancy can evoke concerns among healthcare practitioners, touching upon potential malignancy risks, accelerated tumor growth, and impacts on fetal well-being. This paper provides a comprehensive, practice-based overview of these critical aspects.

Comparison of clinical and ultrasound examinations in assessing the parametria in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis: a multicentre prospective study.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How do clinical rectovaginal examination and transvaginal ultrasound examination perform in the diagnosis of parametrial infiltration in patients with endometriosis? DESIGN: This was a multicentre prospective observational study. Patients with suspected deep endometriosis at clinical examination and/or at ultrasound evaluation and scheduled for surgery were included. Following multicentre multidisciplinary meetings, consensus was obtained on terms and methodology to define the parametrium at pelvic anatomy, ultrasound and surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for clinical and ultrasound examinations with respect to surgery. RESULTS: In total, 195 women were selected for the present study and 164 were included in the analysis. Ultrasound examination had good to high specificity (>80%) for all parameters, except the left lateral parametrium (78.8%). The sensitivity of ultrasound examination was good to high for fixity of the right and left ovaries, uterosacral ligaments, retrocervix and rectovaginal space; and low for the anterior and lateral parametria, vagina, bladder and bowel. Clinical examination had good to high specificity for fixity of the left ovary, anterior parametrium, right uterosacral ligament, retrocervix and vagina; and low specificity for fixity of the right ovary, lateral parametrium, left uterosacral ligament and rectovaginal space. The sensitivity of clinical examination was good for the uterosacral ligaments and rectovaginal space, and low for the remaining parameters. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound examination provided good specificity for all the parameters, but sensitivity was low for the anterior and lateral parametria. Clinical examination provided good specificity for the anterior and posterior parametria, but sensitivity was low for the anterior and lateral parametria. Further prospective studies are needed to validate this methodology and confirm the results.

Preoperative diagnosis of ureteral medial deviations secondary to deep endometriosis using transvaginal ultrasound examinations: Can we predict the need for ureterolysis during laparoscopic surgery?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ureteral involvement using transvaginal sonography (TVS) regarding the distortion of the course of the ureters caused by deep endometriosis (DE), which can facilitate predicting the need for ureterolysis during surgery, even in the absence of ureteral stenosis or dilatation. METHODS: This is a single-center, observational, retrospective pilot study of 88 consecutive patients who later underwent surgery for DE that used ultrasound preoperative diagnosis of ureteral medial deviation of one or both ureters between January 2019 and January 2022. At TVS, the course of the ureter was considered medialized if, in longitudinal and transversal section, any distance was detectable between the ureter and the cervix at the point where the ureter crosses the uterine artery. The primary end point was to determine sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of "ureteral medial deviation" diagnosed using TVS, in order to predict the need for ureterolysis. RESULTS: Our series included 88 women with a median age of 39 (interquartile range 33-43) years. Ureteral medialization showed a relatively low false-positive rate (10.9%), with a specificity of 89.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81.4%-96.7%) and a sensitivity of 86.6% (95% CI 80.3%-92.9%), along with a high positive predictive value of 93.3% (95% CI 88.4%-98.1%), and a lower negative predictive value of 79.1% (95% CI 69.8%-88.5%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study introduced a new ultrasound sign with a high degree of accuracy to predict ureterolysis and this may have positive implications in the management and surgical planning of patients with ureteral endometriosis.

Innovative Ultrasound Criteria for the Diagnosis of Adenomyosis and Correlation with Symptoms: A Retrospective Re-Evaluation.

The 2022 Delphi revision of the MUSA (Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment) criteria for the ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis divides the ultrasound signs for diagnosis into direct and indirect ones, considering the presence of at least one direct sign as a mandatory criterion. This study aimed to reclassify the patients referred to the Pelvic Pain specialist outpatient clinic of the Gynecological Clinic of Udine according to the new criteria, evaluating the number of overdiagnoses and the possible correlation between the direct and indirect signs and the patients' symptoms. 62 patients affected by adenomyosis were retrospectively recruited. The patients were then re-evaluated by ultrasound and clinically. At least one direct sign of adenomyosis was found in 52 patients, while 16% of the population examined did not present any. There was no statistically significant difference between patients presenting direct signs and those presenting none for the symptoms considered. According to the new criteria, 16% of the patients examined were not affected by adenomyosis; applying the new consensus to symptomatic patients could increase false negatives. In a population of symptomatic patients, the diagnosis of adenomyosis is still highly probable even without direct ultrasound signs, given the clinical symptoms and having ruled out other causes of such symptoms.

The Role of Multimodal Imaging in Pathological Response Prediction of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients Treated by Chemoradiation Therapy Followed by Radical Surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop predictive models for pathological residual disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) by integrating parameters derived from transvaginal ultrasound, MRI and PET/CT imaging at different time points and time intervals. METHODS: Patients with histologically proven LACC, stage IB2-IVA, were prospectively enrolled. For each patient, the three examinations were performed before, 2 and 5 weeks after treatment ("baseline", "early" and "final", respectively). Multivariable logistic regression models to predict complete vs. partial pathological response (pR) were developed and a cost analysis was performed. RESULTS: Between October 2010 and June 2014, 88 patients were included. Complete or partial pR was found in 45.5% and 54.5% of patients, respectively. The two most clinically useful models in pR prediction were (1) using percentage variation of SUVmax retrieved at PET/CT "baseline" and "final" examination, and (2) including high DWI signal intensity (SI) plus, ADC, and SUVmax collected at "final" evaluation (area under the curve (95% Confidence Interval): 0.80 (0.71-0.90) and 0.81 (0.72-0.90), respectively). CONCLUSION: The percentage variation in SUVmax in the time interval before and after completing neoadjuvant CRT, as well as DWI SI plus ADC and SUVmax obtained after completing neoadjuvant CRT, could be used to predict residual cervical cancer in LACC patients. From a cost point of view, the use of MRI and PET/CT is preferable.

Ultrasound-guided endoscopy to improve accuracy of persistent urogenital sinus (PUGS) diagnosis in adult patient: A case report.

Introduction: persistent urogenital sinus (PUGS) is a rare condition characterized by abnormal communication between the urethra and vagina, that can frequently be associated with other complex Mullerian malformation (33%). We present a case of PUGS associated with a complex Mullerian malformation diagnosed in adult age after the integration of gynecological ultrasound with hysteroscopy, both performed by expert operators. Case description: 27-year-old women was referred to our clinic because of frequent urinary tract infections and cyclic pelvic pain. She was virgo, with normal menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhea. A didelphys uterus and double vagina with bilateral hematocolpos was firstly diagnosed through transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound. An MRI was then performed and a monorenal and ipsilateral ureteral malformation were diagnosed; in addition, a complete absence of the lower third of the vagina and an abnormal origin of the urethra from the bladder were described. Patient underwent lower genital tract endoscopy: external vaginal orifice was obliterated, a PUGS was diagnosed and both vaginas' ostia were detected on the PUGS's posterior-lateral walls. The procedure was performed under transabdominal ultrasound guidance which confirmed the endoscopic anatomical suspicion, avoiding complications such as perforation and misdiagnosis. Discussion: ultrasound guided endoscopy plays an essential role in the evaluation of complex anatomic anomalies, such as persistent urogenital sinus (PUGS), leading to a dynamic one-stop diagnosis; it avoids delays and misdiagnosis in preoperative assessment possibly related to the separately application of different radiological and endoscopic techniques.

Evaluating the Risk of Inguinal Lymph Node Metastases before Surgery Using the Morphonode Predictive Model: A Prospective Diagnostic Study in Vulvar Cancer Patients.

Ultrasound examination is an accurate method in the preoperative evaluation of the inguinofemoral lymph nodes when performed by experienced operators. The purpose of the study was to build a robust, multi-modular model based on machine learning to discriminate between metastatic and non-metastatic inguinal lymph nodes in patients with vulvar cancer. One hundred and twenty-seven women were selected at our center from March 2017 to April 2020, and 237 inguinal regions were analyzed (75 were metastatic and 162 were non-metastatic at histology). Ultrasound was performed before surgery by experienced examiners. Ultrasound features were defined according to previous studies and collected prospectively. Fourteen informative features were used to train and test the machine to obtain a diagnostic model (Morphonode Predictive Model). The following data classifiers were integrated: (I) random forest classifiers (RCF), (II) regression binomial model (RBM), (III) decisional tree (DT), and (IV) similarity profiling (SP). RFC predicted metastatic/non-metastatic lymph nodes with an accuracy of 93.3% and a negative predictive value of 97.1%. DT identified four specific signatures correlated with the risk of metastases and the point risk of each signature was 100%, 81%, 16% and 4%, respectively. The Morphonode Predictive Model could be easily integrated into the clinical routine for preoperative stratification of vulvar cancer patients.

Prognostic Significance of Ultrasound Characteristics and Body Mass Index in Patients with Apparent Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Cohort Study.

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic impact (defined as disease-free-DFS and overall survival-OS) of the ultrasound scan tumor parameters, patients' anthropometric parameters, and their combination in early-stage cervical cancer. The secondary aim was to assess the relation between ultrasound characteristics and pathological parametrial infiltration. This is a retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study. Consecutive patients with clinical FIGO 2018 stage IA1-IB2 and IIA1 cervical cancer who underwent preoperative ultrasound examination and radical surgery between 02/2012 and 06/2019 were included. Patients who underwent neo-adjuvant treatment, fertility sparing surgery, and pre-operative conization were excluded. Data from 164 patients were analyzed. Body mass index (BMI) ≤20 Kg/m2 (p < 0.001) and ultrasound tumor volume (p = 0.038) were related to a higher risk of recurrence. The ratios between ultrasound tumor volume and BMI, ultrasound tumor volume and height, and ultrasound largest tumor diameter and BMI were significantly related to a higher risk of recurrence (p = 0.011, p = 0.031, and p = 0.017, respectively). The only anthropometric characteristic related to a higher risk of death was BMI ≤20 Kg/m2 (p = 0.021). In the multivariate analysis, the ratio between ultrasound-measured largest tumor diameter and cervix-fundus uterine diameter (with 37 as the cut-off) was significantly associated with pathological microscopic parametrial infiltration (p = 0.018). In conclusion, a low BMI was the most significant anthropometric biomarker impairing DFS and OS in patients with apparent early-stage cervical cancer. The ratios between ultrasound tumor volume and BMI, ultrasound tumor volume and height, and ultrasound largest tumor diameter and BMI significantly affected DFS but not OS. The ratio between ultrasound-measured largest tumor diameter and cervix-fundus uterine diameter was related to parametrial infiltration. These novel prognostic parameters may be useful in pre-operative workup for a patient-tailored treatment in early-stage cervical cancer.

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy in patients with suspicious primary advanced tubo-ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of pathological diagnosis by transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy versus surgery in patients with suspicious primary advanced tubo-ovarian carcinoma. The Feasibility, adequacy, and safety of the procedure were also evaluated. METHODS: Consecutive women with pre-operative suspicious primary advanced tubo-ovarian carcinoma presenting between July 2019 and September 2021 were enrolled. Accuracy was calculated including only cases who underwent surgery. Feasibility was defined as the number of cases in which ultrasound-guided biopsy was possible according to tumor characteristics (morphology and site). Adequacy was defined as the number of conclusive diagnoses out of the samples collected. Safety was defined by the number of major complications which were defined as hospitalization, surgery, and/or blood transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 278 patients were eligible for the study; 158 were enrolled, while 120 were excluded for logistic reasons or patient refusal. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was not feasible in 30 (19%) patients. The samples obtained in the remaining 128 patients were all adequate (100%), and no major complications were noted. A total of 26 (20%) patients started neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the basis of the diagnosis obtained by ultrasound, whereas 102 (80%) patients underwent surgery. Accuracy of ultrasound-guided biopsy versus surgery was 94% (96/102), with six false negative cases at ultrasound (6%). Site (prevesical peritoneum) and size (<8 mm) of the nodules resulted as major predictive factors for ultrasound-guided biopsy failure (false negative). Ultrasound-guided biopsy correctly identified 86 primary invasive tubo-ovarian carcinomas and 10 metastatic tumors. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a feasible, safe, and accurate method to provide histological diagnosis in suspicious advanced tubo-ovarian cancer patients.

Transobturator tape versus single incision sling: how are they different? Clinical outcomes and ultrasonographic features of two mid-urethral slings.

PURPOSE: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is usually treated with mid-urethral slings. The best approach is still debated and the relationship between slings and pelvic structures is not completely understood. The aim of this study is to identify any difference between trans-obturator tape (TOT) and single incision sling (minisling). METHODS: Patients submitted to TOT or minisling were included in the study. Q-tip and stress test, ICIQ-SF questionnaire, PGI-I validated score, and 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound parameters were collected at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Correlations between ultrasound parameters and clinical outcomes, PGI-I and ICIq-SF, were performed. RESULTS: 61 patients were included in the study. PGI-I score was significantly lower in the minisling group than in TOT group at 1-month (p = 0.016) and 6-month follow-up (p = 0.076). The median distance between the sling and the lumen of urethra was significantly higher and the angle between the branches of the sling was significantly narrower in the minisling group. There were significant differences in distances between the sling and the bladder neck at 1-month and 6-month follow-up. An inverse correlation between angle of the branches and the Q-tip test was observed (p = 0.059 Pearson's Rho - 0.578). PGI-I correlated also with angle of the branches (p = 0.009, Pearson's Rho 0.503). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing TOT or minisling are similarly satisfied but show differences at ultrasound exam at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Pelvic floor ultrasound could be used in a short-term follow-up to visualize the sling position and to plan the most appropriate follow-up strategy.

Features of cystadenofibroma on magnetic resonance imaging: an update using the O-RADS lexicon and considering diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging.

PURPOSE: Cystadenofibroma (CAF) is a rare tumour of the ovary that can be confused with a borderline or malignant lesion due to its morphological characteristics. The study aims to analyse the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) features of histologically proven ovarian cystadenofibromas according to lexicon-based and O-RADS (Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System) descriptors, with particular attention to time-intensity curves (TIC) and Diffusion-Weighted sequences (DWI); we also wanted to test the performance of O-RADS MRI risk stratification system in this particular subgroup of patients. METHODS: We have included all patients who performed MR between October 2019 and December 2021 after an inconclusive trans-vaginal ultrasound. All patients underwent surgery with histological results of CAF. According to the O-RADS lexicon, we reported the morphological characteristics of each lesion and their appearance in the perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and DWI sequences. We assessed the risk of malignancy for each lesion through O-RADS MRI score. RESULTS: Twenty-one histologically proven CAF were analysed, of which 20 benign and one borderline with degeneration into adenocarcinoma. We described the typical morphological characteristics of CAF according to lexicon-based and O-RADS descriptors. Analysis of time-intensity curves (TIC) in PWI sequences showed a slow and progressive enhancement of solid tissue (type I curve), configuring an O-RADS score of 2 or 3, except for the only malignant lesion that showed a type II curve and restriction in DWI (O-RADS 4). CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the largest comprising PWI and DWI sequences, highlighting their pivotal role. O-RADS score correctly classified the masses as benign or malignant.

The Role of Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Inguinal Lymph Nodes in Patients with Vulvar Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of ultrasound in assessing the inguinal lymph nodes in patients with vulvar cancer. METHODS: A systematic review of published research up to October 2020 that compares the results of ultrasound to determine groin node status with histology was conducted. All study types that reported primary data on the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of groin lymph nodes in vulvar cancer were included in the systematic review. Data retrieved from the included studies were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: After the screening and selection process, eight articles were deemed pertinent for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The random-effects model showed a pooled Se of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81-0.89), Sp of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81-0.91), PPV of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.54-0.79) and NPV of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.91-0.94). There was a pooled LR+ and LR- of 6.44 (95% CI: 3.72-11.4) and 0.20 (95% CI: 0.14-0.27), respectively. The pooled accuracy was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Although the studies had small sample sizes, this review represents the best summary of the data so far. Ultrasound has revealed high sensitivity and high negative predictive value in the assessment of nodal status in vulvar cancer.

Pan-Cancer Detection and Typing by Mining Patterns in Large Genome-Wide Cell-Free DNA Sequencing Datasets.

BACKGROUND: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis holds great promise for non-invasive cancer screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. We hypothesized that mining the patterns of cfDNA shallow whole-genome sequencing datasets from patients with cancer could improve cancer detection. METHODS: By applying unsupervised clustering and supervised machine learning on large cfDNA shallow whole-genome sequencing datasets from healthy individuals (n = 367) and patients with different hematological (n = 238) and solid malignancies (n = 320), we identified cfDNA signatures that enabled cancer detection and typing. RESULTS: Unsupervised clustering revealed cancer type-specific sub-grouping. Classification using a supervised machine learning model yielded accuracies of 96% and 65% in discriminating hematological and solid malignancies from healthy controls, respectively. The accuracy of disease type prediction was 85% and 70% for the hematological and solid cancers, respectively. The potential utility of managing a specific cancer was demonstrated by classifying benign from invasive and borderline adnexal masses with an area under the curve of 0.87 and 0.74, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This approach provides a generic analytical strategy for non-invasive pan-cancer detection and cancer type prediction.

Diagnostic performance of ultrasound in assessing the extension of disease in advanced ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgical exploration remains the gold standard for evaluating the extension of disease and predicting resectability. A laparoscopy-based scoring model was developed by Fagotti and colleagues in 2006 and updated in 2015, based on the intraoperative presence or absence of some specific cancer features. The model proved an overall accuracy rate of 77% to 100% and is considered the reference test for assessing resectability in our institution. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of the study was to analyze the agreement between preoperative ultrasound examination and laparoscopic findings in assessing the extension of intraabdominal disease using 6 parameters described by Fagotti's score. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective single-center observational study. Between January 2019 and June 2020, consecutive patients with clinical or radiological suspicion of ovarian or peritoneal cancer were assessed with preoperative ultrasound examination and assigned a score based on the 6 Fagotti score parameters (great omentum, liver surface, lesser omentum/stomach/spleen, parietal peritoneum, diaphragms, bowel disease). Presence of mesenteral retraction of the small bowel and miliary carcinomatosis on the serosa were also evaluated. Each parameter was correlated with laparoscopic findings. Concordance was calculated between ultrasound and laparoscopic parameters using Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: Cohen's kappa ranged from 0.70 to 0.90 for carcinomatosis on the small or large bowel, supracolic omentum, liver surface, and diaphragms. Cohen's kappa test was lower for carcinomatosis on the parietal peritoneum (k=0.63) and on the lesser omentum or lesser curvature of the stomach or spleen (k=0.54). The agreement between ultrasound and surgical predictive index value (score) was k=0.74. For the evaluation of mesenteral retraction and miliary carcinomatosis, the agreement was low (k=0.57 and k=0.36, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of ultrasound and laparoscopy in the assessment of intraabdominal tumor spread were in substantial agreement for almost all the parameters. Ultrasound examination can play a useful role in the preoperative management of patients with ovarian cancer when used in dedicated referral centers.

Complete Uterine Septum, Double Cervix and Vaginal Septum (U2b C2 V1): Hysteroscopic Management and Fertility Outcomes-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: complete uterine septum, double cervix and vaginal septum is a rare complex Müllerian anomaly affecting patients' quality of life in terms of fertility and pelvic pain. The aim of our review is to gather the studies concerning the diagnosis and treatment this complex malformation and to describe the related fertility outcomes. METHODS: this study was conducted in 2022, according to the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the protocol was submitted to the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases were searched to find eligible articles. In total, 538 articles were identified through literature research. A total of ten articles satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. RESULTS: 86 affected women were evaluated, and 71 of them were treated. Almost all patients included in our research presented with primary infertility or with a history of recurrent miscarriages; half of all patients also reported dyspareunia. After surgical treatment, 47 pregnancies were achieved: 41 live birth and ongoing pregnancies and six spontaneous miscarriages occurred; a significantly lower miscarriage rate was reported after surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: hysteroscopic treatment of U2b C2 V1 anomaly can be safely performed, leading to favorable fertility outcomes, measured as the achievement of pregnancy and a reduction in miscarriage rate.

Peripherally-driven myeloid NFkB and IFN/ISG responses predict malignancy risk, survival, and immunotherapy regime in ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tumors can influence peripheral immune macroenvironment, thereby creating opportunities for non-invasive serum/plasma immunobiomarkers for immunostratification and immunotherapy designing. However, current approaches for immunobiomarkers' detection are largely quantitative, which is unreliable for assessing functional peripheral immunodynamics of patients with cancer. Hence, we aimed to design a functional biomarker modality for capturing peripheral immune signaling in patients with cancer for reliable immunostratification. METHODS: We used a data-driven in silico framework, integrating existing tumor/blood bulk-RNAseq or single-cell (sc)RNAseq datasets of patients with cancer, to inform the design of an innovative serum-screening modality, that is, serum-functional immunodynamic status (sFIS) assay. Next, we pursued proof-of-concept analyses via multiparametric serum profiling of patients with ovarian cancer (OV) with sFIS assay combined with Luminex (cytokines/soluble immune checkpoints), CA125-antigen detection, and whole-blood immune cell counts. Here, sFIS assay's ability to determine survival benefit or malignancy risk was validated in a discovery (n=32) and/or validation (n=699) patient cohorts. Lastly, we used an orthotopic murine metastatic OV model, with anti-OV therapy selection via in silico drug-target screening and murine serum screening via sFIS assay, to assess suitable in vivo immunotherapy options. RESULTS: In silico data-driven framework predicted that peripheral immunodynamics of patients with cancer might be best captured via analyzing myeloid nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) signaling and interferon-stimulated genes' (ISG) responses. This helped in conceptualization of an 'in sitro' (in vitro+in situ) sFIS assay, where human myeloid cells were exposed to patients' serum in vitro, to assess serum-induced (si)-NFκB or interferon (IFN)/ISG responses (as active signaling reporter activity) within them, thereby 'mimicking' patients' in situ immunodynamic status. Multiparametric serum profiling of patients with OV established that sFIS assay can: decode peripheral immunology (by indicating higher enrichment of si-NFκB over si-IFN/ISG responses), estimate survival trends (si-NFκB or si-IFN/ISG responses associating with negative or positive prognosis, respectively), and coestimate malignancy risk (relative to benign/borderline ovarian lesions). Biologically, we documented dominance of pro-tumorigenic, myeloid si-NFκB responseHIGHsi-IFN/ISG responseLOW inflammation in periphery of patients with OV. Finally, in an orthotopic murine metastatic OV model, sFIS assay predicted the higher capacity of chemo-immunotherapy (paclitaxel-carboplatin plus anti-TNF antibody combination) in achieving a pro-immunogenic peripheral milieu (si-IFN/ISG responseHIGHsi-NFκB responseLOW), which aligned with high antitumor efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: We established sFIS assay as a novel biomarker resource for serum screening in patients with OV to evaluate peripheral immunodynamics, patient survival trends and malignancy risk, and to design preclinical chemo-immunotherapy strategies.

Pearls and Potential Pitfalls for Correct Diagnosis of Ovarian Cystadenofibroma in MRI: A Pictorial Essay.

Ovarian cystadenofibroma is a benign ovarian tumor that is characterized by a consistent percentage of masses, which remain indeterminate in ultrasonography and require magnetic resonance (MR) investigation; they may mimic borderline or malignant lesions. Three main morphologic patterns, resembling different ovarian neoplasms, can be identified in cystadenofibromas: multilocular solid lesions, unilocular cystic lesions with parietal thickening, and purely cystic masses. However, a cystoadenofibroma has typical features, such as T2-weighted hypointensity associated with no restrictions in diffusion-weighted imaging (the so-called "dark-dark appearance") and progressive post-contrast enhancement (type I perfusion curve). The purpose of this study was to review the features of ovarian cystadenofibromas in MR imaging and to suggest pearls and pitfalls regarding their correct diagnosis.