Uterocervical angle as a predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of uterocervical angle (UCA) compared with cervical length (CL) to predict the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in twin pregnancies and its performance when it was included in a combined predictive model of clinical and ultrasonographic parameters. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies undergoing transvaginal ultrasound between 19+0-21+6 weeks to measure CL during routine second trimester scan from January 2015 through December 2016. Recorded ultrasound images of CL were reassessed to evaluate UCA. Medical and obstetric data were also collected for statistical analysis. A logistic regression model was created for predicting sPTB including UCA and other variables. RESULTS: A total of 177 women were included. The rates of sPTB rate below 28, 32 and 34 weeks of gestation were 4.5%, 6.8% and 12.4%, respectively. ROC curves showed a better area under the curve (AUC) for UCA at all gestational ages compared with CL (AUC for sPTB <28 weeks 0.840 (p = .005) vs 0.627 (p = .388); AUC for sPTB <32 weeks 0.706 (p = .022) vs 0.619 (p = .255); AUC for sPTB <34 weeks 0.674 (p = .008) vs 0.568 (p = .344). UCA >117 degrees was significantly associated with sPTB <28 weeks (p = .002; OR 15.3; CI 1.66-142.37; NPV, 99.2%), <32 weeks (OR 3.84; p = .031) and <34 weeks of gestation (OR 3.10; p = .016). Based on multivariate analyses, the best predictive model included uterocervical angle (p = .032), cervical length (p = .002) and maternal height (p = .001) (Nagelkerke R2 0.944). CONCLUSION: In our study, an UCA > 117 degrees allowed to identify those women with twin pregnancies at risk of sPTB and performed better than CL measurement. Our combined prediction model was able to adequately predict the risk of sPTB in the twin pregnancies of our research.

Forma necrótica de úlcera de Lipschütz / Necrotic type of Lipschütz ulcer

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: Las úlceras de Lipschütz son una causa infrecuente de úlcera genital, de alivio espontáneo y casi siempre benignas, aunque en algunas pacientes pueden dejar cicatrices genitales. Lo común es que aparezcan en mujeres jóvenes, antes del inicio de la vida sexual activa, en coincidencia con un cuadro catarral o pseudogripal. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 18 años con una úlcera vulvar dolorosa, coincidente con un episodio de amigdalitis aguda y fiebre de 38 ºC. La paciente negó haber tenido relaciones sexuales. La úlcera alcanzó 3 a 4 cm, profunda, purulenta, con apertura del labio menor derecho y con importante componente necrótico. Para el control del dolor se le indicaron: corticoides, doxiciclina oral, crema con lidocaína y antiinflamatorios. Los análisis de laboratorio descartaron que se tratara de infección de trasmisión sexual. Al término del esquema terapéutico prescrito la evolución fue favorable, con desaparición de los síntomas, pero con una secuela: apertura del labio mayor derecho. CONCLUSIONES: La úlcera de Lipschütz es una causa infrecuente de úlcera vulvar. Su tratamiento consiste en el control de los síntomas y casi siempre se cura en el transcurso de 4 a 6 semanas, sin dejar lesiones. El diagnóstico solo puede establecerse luego de excluir otras causas más frecuentes de úlcera vulvar.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Lipschütz ulcers are an infrequent cause of genital ulcer, of spontaneous relief and almost always benign, although in some patients they may leave genital scars. They usually appear in young women, before the onset of active sexual life, coinciding with a catarrhal or flu-like condition. CLINICAL CASE: 18-year-old female patient with a painful vulvar ulcer, coinciding with an episode of acute tonsillitis and fever of 38 ºC. The patient denied having had sexual intercourse. The ulcer was 3 to 4 cm, deep, purulent, with opening of the right labium minora and with a significant necrotic component. For pain control she was prescribed corticosteroids, oral doxycycline, lidocaine cream and anti-inflammatory drugs. Laboratory tests ruled out sexually transmitted infection. At the end of the prescribed therapeutic scheme the evolution was favorable, with disappearance of symptoms, but with a sequel: opening of the right labium majus. CONCLUSIONS: Lipschütz ulcer is a rare cause of vulvar ulcer. Its treatment consists of symptom control and it almost always heals within 4 to 6 weeks, leaving no lesions. The diagnosis can only be established after other more frequent causes of vulvar ulceration have been excluded.

Uterocervical angle at 20 weeks: A promising predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of uterocervical angle (UCA) and cervical length (CL) measurement at 20 weeks of pregnancy for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 424 twin pregnancies who delivered in our center from October 2014 to December 2018 and who underwent transvaginal ultrasound between 19+0-22+0 weeks to measure CL during routine second trimester scan. Recorded ultrasound images of CL were reassessed to evaluate UCA. Medical and obstetric data were also collected for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 424 women were included. The rates of sPTB rate below 28, 32 and 34 weeks of gestation were 2.8 %, 5.4 % and 10.4 %, respectively. ROC curves showed a better area under the curve (AUC) for UCA at all gestational ages compared with CL (AUC for sPTB <28 weeks 0.902 (p < 0.001) vs 0.620 (p 0.175); AUC for sPTB <32 weeks 0.740 (p 0.001) vs 0.620 (p 0.058); AUC for sPTB <34 weeks 0.676 (p 0.001) vs 0.632 (p 0.047). UCA > 120 degrees was significantly associated with sPTB <28 weeks (p < 0.001; OR 39.17; CI 4.81-319.23; NPV, 99.65 %), <32 weeks (OR 4.23; p 0.002) and <34 weeks of gestation (OR 2.66; p 0.01). CONCLUSION: In our study, an UCA > 120 degrees allowed to identify those women with twin pregnancies at risk of sPTB and performed better than CL measurement.

The Novel Ultrasonographic Marker of Uterocervical Angle for Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Singleton and Twin Pregnancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The alteration of the uterocervical angle (UCA) has been proposed to play an important role in spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the evidence on the UCA predictive role in sPTB. In this study, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar were systematically searched from inception up to June 2020. Inter-study heterogeneity was also assessed using Cochrane's Q test and the I2 statistic. Afterward, the random-effects model was used to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven articles that reported second-trimester UCA of 5,061 pregnancies were included in this study. Our meta-analysis results indicate that a wider UCA significantly increases the risk of sPTB in following cases: all pregnancies (WMD = 15.25, 95% CI: 11.78-18.72, p < 0.001; I2 = 75.9%, p < 0.001), singleton (WMD = 14.43, 95% CI: 8.79-20.06, p < 0.001; I2 = 82.4%, p < 0.001), and twin pregnancies (WMD = 15.14, 95% CI: 13.42-16.87, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.464). A wider ultrasound-measured UCA in the second trimester seems to be associated with the increased risk of sPTB in both singleton and twin pregnancies, which reinforces the clinical evidence that UCA has the potential to be used as a predictive marker of sPTB.

Ultrasound-guided intrasacular injection of methotrexate in the management of ectopic pregnancies with embryo. A 12 year experience report in a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined-therapy with ultrasound guided intrasacular injection of 50 mg of methotrexate (MTX) and a 50 mg/m2 dose of systemic MTX in uncomplicated ectopic pregnancies with ultrasonographic evidence of embryonic structures in the gestational sac. STUDY DESIGN: We designed a retrospective study including 60 patients to assess the efficacy of combined MTX treatment and to determine which clinical or ultrasonographic variables could be associated with successful medical treatment. Failed medical treatment was defined when surgery was needed. For statistical analysis, we developed a descriptive analysis and a univariate logistic regression study. RESULTS: Medical approach was effective in 73.3 % of patients. MTX treatment was successful in 32 (68.1 %) out of 47 tubal pregnancies None of the 4 cervical or 2 abdominal pregnancies required surgery. Six (85.7 %) out of 7 cornual pregnancies were successfully treated. No statistically significant differences were found in the success rates according to clinical data, ultrasound or analytic characteristics of women. CONCLUSION: Combined MTX therapy could be an effective and safe alternative in ectopic pregnancies with embryo in hemodynamically stable women. Clinical, ultrasound or analytic characteristics of patients should not entail a contraindication. In locations where surgery implies a technical difficulty, this option may decrease morbimortality rates frequently associated to a more invasive alternative.

HE4 tumor marker as a predictive factor for lymphatic metastasis in endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer is the most common genital cancer in high-resource countries. Treatment is essentially surgical, but the role of lymphadenectomy in the treatment of low-stage and low-grade tumors has not been defined. Although no tumor factors have been validated for use as preoperative prognostic markers of endometrial cancer at yet, human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) has received much interest as a potential diagnostic and prognostic tumor marker. Since 2008, several studies have explored its utility in the management of endometrial cancer: HE4 may be a useful preoperative prognostic marker because it is associated with lymphatic metastasis and other unfavorable factors in endometrial cancer. In addition, some studies have explored a HE4 cutoff value to classify patients according to lymph node involvement. HE4 might be beneficial as a serum marker that helps clinicians in the decision-making algorithm for treatment of endometrial cancer, enabling them to perform individualized operations and decrease the adverse effects of unnecessary surgery.

Hemoperitoneo secundario a la ruptura espontánea de una variz uterina en una paciente con embarazo a término: reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Hemoperitoneum secondary to spontaneous rupture of a uterine varice in a patient with a full-term pregnancy: A case report and literature review

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: La ruptura de una variz útero-ovárica durante el embarazo es un evento poco frecuente, pero con importantes implicaciones en la morbilidad y mortalidad materna y neonatal. Puede acontecer en cualquier momento del embarazo, aunque su frecuencia se incrementa en el tercer trimestre y durante el parto. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 32 años, con 39 semanas de embarazo, en control prenatal, sin contratiempos, que acudió al servicio de Urgencias debido a un dolor abdominal generalizado e intenso, de dos horas de evolución. A la exploración física se encontraron: hipotensión, taquicardia y anemia moderada; hemoglobina de 8.9 g/dL y hematócrito de 35%. La evaluación fetal reportó: taquicardia y posterior bradicardia. Se decidió finalizar el embarazo por cesárea urgente, donde se objetivó hemoperitoneo de aproximadamente 1 L y sangrado activo procedente de la ruptura de un vaso en la parte posterior de la pared uterina que se suturó con puntos dobles. El desenlace materno y neonatal fue favorable. CONCLUSIONES: La rotura de las várices útero-ováricas puede originarse por hemoperitoneo masivo y resultar en consecuencias graves para la madre y el feto. La sospecha diagnóstica y la laparotomía de urgencia son decisivas para cohibir el sangrado y lograr un desenlace materno y fetal satisfactorios.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The rupture of an utero-ovarian varicose vein during pregnancy is an infrequent event but it can have important implications for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, although its frequency is increased in the third trimester and during labor. CLINICAL CASE: A single gestation of 39 weeks, with regular monitoring without incidents, who went to the emergency department for intense and generalized abdominal pain of two hours of evolution. The patient presented hypotension and tachycardia and moderate anemia with a hemoglobin of 8.9 g/dL and a hematocrit of 35%. Fetal monitoring showed fetal tachycardia with decreased variability and subsequent bradycardia. It was decided to end the pregnancy by an urgent caesarean section where a hemoperitoneum of approximately 1 liter was observed. As well, and active bleeding resulting from the rupture of a posterior uterine wall vein was noted and controlled with hemostatic sutures. The maternal and neonatal results were favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous rupture of utero-ovarian varicose veins can be the cause of massive hemoperitoneum and can maternal and fetal serious consequences. A promptly suspected diagnosis and an urgent laparotomy are vital to restrain bleeding and achieve a good maternal and fetal result.

Early prenatal diagnosis of fetal abdominal cyst. Differential diagnosis of choledochal cyst / Diagnóstico prenatal temprano de quiste abdominal fetal. Diagnóstico diferencial de quiste del conducto colédoco

OBJECTIVE: To improve differential diagnosis of choledochal cyst, a rare pathology but whose prenatal diagnosis improves neonatal prognosis. CASE REPORT: Choledochal cysts are a rare congenital abnormality of biliary ducts that present as an anechoic mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. In sonographic examination, a connection between the cyst and the common bile duct must be observed to confirm this diagnosis. It is more frequently diagnosed in females and in Asian countries. We describe a pregnant woman diagnosed of an intra-abdominal fetal cyst at 17-weeks of gestation. Ultrasound assessment showed a cystic mass separated from the stomach, moving other abdominal organs from its normal location and growing progressively. Postnatal study confirmed a choledochal cyst of 8-centimeters in diameter. Surgical treatment was recommended and post-surgical evolution was favourable. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal diagnosis of choledochal cyst allowed to intensify controls to check the growth. Early surgical treatment improved neonatal prognosis and reduced the risk of sequelae

OBJETIVO: mejorar el diagnóstico diferencial del quiste de colédoco, una patología rara pero cuyo diagnóstico prenatal mejora el pronóstico neonatal. CASO CLÍNICO: los quistes de colédoco son una anormalidad congénita rara de los conductos biliares que se presentan como anecoicos, una masa en el cuadrante superior derecho del abdomen. En el examen ecográfico hay una conexión entre el quiste y se debe observar el conducto biliar común para confirmar este diagnóstico. Se diagnostica con mayor frecuencia en mujeres y en países asiáticos. Describimos a una mujer embarazada diagnosticada de un quiste fetal intrabdominal a las 17 semanas de gestación. La evaluación por ultrasonido mostró una masa quística separada del estómago, moviendo otros órganos abdominales desde su ubicación normal y creciendo progresivamente. El estudio posnatal confirmó un quiste de colédoco de 8 centímetros de diámetro. Se recomendó tratamiento quirúrgico y la evolución posquirúrgica fue favorable. CONCLUSIONES: el diagnóstico prenatal del quiste de colédoco permitió intensificar los controles para supervisar el crecimiento temprano. El tratamiento quirúrgico mejoró el pronóstico neonatal y redujo el riesgo de secuelas

Sexual assault in gynecology emergency departments: patient profile and associated factors / Agresiones sexuales en Urgencias de Ginecología: perfil de la paciente y factores relacionados

Objective: To study the characteristics of patients attended for sexual assault in the Emergency Department of Miguel Servet Maternity Hospital. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of sexual assaults managed between October 2016 and April 2018 at Miguel Servet Maternity Hospital. Results: We attended 52 cases of sexual assault in 50 women. Patients were generally young women with an average age of 28 years (24% were minors), had been assaulted by penetration (57.7%) by a single assailant (80.8%), and had received no observable physical lesions on the genitals (86.5%) or other parts of the body (65.4%). Fifty percent of the assaults took place during the weekend, and 63.5% of the patients came to the emergency department within 24 hours of the incident. In 75% of cases, the women reported the assault to the police. In 48% of cases, the patient did not undergo serology testing after visiting the emergency department; of those who did, 81% did not undergo repeat testing 3 months later. Conclusions: We observed a lack of agreement between the overall rate of sexual assault and the number of patients who came to the Emergency Department for this reason. Patients were mostly young, with no secondary physical lesions, and had been assaulted by penetration by a single assailant. Patients' adherence to medical indications was poor. Appropriate coordination between health workers, the police, and forensic experts is essential for appropriate management of sexual assaults are

Objetivo: estudiar las características de las pacientes atendidas en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Maternal Miguel Servet por agresión sexual. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo de las agresiones sexuales entre octubre de 2016 hasta abril de 2018 en el Hospital Maternal Miguel Servet. Resultados: se atendieron 52 urgencias de 50 pacientes diferentes. El perfil de la paciente fue: mujer joven, con una edad media de 28 años (el 24% fueron menores de edad), mediante penetración (57,7%), por un agresor único (80,8%) y sin lesiones físicas objetivables en genitales (86,5%) ni otras partes del cuerpo (65,4%). El 50% de agresiones se produjeron durante el fin de semana y el 63,5% acudió al Servicio de Urgencias en las primeras 24 horas tras la agresión. El 75% denunció los hechos a la policía. El 48% de las pacientes no se realizó serologías tras la visita al Servicio de Urgencias, y de las que lo hicieron, el 81% no repitió la determinación a los 3 meses. Conclusiones: existe una discordancia entre la tasa de agresión sexual global y el número de mujeres que acudió a Urgencias por este motivo. Las pacientes fueron en su mayoría jóvenes, sin lesiones físicas secundarias y agredidas mediante penetración por un agresor único. Fue observada una baja adherencia a las indicaciones médicas por parte de las pacientes. Una adecuada coordinación entre profesionales sanitarios, policía y especialistas en Medicina Legal y Forense es fundamental para un correcto manejo de la situación

Delayed-interval delivery in twin pregnancies: report of three cases and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed delivery is sometimes performed in selected multifetal pregnancies when the first twin birth occurs inevitably. The aim of this procedure is to improve the prognosis and decrease the morbidity and mortality of the second twin. We report three cases of delayed-interval delivery of dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies assisted in our center between 2015 and 2017. After the first twin delivery, the second twin was left in utero and the patient received tocolytic therapy and antibiotics. Cervical cerclage was not performed. RESULTS: Our patients were admitted between 21 + 3 and 23 + 6 weeks of gestation. We achieved an average interval delivery of 6.33 d. Four out of six twins did not survive the delayed interval procedure. The average stay of the first and second twins that were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was of 72 d (28-116) and 39.5 d (12-67), respectively. The first twin birth was vaginal in all cases, while the second twin delivery was performed by cesarean section in two out of our three patients. Our neonatal results are not favorable, probably due to the extreme prematurity. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed delivery of the second twin before 28 weeks of gestation can be an alternative for the obstetrician since it could prolong the pregnancy until a gestational age which confers a better prognosis and a better perinatal outcome for the second twin.

Tromboembolismo pulmonar secundario a un mioma uterino gigante: tratamiento médico-quirúrgico. Reporte de un caso / Pulmonary thromboembolism secondary to enormous uterine fibroid: medical-surgical management. A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Los miomas uterinos son los tumores benignos más frecuentes en la mujer premenopáusica. La mayor parte no generan síntomas; no obstante, pueden producir problemas sistémicos graves por compresión de estructuras vitales. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 42 años, nuligesta, con anemia ferropénica secundaria a sangrado menstrual abundante por útero miomatoso. Acudió a consulta por disnea de grandes esfuerzos y astenia progresiva, dolor torácico en la porción izquierda del tórax, de perfil pleurítico-mecánico y palpitaciones. Tensión arterial 128-47 mmHg, frecuencia cardiaca de 133 latidos por minuto y saturación de oxígeno de 92%. En las exploraciones complementarias se encontraron: 7455 ng/mL de dímero-D, electrocardiograma con taquicardia sinusal (125 lpm), hemibloqueo de la rama derecha, angiotomografía computada con tromboembolismo pulmonar bilateral agudo, tomografía axial: útero polimiomatoso, en anteversión, de 200 mm. Compresión de la vena cava inferior en la zona de prebifurcación iliaca con trombosis parcial de la vena iliaca derecha. Se colocó un filtro de vena cava inferior. Se estableció el diagnóstico de tromboembolia pulmonar secundaria a compresión por útero miomatoso gigante. Se realizó histerectomía y salpingectomía bilateral por laparotomía. Anatomía patológica: útero de 1900 g, de 200 x 180 x 110 mm, con múltiples nódulos subserosos e intramurales. A los 5 meses, la paciente permanecía en buen estado de salud. CONCLUSIONES: Los miomas de gran tamaño (1000 g) deben considerarse un factor de riesgo de tromboembolia venosa por compresión externa de las venas iliacas.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumor in premenopausal women. Most of them do not generate symptoms; however, they can produce serious systemic problems due to the compression of vital structures. CLINICAL CASE: A 42-year-old woman, Nuligest, anemia secondary to heavy menstrual bleeding due to myomatous uterus. She consulted for dyspnea of great efforts and progressive asthenia, chest pain in left hemithorax of pleuritic-mechanical profile and palpitations. Blood pressure 128/47. Heart rate 133, O2 Saturation 92%. Non-painful mass in hypogastrium. Not edema or signs of deep vein thrombosis. In the complementary explorations we found: D-Dimer 7455, Electrocardiogram: Sinus tachycardia at 125 bpm. Right bundle hemiblock, Computed angiotomography: Acute bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism Doppler lower extremities: external iliac femoral veins and thrombus-free popliteal, probable compression of the iliac veins by myoma, TC: Polimyomatous uterus, in anteversion, of 200 mm. Compression of inferior cava venous in iliac prebifurcation zone with partial thrombosis of right iliac venous. We Placed a lower vena cava filter with a diagnosis of secondary pulmonary thromboembolism due to compression by a enormous uterine fibroid. A hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy by laparotomic was performed. Pathological anatomy: uterus of 1900 g, 200 x 180 x 110 mm with multiple subserous and intramural nodules. At 5 months, the patient is asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Large myomas (1000 g) should be considered a risk factor for venous thromboembolism due to external compression of the iliac veins.