Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumors: Is Fertility Preservation Possible?

Yolk sac tumors make up 14% to 20% of all malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are elevated in a significant number of patients and are useful for monitoring the response to treatment and for post-treatment surveillance. Surgery is required for diagnosis, staging, and treatment. The first case is a 12-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain. The ultrasonography (US) showed a huge pelvic tumor. AFP level was high (1000 mg/ml). Right salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were done. Histopathology reported yolk sac tumor of ovary. She received 3 courses of bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP). The second case is a 25-year-old G1AB1 presented with pelvic pain and distension. The US showed a huge pelvic tumor in the right abdominopelvic region. AFP level was high (1000 mg/ml). Right salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and appendectomy were done. Histopathology reported yolk sac tumor of ovary. The patient received four cycles of BEP protocol; AFP level decreased to 10 mg/ml after the four cycles of chemotherapy. The third case is a 21-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain. The US showed a huge pelvic tumor in the right adnexa. AFP level was high (8700 mg/ml). Right salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were done. Yolk sac tumor is rare in children and it could be cured usually. In this study, we described three patients with ovarian yolk sac tumors and their fertility preservation treatments.These cases has reminded that in young age with high AFP levels and rapidly growing ovarian mass, diagnosis of the yolk sac tumor has to be kept in mind.

Are ROMA and HE4 More Accurate than CA-125, in Predicting of Ovarian Epithelial Carcinoma?

Background: Evaluation of ovarian tumors based on tumor markers could have high clinical importance. In this study, we aimed to assess the predictive value of HE4 and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) compared to CA-125 in the Malignancy of ovarian epithelial masses. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2020-2021 including 203 patients. Serum HE4 and CA-125 levels were checked before surgery. According to the pathology report (benign, borderline, or malignant epithelial mass), the predictive values of the three markers were evaluated. Results: About 146 cases were benign; 14 cases were borderline and 43 cases were malignant. Most patients (69.8%) in the malignant group were in stage 3. Significantly higher levels of all three markers (CA-125, HE4, and ROMA) were found in patients with malignant tumors compared to benign or borderline tumors (P < 0.001 for all). The sensitivity of CA-125 was the highest (90.7%) in pre- and post-menopausal patients but the specificity of HE4 and ROMA were higher than CA-125 (98.1% and 97.5%, respectively, versus 86.9% for CA-125). In post-menopausal patients, both sensitivities of HE4 and ROMA were 90.5% and the specificity and sensitivity of CA-125 were the highest (95.2% and 100%). In premenopausal patients, the sensitivity of ROMA (90.9%) and the specificity of HE4 (100%) were the highest. Conclusions: HE4 and ROMA are not necessary for postmenopausal patients in low-resource areas and a check of serum CA-125 will be enough. The higher-cost, ROMA, and HE4 checks are recommended in premenopausal people because they are more sensitive.

Ureterocele mimicking uterine polyp in a young woman presenting with a vulvar mass: A case report.

Ureterocele is a distal ureteral segment cystic dilatation. Its prevalence in women ranges from 1/5000 to 1/12000. A 22-year-old adult female presented with a vulvar tumor with left-side pain. She was a candidate for an interlabial lump biopsy. A vulvar growth mimicking a uterine polyp was identified during her further evaluation. On ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis, a left-sided hydronephrisis (grade 1), proximal ureteral dilatation, and a ureterocele related to the distal portion of the left ureter that protruded into the urethra were detected. Under anesthesia examination, the ureterocele was removed.

Comparison of Ultrasound and Tumor Marker CA125 in Diagnosis of Adnexal Mass Malignancies.

Background: CA125 is the most used tumor marker for ovarian cancer monitoring and diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity to predict malignancy in women with adnexal tumors using CA125 measurement and ultrasound criteria before the pathological examination. Materials and Methods: This observational diagnostic study was conducted on 300 patients with obvious diagnosis of adnexal mass consists of ovarian masses, fallopian tubes, and masses within the broad ligament referring to Alzahra and Beheshti Hospitals from 2018 to 2019. Ultrasound examinations were done before surgery and malignancy risk was investigated by the ADNEX criterion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (likelihood ratio [LR]+ and LR-), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: From 284 patients, 260 masses were categorized in benign, 18 were in borderline, and 18 masses were malignant. The mean age of patients with malignant tumors was significantly higher than the others (P = 0.01). Differences in the level of CA-125 were not statistically significant (P = 0.78). Furthermore, the proportion of ascites in the malignant group (16.3%) was significantly higher than the others (P = 0.003). The AUC in ADNEX model (cutoff ≥9%) for differentiation of benign and malignant tumors was 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.80) with a sensitivity of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.41-0.81) and a specificity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74-0.84). Receiver operating characteristic analysis for CA-125 revealed that this variable is not capable for discrimination between benign and malignant tumors as the AUCs of the aforementioned variable were 0.60, 0.60, and 0.52 for the whole patients, premenopause, and postmenopause categories. Conclusion: CA-125 marker, along with other ultrasound findings, can be more accurate in identifying the malignancy of the adnexa tumor.

Diagnostic Values of Pipelle and Standard Curettage Compared to Hysterectomy Pathology in Postmenopausal Bleeding: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal bleeding might occur due to many benign and malignant underlying diseases. Differentiating between these diseases poses a great importance. This study was designed to compare the diagnostic value of pipelle endometrial sampling and curettage in patients with postmenopausal bleeding. Further, the results were compared with hysterectomy if performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with postmenopausal bleeding were included. Pipelle sampling endometrial biopsy was performed for patients in office, and then, patients were transferred to the operation room for dilatation and curettage. Pathology results of pipelle sampling were compared with curettage method. If hysterectomy was performed due to any reason, it was compared as well. RESULTS: The pipelle sampling biopsy diagnosed 94.1% of malignant tumors, and curettage sampling biopsy diagnosed 100% of malignant tumors. The sensitivity and specificity of pipelle compared to curettage were 94.12% and 100%, respectively, for the diagnosis of malignant tumors. Based on the Kappa test, the agreement between pipelle and curettage sampling biopsy was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The endometrial sampling with pipelle is safe and cost-effective in patients referred with postmenopausal bleeding. This might avoid the need for general anesthesia for the detection of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial malignancy.

Which Protocol is better for Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy by Methotrexate? Single-dose or Multiple-dose.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the most common cause of death in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methotrexate (MTX) is an acceptable treatment in the cases with the lack of tube rupture or no important one, which has reduced surgical treatment. Despite numerous studies, there is still no consensus about medications. The present study is aimed to evaluate the single- and multiple-dose of MTX among these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study was done on 108 EP patients who were selected for the systemic MTX treatment and divided into two groups. For the single-dose group, MTX was administered once and ß human chorionic gonadotropin (ßHCG) levels were measured first and then on days 4 and 7. In the multi-dose group, 1 mg/kg MTX was injected on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. In both groups, MTX was prescribed following these days if ßHCG was not reduced. In the two groups, ßHCG levels were assessed after 1 week. The success rate of treatment and complications were followed up and recorded up to 6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The success rate in the single-dose and multiple-dose MTX group was 47% and 51%. The MTX level in the single dose group decreased from 2532 ± 1154 mIU/mL to 1341 ± 553 mIU/mL and in the multiple dose group from 2671 ± 2685 mIU/mL to 1313 ± 605 mIU/mL (P < 0.05). Although a significant decrease was observed in each of the two groups over time, no significant difference was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Single and multi-dose regimen did not show a significant difference in terms of the success of treatment. Therefore, given that the lower dose of the drug associated with lower the risk of complications, it is safe to choose the single-dose regimen.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Benign and Malignant Ovarian Masses Versus Pathologic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The results of the former study confirmed the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining the origin and content of ovarian masses. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI in differentiating benign and malignant ovarian masses in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. All candidates for surgery to remove ovarian masses were selected to participate in this study. They underwent MRI with gadolinium before the surgery. MRI images were reviewed by an experienced radiologist who was aware of the ovarian mass found in pelvic ultrasonography (US). A thick-enhancing wall, mural nodules, septations, and internal enhancement within the mass were reviewed by the radiologist. Mass specimens were examined in the laboratory by an experienced pathologist to determine malignancy or benignancy of the masses. Pathological findings were compared with MRI results. RESULTS: there was no significant difference between MRI findings and pathology denoted by benign and malignant (P = 0.06), but results showed a significant difference between US and pathology (P = 0.002). In MRI findings related to a thick-enhancing wall (P = 0.18), internal enhancement (P = 0.18), and pelvic fluid (P = 1.00), no significant difference was seen in benign or malignant masses. However, in findings related to septation, all cases had malignant reports (P = 0.006), and in mural nodule, 80% had malignant reports (P = 0.006). CA-125 blood level in patients with benign masses (1.72 ± 0.97) was significantly less than patients with malignant masses (3.20 ± 0.83) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We showed that MRI has better results in diagnosing adnexal masses and their characteristics compared to simple ultrasound imaging based on pathological studies.

Diagnostic accuracy of gynecology imaging reporting and data system in evaluation of adnexal lesions.

BACKGROUND: Considering the increasing incidence rate of ovarian cancer in worldwide and the utility of Gynecologic Imaging Reporting and Data System (GI-RADS) in diagnosing malignant adnexal lesions such as ovarian cancer, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of this reporting system in differentiating between malignant and benign adnexal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, women with suspected adnexal lesions were enrolled. For differentiating of malignant adnexal lesions, Grade II and III of GI-RADS system were classified as low risk for malignancy and Grades IV and V as high risk. Results of histopathologic diagnosis were compared with the results of the mentioned GI-RADS system classification, and the diagnosed accuracy of the system was determined. Patients who did not have histopathologic diagnosis were followed up. RESULTS: In this study, 197 women with suspected adnexal lesions were evaluated. Frequency of GI-RADS II, III, IV, and V were 34.5% (69 cases), 38.0% (76 cases), 19.5% (39 cases), and 6.5% (13 cases), respectively. According to the low- and high-risk classification of GI-RADS, 72.5% were classified as GI-RADS II and III and 26% as GI-RADS IV and V, respectively. Definitive histopathologic diagnosis was reported for 158 cases. Histopathologic evaluation indicated that 12 (7.6%) of the masses were malignant and 146 (92.6%) were benign. Comparing with the histopathologic diagnosis, the GI-RADS system sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio (LR), and negative LR were 91.6%, 80.82%, 28.2%, 99.1%, 4.77, and 0.10, respectively. The accuracy of the scoring system was 81.64%. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that using GI-RADS, we could quantify the risk of malignancy by such a structured as well as simple reporting system so that the system could be useful for clinicians for performing an appropriate clinical management.

Evaluation of ovarian function after hysterectomy with or without salpingectomy: A feasible study.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic salpingectomy for the prevention of ovarian cancer has been recommended strongly. The aim of this study was to compare ovarian function in patients who undergo hysterectomy for benign reasons with or without bilateral salpingectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a clinical-trial study on patients undergone hysterectomy with/without bilateral salpingectomy in Al-Zahra Hospital, in 2015-2016. Demographic information (age, height, and weight) were recorded. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in 2-5 days of menstrual cycle before operation. Patients were asked to refer in 6 months for follow-up, including FSH and LH re-measurement and also menopausal status examination. Patients were divided into age groups of 39-45, 46-50, and ≥51 and also groups of body mass index including 18.5-24.9, 25-29.9, and 30-34.9. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients divided into two groups, including 22 patients undergone hysterectomy without salpingectomy (H) and 15 undergone hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy (H-bS). The mean age (standard deviation) of Group H was 47.77 (3.03) and Group H-bS was 48.47 (2.03) (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the mean level of FSH and LH before surgery was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The mean level of FSH and LH changes was not significant between H and H-bS groups (P = 0.17), (P = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Bilateral salpingectomy during hysterectomy did not increase the risk of ovarian dysfunction after 6 months follow-up.

Presentation of Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor with Amenorrhea.

Placental site throphoblastic tumor (PSTT) is a rare manifestation of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia that may complicate any type of pregnancy. The disease is unique from other type, and is defined by slow growth, low human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) serum levels, the late-onset metastatic potential, and most significantly, insensitivity to chemotherapy. We describe a case of a 31-year-old woman with prolonged amenorrhea and slightly elevated serum beta hCG (ßhCG) level, referred for termination of abnormal pregnancy. During curettage, necrotic tissue was removed and severs vaginal bleeding was controlled with medical therapy. Histology examination showed neoplastic intermediate trophoblastic cells with invasion to the vessel wall compatible with PSTT. After that, hysterectomy was down and serum ßhCG declined to undetectable level 2 weeks after surgery and was followed for 2 years without complication.

Extensive Overgrowth of Sex Cord-Like Differentiation in Uterine Mullerian Adenosarcoma: A Rare and Challenging Entity.

Sex cord-like differentiation has been well documented in endometrial stromal tumors. On the basis of the extent of sex cord differentiation, uterine stromal tumors with this kind of differentiation have been classified into 2 subgroups of endometrial stromal tumor with sex cord-like elements and uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex cord tumor. When extensive, this differentiation has been accompanied with indolent clinical behavior and rather good prognosis in most cases. Sex cord differentiation has been rarely observed in uterine mullerian adenosarcoma. Only 3 cases of such occurrence have been reported in the English literature. Herein, we report a case of uterine mullerian adenosarcoma extensively overgrown by uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor in a young woman. The presence of an ovarian sex cord tumor component has been confirmed by immunohistochemistry. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second report of such a case in the English literature.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in early stage of endometrial and cervical cancers.

BACKGROUND: The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is defined as the first chain node in the lymphatic basin that receives primary lymphatic flow. If the SLN is negative for metastatic disease, then other nodes are expected to be disease-free. SLN techniques have been extensively applied in the staging and treatment of many tumors, including melanoma, breast and vulvar cancers. This study aims to evaluate our technique in SLN mapping in early stage endometrial and cervical cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We scheduled a cross-sectional pilot study for patients undergoing staging surgery for endometrial and cervical cancer from November 2012 to February 2014 in Beheshti and Sadoughi Hospitals. Our SLN mapping technique included 1 h preoperative or intraoperative injection of 4 ml of 1% methylene blue dye in the tumor site. At the time of surgery, blue lymph nodes were removed and labeled as SLNs. Then systematic lymph node dissection was completed, and all of the nodes were sent for pathologic examination concerning metastatic involvement. All of the sentinel nodes were first stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined. Those negative in this study were then stained with immunohistochemistry using anti-keratin antibody. Descriptive statistics, sensitivity, negative predictive values (NPV), false negative (FN) and detection rates were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients including 62% endometrial and 38% cervical cancers enrolled in the study. Median of SLN count in the endometrial and cervical cancers was 3 and 2, respectively. Among endometrial and cervical cancers, detection rate of metastatic disease was 80% and 87.5%, respectively. The FN rate for this technique was 0 and the sensitivity and NPV are 100% for both endometrial and cervical cancers. CONCLUSION: Considering the lower risk of metastases in early stage of both endometrial and cervical cancers, SLN technique allows for confident and accurate staging of cancer.

Factors associated with delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer in Iran--a survey in Isfahan City.

BACKGROUND: In the absence of routine screening program for cervical cancer in Iran and high rate of diagnosed cancer in its advanced stage, recognition of sociodemographic factors related to delayed diagnosis of cancer in Iran could be helpful in reducing the burden of disease in our community. The aim of this study was to determine the stage of cervical cancer at diagnosis and factors related to delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer in Isfahan, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study women diagnosed with cervical cancer for the first time by histo-pathological examination were enrolled. According to the clinical and paraclinical findings and staging of the cancer, they were classified into early and delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer. Sociodemographic factors were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: In this study of 55 women mean age was 48.3±12.0. According to our classification 6/55 (10.9%) and 49/55 (89.1%) of them had early and delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer. Delayed diagnosis of the cancer was significantly higher in patients with lower degree of education, lower socioeconomic status, having smoker and addict husband and those who did not have a history of Pap smear test (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated risk factors related to delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer. The affected women should be targeted for implementation of specialized educational programmes for improving knowledge and screening test.

Study of 2 years follow-up of referral patients with abnormal Pap smear.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal Pap smear consists of premalignant or malignant cervical lesions. Many of premalignant cervical lesions will never progress to invasive malignancy, or even may regress over the time. Thus, there is always a risk of overtreatment of patients with an abnormal Pap smear. A long-term follow-up of these patients can reveal final events associated with each subtype of abnormal Pap smear, and, therefore, help us to prevent unnecessary interventions. The aim of our study was to present 2 years follow-up of referral patients with abnormal Pap smear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 334 consecutive women aged more than 16 who were referred with an abnormal Pap smear were entered into the study. Patients were followed with biannual Pap smear and annual colposcopy and biopsy for 2 years. RESULTS: At baseline, the majority of patients with abnormal Pap smear were normal on colposcopy and biopsy (68% and 86%, respectively). Six months after first abnormal Pap smear majority of patients in each group showed a significant regress to normal or less invasive lesion (P < 0.001). Twelve patients (4%) had no change in Pap smear, whereas 313 (94%) had at least one stage improvement. Only nine (3%) patients had deteriorated Pap smear after 6 months. All 308 patients who underwent colposcopy and biopsy had normal Pap smear 24 months after the first abnormal Pap smear. CONCLUSION: Pap smear is associated with a high rate of false-positive results. In addition, the majority of low-grade cervical lesions can spontaneously regress. A long-term follow-up of a patient with abnormal Pap smear can help us to avoid needless interventions.

Placenta increta as an important cause of uterine mass after first-trimester Curettage (case report).

Placenta increta during the first trimester of pregnancy is very rare. This report describes two cases of placenta increta that caused prolonged vaginal bleeding after a first-trimester abortion. We were encountered two cases of placenta increta in October 2012 and May 2013. Case I: A 35-year-old patient with continues vaginal bleeding from 2 months after curettage due to missed abortion in the first trimester. The uterus was large, the human chorionic gonadotropin (BHCG) level was 112 mUI/mL and ultrasound showed an echogenic mass in the lower segment of the uterine cavity. She was a candidate for curettage but received hysterectomy because of massive vaginal bleeding. Pathology reported placenta increta. Case II: A 32-year-old patient in the 12th week of gestation with missed abortion. After 6 weeks from curettage, she returned with continues vaginal bleeding, BHCG = 55 mUI/mL and sonography showing mixed echo lesion in the uterine cavity like hydatiform mole. Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed. Pathology reported placenta increta. In patients with a history of recent first-trimester abortion presenting with prolonged vaginal bleeding, uterine mass and low-level BHCG, a diagnosis of abnormal placentaion should be kept in mind.

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) in compare to medroxyprogesterone acetate as a therapy for endometrial hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the comparison of insertion of levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing intrauterine system versus oral medroxyprogesterone acetate on endometrial hyperplasia in a randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 women with the initial histopathological diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia in two groups received LNG or medroxyprogesterone (10 mg/d orally) for 12 days a month for 3 months). Endometrial biopsy was obtained for all patients after 3 months of treatment. Response to treatment was defined based on the histopathology of the post treatment pipelle endometrial specimens in three categories of resolution, persistence and progression. RESULTS: Treatment response rate in patients in the LNG group was 89.3% (25 of 28 patients), versus 70.4% (19 of 27 patients) in patients in the medroxyprogesterone group. The rate of persistence was 10.7% (3 of 28 patients) and 22.2% (6 of 27 patients) in LNG and medroxyprogesterone groups respectively. No progression of endometrial hyperplasia observed in any of the patients in LNG group, but progression of endometrial hyperplasia was observed in 7.4% (2 of 27 patients) in the medroxyprogesterone group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the response to treatment (P = 0.15). Side effects such as bloating, weight gain, fatigue and hair loss were comparable between the groups (P > 0.05). Hirsutism was significantly more in the medroxyprogesterone group than LNG group (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Results showed that the use of LNG for treating endometrial hyperplasia for 3 months was associated with high-treatment response rate and the low proportion of patients with progression compared to the use of medroxyprogesterone.

A case of placental polyp after normal vaginal delivery.

Placental polyp is retained placental tissue within the endometrial cavity, which forms a nidus for inflammation and bleeding. There are very few reported cases of the clinical placental polyp. Here, we report a case of 34-year-old G4L3Ab1 woman with the chief complaint of intermittent vaginal bleeding since her last normal vaginal delivery 3 months ago. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) titer was slightly elevated. A polypoid mass was detected within the endometrial cavity by imaging studies. History of the patient, mass lesion within the endometrial cavity and slightly elevated serum hCG titer raised the suspicion of trophoblastic neoplasms. Endometrial curettage yielded unsatisfactory specimen containing only fibrin deposition and was followed by total hysterectomy. The uterus showed slight global enlargement resulting from the presence of a polypoid mass within the endometrial cavity. The red-colored mass had a smooth outer surface and fragile consistency without any permeation into the myometrium. Pathology reported it as the placental polyp. Although very rare, placental polyp should be kept in mind as one of the reasons of abnormal uterine bleeding in parous women. Definite diagnosis is made by pathology examination.

Misoprostol Abortion: Ultrasonography versus Beta-hCG Testing for Verification of Effectiveness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Miscarriage is a common complication of early pregnancy with medical and psychological consequences. Dilation and Curettage are considered as two standard caring ways for early pregnancy failure. Alternatively misoprostol has been used as a single agent for termination of early pregnancy. Aim of the present study was to compare the usefulness of serum ß-hCG measurement and ultrasound examination to predict complete abortion after medical induction. METHODS: There were one hundred and thirty three patients experiencing missed abortion or blighted ovum. Ultrasound examination and serum ß-hCG test were performed before treatment and during follow-up in all these patients. RESULTS: Treatment was successful without any need for surgical intervention in 92.4% of the cases. Both methods could verify the complete abortion among all the patients at the end of the study (4(th) week). Kappa agreement coefficient for the two methods of diagnosis was 0.327 (P < 0.5). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, ß- hCG is as effective as ultrasound in confirming a successful medically induced abortion in early pregnancy, but it should be used as supplements to clinical assessments.

Immediate grafting of transected obturator nerve during radical hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative injury of obturator nerve has rarely been reported in patients with gynecological malignancies who undergo extensive radical surgeries. Irreversible damage of this nerve causes thigh paresthesia and claudication. Intraoperative repair may be done by end to end anastomosis or grafting when achieving tension-free anastomosis is not possible. CASE HISTORY: A 46-year-old woman with stage IIA cervical cancer underwent radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Left obturator nerve was damaged intraoperatively during pelvic dissection. Immediate microsurgical grafting of the sural nerve was successful and there was no functional deficit in the left thigh for 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: As far as transection and damage of obturator nerve cause thigh claudication, paresthesia and cosmetic problems due to atrophy of related group of muscles, we recommend precise anastomosis of this nerve and grafting whenever achieving a tension-free anastomosis is not possible.

Term delivery following successful treatment of choriocarcinoma with brain metastases, a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral metastases from choriocarcinoma are a poor prognostic indicator of outcome in both the World Health Organization and FIGO classification systems. Although gestational trophoblastic neoplasia has become the most curable of gynecological malignancies, failure rate among "high-risk" patients is still high despite of the use of aggressive multidrug regimens. CASE: A 27-year-old woman (G(4)P(2)Ab(1)) presented with hemiplegia due to brain metastases of choriocarcinoma 1 year after spontaneous abortion. She underwent craniotomy and was treated with nine courses of multiple agent etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin- etoposide, and cisplatinum (EMA-EP) regimen combined with whole brain irradiation. She delivered a term healthy child 2 years after termination of treatment. CONCLUSION: Multiagent EMA-EP chemotherapy and whole brain irradiation with craniotomy in selected patients preserves fertility and may improve a patient overall prognosis.