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Journal of Radiology Case Reports 2024This case report discusses a diagnosis of uterine torsion in an 84-year-old woman who presented with five days of right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,...
This case report discusses a diagnosis of uterine torsion in an 84-year-old woman who presented with five days of right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and poor intake. Computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated a whorled configuration at the junction of the cervix and lower uterine segment, with the left gonadal vein crossing midline, and two previously known right leiomyomas now appearing on the left. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of uterine torsion. She then underwent an urgent exploratory laparotomy, and the uterus was found to be dextroverted 270 degrees, with dark mottled purple tissue and engorged vessels. A supracervical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy were performed. Final pathology demonstrated extensive necrosis. This case reviews the classic presentation and imaging findings for the rare diagnosis of uterine torsion and options for management of both non-gravid and gravid patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Leiomyoma; Aged, 80 and over; Torsion Abnormality; Uterine Neoplasms; Postmenopause; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Uterine Diseases; Hysterectomy; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38910588
DOI: 10.3941/jrcr.v18i1.5035 -
Best Practice & Research. Clinical... May 2024Adenomyosis is a common benign uterine disorders and patients may present dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and infertility. The treatment is... (Review)
Review
Adenomyosis is a common benign uterine disorders and patients may present dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and infertility. The treatment is very complex, including medical, surgical or radiological approaches. Hormonal drugs represent the first line therapy of adenomyosis, highly effective on symptoms and uterine volume reduction. Radiological procedures (UAE and HIFU), RFA and hysteroscopy may be proposed in those cases in which medical therapy is ineffective. Considering surgical treatment, hysterectomy remains the only existing definitive treatment but in the last decades the desire of uterus preservation is becoming more and more diffuse. On the other hand, surgical conservative treatments of adenomyosis are very effective in ameliorating AUB and pelvic pain and in reducing uterine volume, with some post-operative risks and obstetrics complications. Cytoreductive surgery for adenomyosis may be very complex, therefore it should be performed by experienced surgeons in dedicated centers, above all in case of concomitant endometriosis.
PubMed: 38906739
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102507 -
Human Reproduction Open 2024Is acute haemoperitoneum that is managed conservatively a precursor of deep endometriosis?
STUDY QUESTION
Is acute haemoperitoneum that is managed conservatively a precursor of deep endometriosis?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Our study provides evidence to suggest that acute haemoperitoneum may lead to the development of deep endometriosis in a significant proportion of cases.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
A recent pilot study was the first to suggest that acute haemoperitoneum could be a precursor of deep endometriosis. However, the sample size was small, and the follow-up was not standardized owing to unknown rates of clot absorption and development of endometriosis.
STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION
This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at a single centre over a 31-month period. A required sample size of 30 was calculated using results from a previous study, with a minimum of 15 women each in the groups with and without significant haemoperitoneum (study and control groups, respectively). A total of 59 women were recruited to the study and eight were lost to follow-up. The final sample comprised 51 women, 15 in the study group and 36 in the control group.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS
All non-pregnant, premenopausal women aged 18-50 years who consecutively presented to our dedicated gynaecological diagnostic unit with severe acute lower abdominal pain were eligible for this study. We only included women who were clinically stable and were suitable for conservative management. Those with prior history or evidence of endometriosis on their initial ultrasound scan, previous hysterectomy, or bilateral oophorectomy were excluded. Participants had standardized follow-up visits for 6 months, with pelvic ultrasound scans and the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy pelvic pain questionnaires completed at each visit. The primary outcome was the sonographically confirmed presence of newly formed endometriosis. Secondary outcomes were the presence and change of pelvic pain symptoms and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL).
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
After completion of follow-up, 7/15 (47%; 95% CI 21.3-71.4%) women presenting with acute haemoperitoneum (study group) developed sonographic evidence of deep endometriosis, compared to 0/36 (0%; 97.5% CI 0.0-9.7%) women in the control group. A ruptured functional haemorrhagic cyst was the most common cause of haemoperitoneum, occurring in 13/15 cases (87%). The time from the initial event to sonographic evidence of endometriosis varied from 2 to 6 months. The EuroQol visual analogue scores were not significantly different at baseline between the groups that developed and did not develop endometriosis [28 (interquartile range (IQR) 15-40, n = 6) vs 56 (IQR 35-75, n = 44), =0.09], while the EuroQol-5D values were lower in the endometriosis group [-0.01 (IQR -0.07 to 0.19, n = 6) vs 0.62 (IQR 0.24-0.73, n = 44), =0.002]. At 6 months, the EuroQol-5D scores were improved in both groups, but remained significantly lower in the endometriosis group compared to the no endometriosis group [0.69 (IQR 0.66-0.80, n = 6) vs 0.85 (IQR 0.76-1.00, n = 44), =0.03]. There was no clinically relevant difference in the pelvic pain scores at either time point.
LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION
It remains uncertain whether minimal, superficial endometriosis existed at commencement of the study and had a role in the development of deep endometriosis. Although the ultrasound findings were in keeping with deep endometriosis, this was not confirmed histologically. The pelvic pain and HR-QOL findings could have been influenced by the baseline scores being taken when the patient was admitted with acute pain. Also, the sample size was too small to draw reliable conclusions regarding the impact of newly developed endometriosis on QoL.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Our study provides further evidence showing that significant haemoperitoneum may be a precursor of deep endometriosis. Haemodynamically stable women presenting with acute pelvic pain and significant haemoperitoneum should be counselled about the risk of developing deep endometriosis. Interventional studies should be carried out in the future to see whether laparoscopy and pelvic washout could prevent development of deep endometriosis. Preventative strategies, including treatment to suppress ovulation and formation of functional cysts, should be further investigated. This includes the combined and progesterone-only contraceptive pills. Larger future studies are also required to assess women over a longer period of time, with adjustment for confounding factors, to evaluate a possible effect on HR-QOL and pain symptoms.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS
Funding was obtained from The Gynaecology Ultrasound Centre, London, UK. TT received personal fees from GE, Samsung, Medtronic, and Merck for lectures on ultrasound. TT also received a postdoctoral grant from the South-Eastern Norwegian Health Authority (grant number 2020083).
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
researchregistry6472.
PubMed: 38905001
DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae036 -
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent... Jun 2024Omphalocele is an abnormality where fetal abdominal organs protrude through the abdominal wall. We report a case of a 13-year-old female with a history of omphalocele...
Omphalocele is an abnormality where fetal abdominal organs protrude through the abdominal wall. We report a case of a 13-year-old female with a history of omphalocele repair who presented with acute periumbilical pain, nausea, and vomiting. Computed Tomography scan showed a para-ovarian cyst and mild dilation of the small bowel. During laparoscopy, the right ovary and fallopian tube were detached from the uterus and located behind the cecum. Despite this displacement, the ovary appeared to have retained functionality with intact blood supply. Authors hypothesize that surgical repair led to pelvic adhesion that caused torsion and avulsion of the fallopian tube and utero-ovarian ligament that led to the displacement. This anatomical change should be taken into consideration in surgical patients with history of omphalocele repair.
PubMed: 38901668
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2024.06.003 -
Cureus May 2024Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM), also known as multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM), is a rare cystic neoplasm arising from the mesothelium...
Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM), also known as multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM), is a rare cystic neoplasm arising from the mesothelium lining of the abdominal and pelvic peritoneum. This entity has been disproportionately described in women of reproductive age. Both the etiology and pathogenesis of the condition are not well understood. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging as differentials are varied and include endometriosis, lymphangioma, pseudomyxoma peritonei, cystic adenomatoid tumor, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Management options include cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). In this case report, we highlight the complexity of preoperative diagnosis, presentation, workup, treatment, and management of BMPM. We report the case of a female patient presenting with abdominal pain and imagining consistent with cystic intra-abdominal lesions. After an inconclusive percutaneous biopsy and a multi-disciplinary tumor board discussion, the patient was offered CRS with HIPEC. Intra-operative frozen section indicated benign epithelial lined cysts. CRS and HIPEC were performed. After a second opinion, the lesions were confirmed by pathology and immunohistochemistry to be BMPM. In this report, we discuss the gold standard of care for patients with BMPM to improve the disease control rate. This pathway is proposed in our study, and, thus, we conclude that BMPM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with symptomatic multiple intraperitoneal cystic lesions.
PubMed: 38899248
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60664 -
The Neurohospitalist Jul 2024The etiology of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may often remain uncertain despite diligent work-up, especially in young people. Although patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a...
The etiology of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may often remain uncertain despite diligent work-up, especially in young people. Although patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a frequent association during such work-up, the actual source of thromboembolism, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), may not be found. Such associative pathology makes it challenging to prescribe anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention. We describe a young woman with a known history of PFO who presented with AIS and underwent endovascular reperfusion therapy. Post-thrombectomy, she developed hypoxic respiratory failure due to pulmonary embolism. Initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation was complicated by a retroperitoneal bleed necessitating imaging studies for etiological work-up. Computed tomographic angiography and venogram showed no active contrast extravasation but demonstrated duplication of the inferior vena cava with DVT in the right iliofemoral vein (RIFV). The proximity of the right common iliac artery compressing RIFV against the pelvic inlet is described as May-Thurner syndrome (MTS). Afterward, the patient was successfully treated with anticoagulation and PFO closure. MTS is a rare and underdiagnosed cause of iliofemoral DVT. In patients with known PFO, MTS is a possible cause that needs consideration. Hence, appropriate diagnostic tests are necessary to initiate appropriate management and to prevent AIS recurrence.
PubMed: 38895017
DOI: 10.1177/19418744241231314 -
Cureus May 2024Uterine leiomyomas (ULs) are common benign tumors seen in a large percent of women that can be classified based on their location within the uterus. They can cause a...
Uterine leiomyomas (ULs) are common benign tumors seen in a large percent of women that can be classified based on their location within the uterus. They can cause a number of pelvic complications and can be managed medically, but more often surgically. Uterine pyomyomas often occur postpartum, possibly from infarction, and can lead to degeneration and sepsis. Our patient presents with a two-month development of a potential pyomyoma, found initially on computed tomography (CT). Office exam reveals a protruding mass from the cervical os, and removal was attempted but ultimately postponed for general anesthesia exam due to pain. The leiomyoma was removed and shown to be necrosing. Pyomyomas are often insidious and can often mimic other concerning pathologies. Modern imaging can show lesions within the pelvis but struggle to determine between fluid collection and possible infarcted masses. The importance of quality care measures in cases like this deserve to be emphasized to prevent serious complications.
PubMed: 38894786
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60622 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: Pelvic insufficiency fractures (PIF) are typical in geriatric populations with reduced bone quality, most commonly in elderly postmenopausal women. These fractures are... (Review)
Review
: Pelvic insufficiency fractures (PIF) are typical in geriatric populations with reduced bone quality, most commonly in elderly postmenopausal women. These fractures are usually caused by low-energy forces over the bones during ordinary life and cause disabling pain. Treatment options range from conservative to operative. The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes of treatments for pelvic insufficiency fractures, determining optimal approaches between surgical intervention and conservative management. : This literature review systematically examines articles focusing on patients with PIF, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and using PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library database. We took into account only full-text articles in indexed journals with available English abstracts, considering data about patient demographics, surgery, and outcomes. After screening 128 articles, this study reviewed 20 manuscripts involving 1499 patients, mostly elderly females and focusing on sacrum fractures. Common treatments included conservative methods and sacroplasty, with a few complications reported. Osteoporosis was the prevalent comorbidity, and the survival rate post-treatment was high at 92.3%. Mobility outcomes varied, with some patients experiencing significant autonomy loss. The average follow-up period was over 17 months. : This study found a cautious approach to surgery (timing of three weeks), which is reserved only for specific patterns, and it leads to increased autonomy and a lower risk of mortality. Due to the lack of pre- and postoperative scores as well as conflicting results, it is imperative to undertake further studies and research to be able to compare the alternative treatments efficiently.
PubMed: 38892887
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113176 -
Nutrients May 2024Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) emerged over the years as a promising approach in the management of chronic pain. Despite the fact that the efficacy of micron-size PEA... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) emerged over the years as a promising approach in the management of chronic pain. Despite the fact that the efficacy of micron-size PEA formulations appears to be time-dependent, the optimal timing has not yet been elucidated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to estimate the possible advantage of an extended treatment in the relief of chronic pain. The literature search was conducted consulting scientific databases, to identify clinical trials in which micron-size PEA was administered for at least 60 days, and pain assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Nine studies matched the required criteria, for a total of 742 patients involved. The meta-analysis showed a statistically and clinically significant pain intensity reduction after 60 days of micron-size PEA supplementation, compared to 30 days (1.36 points, < 0.01). The secondary analysis revealed a weighted NRS/VAS score decrease of 2.08 points within the first month of treatment. These two obtained scores corresponded to a 35.1% pain intensity reduction within the first month, followed by a further 35.4% during the second month. Overall, these results confirm the clinically relevant and time-depended pain-relieving effect of micron-size PEA and therefore the advantage of an extended treatment, especially in patient with incomplete pain management.
Topics: Palmitic Acids; Humans; Amides; Ethanolamines; Chronic Pain; Pain Measurement; Administration, Oral; Treatment Outcome; Analgesics
PubMed: 38892586
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111653 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain and infertility, affecting 10% of women of reproductive age. A delay of up to 9 years is estimated... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain and infertility, affecting 10% of women of reproductive age. A delay of up to 9 years is estimated between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of endometriosis. Endometriosis is currently defined as the presence of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells at ectopic sites; however, advances in research on endometriosis have some authors believing that endometriosis should be re-defined as "a fibrotic condition in which endometrial stroma and epithelium can be identified". There are several theories on the etiology of the disease, but the origin of endometriosis remains unclear. This review addresses the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are naturally occurring post-transcriptional regulatory molecules, in endometriotic lesion development, the inflammatory environment within the peritoneal cavity, including the role that cytokines play during the development of the disease, and how animal models have helped in our understanding of the pathology of this enigmatic disease.
Topics: Endometriosis; Humans; Female; MicroRNAs; Animals; Endometrium; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38892003
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115815