Prognostic parameters for successful external cephalic version.

OBJECTIVE: To improve patient consultation before external cephalic version (ECV) attempt at term by defining prognostic parameters for the success of the procedure. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study set in a university teaching hospital. We prospectively collected demographic and obstetric data from 603 ECV attempts at our center for the period between January 1997 and June 2005. Analysis was performed by stepwise logistic regression of the demographic and obstetric parameters. The main outcome measure was success of ECV attempt. RESULTS: Success rates were 72.3% and 46.1% for multiparas and nulliparas, respectively. Prognostic parameters associated with successful ECV were amniotic fluid index > 7 cm, multiparity, non-frank breech, non-anterior placental location, and body mass index < 25. CONCLUSION: Prognostic parameters, particularly amniotic fluid index and multiparity, can help physicians in counseling parturients before deciding on ECV.

Rudimentary horn pregnancy: first-trimester prerupture sonographic diagnosis and confirmation by magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Two cases of rudimentary horn pregnancy diagnosed in the first trimester by sonography and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reported. We suggest criteria for early, prerupture sonographic diagnosis of this rare condition. METHODS: We report a case in which pregnancy in a rudimentary horn was suspected on routine sonographic examination. In the second case, sonographic examination at 11 weeks' gestation revealed a right unicornuate uterus and a noncommunicating left rudimentary horn containing a gestational sac. In both cases, MRI clearly confirmed the sonographic diagnosis, showing an empty cavity of the uterine body and a pregnant uterine horn without an endometrial communication to the uterine body. RESULTS: Both patients underwent surgery, and the pregnant rudimentary horns were resected with no complications. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest the following criteria for sonographic diagnosis of rudimentary horn pregnancy: (1) a pseudopattern of a asymmetrical bicornuate uterus, (2) absent visual continuity tissue surrounding the gestational sac and the uterine cervix, and (3) the presence of myometrial tissue surrounding the gestational sac. Typical hypervascularization of placenta accreta may support the diagnosis. Additionally, MRI can be used to confirm the diagnosis before an invasive procedure is undertaken.