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Cureus Jul 2022Currently, the application of peritoneal washings as a diagnostic tool for endometrial cancer staging is not well defined. The case described aims to highlight the...
Currently, the application of peritoneal washings as a diagnostic tool for endometrial cancer staging is not well defined. The case described aims to highlight the current ambiguity surrounding the use of peritoneal washings in clinical practice. A 69-year-old G3P3003 presented to her gynecologist with complaints of new-onset heavy vaginal bleeding. The patient sought an endometrial biopsy, which suggested serous endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma (EIC) focally suspicious for invasive carcinoma, with the involvement of polyps. Based on these results, a robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, bilateral sentinel lymph node dissection, and omentectomy were performed. Results from her final pathology exhibited a stage IA uterine serous carcinoma (USC) involving a polyp (4.2 cm in greatest dimension) with no myometrial or lymphovascular invasion, but washings were positive for adenocarcinoma. Based on her family history of malignancy, the patient underwent germline panel testing. The patient's somatic tumor testing demonstrated proficient DNA mismatch repair status, microsatellite stability, low tumor mutational burden (4 mut/Mb), low loss of heterozygosity (9%), amplification of the ERBB2 (HER2/neu) gene by both immunohistochemistry (3+, 20% positive) and fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Her tumor also had weakly positive estrogen receptor expression (1+, 10% positive); furthermore, some pathogenic variants in KRAS (c.37G>T), PIK3CA (c.263G>A), and TP53 (c.743G>A) were identified. Given the incongruent findings found with the positive peritoneal washing and negative lymph node involvement in addition to molecular testing, management for this patient was unclear. Ultimately, this case highlights a number of advances within the field of gynecological oncology but also emphasizes the persistent ambiguity and incongruency in the management of patients with early-stage high-risk histologies. Moving forward it will become increasingly important to be able to develop a more standardized process to assess how these diagnostic tools should inform prognosis and treatment plans.
PubMed: 35949786
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26663 -
The American Journal of Surgical... Nov 2022Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix (cERMS) is rare and frequently associated with DICER1 mutations. We report 94 tumors that arose in patients aged 7 to 59...
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix (cERMS) is rare and frequently associated with DICER1 mutations. We report 94 tumors that arose in patients aged 7 to 59 (median=23) years and presented with vaginal bleeding (52), protruding vaginal mass (17), cervical polyp (8), or expelled tumor fragments per vagina (5). Nine had DICER1 syndrome, 8 of whom had other syndromic manifestations including ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (7), multinodular goiter (3), pleuropulmonary blastoma (2), pineoblastoma (1), and osteosarcoma (1). Syndromic patients were younger than nonsyndromic patients (16 vs. 24 y). Tumor size ranged from 2 to 24 (median=4.5) cm. Ninety-two tumors were polypoid, most being grape-like (77 of 92). They were characterized by aggregates of primitive cells, almost always exhibiting a cambium layer, within a variably myxoedematous stroma and were hypocellular (63), moderately cellular (22), or hypercellular (9). Entrapped glands, typically scant, were present in 84 tumors. Primitive hyperchromatic ovoid to spindled cells with minimal cytoplasm predominated but differentiated rhabdomyoblasts with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm (having cross-striations in 30) were seen in 83 tumors; they were often sparse but predominated in three. Nine tumors showed areas of intersecting fascicles and 4 zones with densely cellular (solid) growth. Cartilage was present in 38. Anaplasia was seen in 15 tumors, as was necrosis. Mitotic activity ranged from 1 to 58/10 high-power fields (median=8). The varied microscopic features resulted in a spectrum of differential diagnostic considerations, mainly typical and cellular forms of fibroepithelial polyps, Mullerian adenosarcoma, and other sarcomas. Follow-up was available for 79 patients ranging from 6 to 492 (median=90) months. Treatment information was available in 62 and included polypectomy in 6 patients (2 also received chemotherapy), limited resection in 26 (14 also received chemotherapy), hysterectomy in 29 (15 with adjuvant chemotherapy), and biopsies only in 1 (with chemotherapy). Staging was possible in 56 tumors; according to the "uterine sarcoma" system (tumor size and extent) they were: stage I (10/56; could not be further subclassified as size not available), IA (22/56), IB (18/56), IIA (2/56), IIB 3/56), IIIC (1/56). According to the "adenosarcoma" system (depth of invasion and extent) they were: stage IA (26/56), IB (14/56), IC (10/56), IIA (2/56), IIB (3/56), IIIC (1/56). Eight patients had local recurrence following incomplete excision (10%). Eleven of 79 patients had extrauterine recurrences (14%) and 9 died of disease (11%). Older age was associated with extrauterine recurrence (median 44 vs. 22; P =0.002) and decreased disease-specific survival (median 44 vs. 22; P =0.02). For patients with tumors initially confined to the cervix, the adenosarcoma staging system was superior to the uterine sarcoma staging system for predicting survival ( P =0.02). Three patients with DICER1 syndrome who underwent fertility-preserving surgery developed a second primary cERMS 7, 7, and 12 years after their primary tumor. All 9 patients with DICER1 syndrome had tumors confined to the cervix and none died of disease. This study highlights the intriguing clinical aspects of cERMS including its long-known tendency to occur in the young but also more recently appreciated association with DICER1 syndrome. Establishing the diagnosis may still be difficult because of the hazard of sampling a neoplasm which in areas may appear remarkably bland and also because of its potential confusion with other neoplasms. This study indicates that this tumor has a good prognosis at this site and in selected cases a conservative surgical approach is a realistic consideration.
Topics: Adenosarcoma; Cervix Uteri; DEAD-box RNA Helicases; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary; Prognosis; Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal; Ribonuclease III; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 35941719
DOI: 10.1097/PAS.0000000000001933 -
Current Health Sciences Journal 2022Uterine hemangioma (UH) is a rare benign lesion involving the myometrium and cervix. UH often presents as an endometrial polypoid mass that mimics an endometrial polyp....
Uterine hemangioma (UH) is a rare benign lesion involving the myometrium and cervix. UH often presents as an endometrial polypoid mass that mimics an endometrial polyp. UH is commonly present in women of reproductive age with menorrhagia or pregnancy-associated complications. However, reported cases in postmenopausal women present with postmenopausal bleeding. The bleeding hemangiomatous polyps are treated with hysteroscopic polypectomy. We report the case of a 65-year-old postmenopausal woman with vaginal bleeding severe enough to seek emergency medical care. Transvaginal ultrasonography showed an endometrial thickness of 10.1mm but was otherwise unremarkable. Hysteroscopic examination revealed two endometrial polyps measuring 2.0cm, and 0.5cm. Surgeons had difficulty removing these polyps using usual methods, ultimately resorting to sharp excision. Microscopic examination showed scant endometrium without hyperplasia and a polypoid lesion with numerous CD31 positive capillaries entirely filling the stroma, supporting the diagnosis of capillary hemangioma. The contributing factor to UH in our case was unclear, which opens the door for future investigation of UH in post-menopausal women.
PubMed: 35911943
DOI: 10.12865/CHSJ.48.01.18 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Dec 2022Cervical polyps removed during pregnancy have been reported to be associated with preterm birth; however, the association between unremoved cervical polyps and preterm...
BACKGROUND
Cervical polyps removed during pregnancy have been reported to be associated with preterm birth; however, the association between unremoved cervical polyps and preterm birth has not been elucidated.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to clarify the relationship between cervical polyps detected before 12 weeks of gestation managed expectantly and spontaneous preterm birth.
STUDY DESIGN
This retrospective cohort study included pregnant women who visited a tertiary perinatal center before 12 weeks of gestation between January 2015 and December 2019. The exclusion criteria were as follows: multiple gestations, loss or termination of pregnancy before 12 weeks of gestation, major fetal anomalies, fetal chromosomal abnormalities, fetal demise, having undergone removal of cervical polyps before the first visit to our hospital, and moving to other hospitals before delivery. A vaginal speculum examination was routinely performed during a prenatal visit before 12 weeks of gestation. When a cervical polyp was detected on speculum examination, it was managed expectantly, unless gynecologic malignancy was suspected. Relationships between cervical polyps and spontaneous preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation were evaluated using logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional-hazards analysis adjusted for known confounders for spontaneous preterm birth.
RESULTS
A total of 4172 pregnant women were included, of whom 92 (2.2%) had a cervical polyp detected before 12 weeks of gestation. None of the women underwent polypectomy during pregnancy. The incidence of spontaneous preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation was higher in pregnant women with cervical polyps than in those without them (5.4% vs 0.7%; P<.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that cervical polyps were an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio, 4.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.70-9.81; P<.01). The adjusted hazard ratio for spontaneous preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation among women with vs without cervical polyps was 2.95 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-6.62; P<.01).
CONCLUSION
Cervical polyps detected before 12 weeks of gestation managed expectantly are a significant risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation.
Topics: Female; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Humans; Premature Birth; Cervix Uteri; Retrospective Studies; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Prenatal Care; Polyps; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 35841937
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.06.064 -
The Journal of Obstetrics and... Oct 2022To evaluate the risk factors of miscarriage in patients attempted cervical polypectomy during the first and second trimester pregnancy.
AIM
To evaluate the risk factors of miscarriage in patients attempted cervical polypectomy during the first and second trimester pregnancy.
METHODS
Pregnant women with singleton infants who underwent cervical polypectomy during the first and second trimester between January 2013 and May 2019 were investigated. The study retrospectively reviewed the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes after cervical polypectomy. A multivariable regression was performed to predict the risk factors of miscarriage.
RESULTS
A total of 307 pregnant females were eventually included in our study. Twenty-seven patients (8.8%, 27/307) had a miscarriage before 28 weeks, 37 patients (12.1%, 37/307) had a preterm delivery. After univariate analysis, we found that the presence of decidual polyps and vaginal bleeding after polypectomy were the risk factors for miscarriage. Moreover, the incidence of miscarriage was significantly higher in the patients with decidual polyps than in those with endocervical polyps (14.9% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.010).
CONCLUSIONS
The most suitable hemostasis method should be taken in the cervical polypectomy during pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage associated with polypectomy during pregnancy is higher in females with decidual polyps. If decidual polyps are highly suspected and they do not cause excessive vaginal bleeding and can be ruled out the possibility of malignancy, conservative treatment may lead to a better outcome.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Polyps; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Uterine Hemorrhage
PubMed: 35801678
DOI: 10.1111/jog.15352 -
Computational and Mathematical Methods... 2022In order to explore the ability of vaginal ultrasound combined with bleeding pattern to predict factors related to abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), a total of 205...
In order to explore the ability of vaginal ultrasound combined with bleeding pattern to predict factors related to abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), a total of 205 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding were selected as experimental subjects. According to the corresponding diagnostic criteria, patients were divided into the endometrial polyp group (56 cases), endometrial hyperplasia and canceration group (84 cases), and normal cycle endometrial group (65 cases). The efficiency of the method was determined by comparing the prediction efficiency of the single/joint model. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the body mass index, dysmenorrhea, endometrial thickness, diabetes, hypertension, and polycystic ovary syndrome among the three groups, < 0.05. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index of endometrial polyp diagnosis were 86.89%, 88.12%, 83.54%, 90.11%, and 0.74, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and JordAn index in diagnosing endometrial hyperplasia and canceration were 96.71%, 98.40%, 96.54%, 98.24%, and 0.96, respectively. In summary, the body mass index, dysmenorrhea, endometrial thickness, diabetes, hypertension, and polycystic ovary syndrome were related factors, and the combination of vaginal ultrasound and bleeding pattern had a stronger predictive power for abnormal uterine bleeding.
Topics: Dysmenorrhea; Endometrial Hyperplasia; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Polyps; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography; Uterine Hemorrhage; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 35799665
DOI: 10.1155/2022/5653250 -
Computational and Mathematical Methods... 2022Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing intrauterine pathology. Traditional hysteroscopy requires the placement of a vaginal speculum and cervical...
BACKGROUND
Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing intrauterine pathology. Traditional hysteroscopy requires the placement of a vaginal speculum and cervical forceps, which are large in diameter, causing discomfort and pain to the patient and even causing vagal reflexes.
AIMS
To investigate the impact and clinical value of vaginoscopy versus conventional hysteroscopy on pain, complications, and patient satisfaction in patients with endometrial polyps and to analyse the advantages of clinical application of vaginoscopy examination.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred and twenty-five patients with endometrial polyps treated in our hospital from May 2021 to December 2021 were selected for this study and divided into 52 cases in the hysteroscopy group and 73 cases in the vaginoscopy group according to the random remainder grouping method. Conventional hysteroscopy was used, and in the vaginoscopy group, vaginoscopy was performed. The impact of pain, complications, patient satisfaction, and clinical value of the two groups was observed and compared.
RESULTS
The time taken for the examination varied between the different hysteroscopic methods, with the hysteroscopy group taking the longest time compared to the vaginoscopy group ( < 0.01). The VAS scores immediately after the examination and 30 minutes after the examination were both significantly higher in the hysteroscopy group than in the vaginoscopy group ( < 0.01). The difference in NPY, PGE2, and 5-HT after the pain-causing mediator intervention was significantly better in the vaginoscopy group than in the hysteroscopy group. The difference in the incidence of complications such as abortion syndrome, cervical laceration, uterine perforation, and haemorrhage after treatment was significantly lower in the vaginoscopy group than in the hysteroscopy group. In the vaginoscopy group, the satisfaction rate was 91% significantly higher than that of the hysteroscopy group ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The vaginoscopy technique shortens the examination and treatment time, reduces patient pain, improves patient compliance, reduces the use of preintervention drugs and anaesthetics, and reduces complications.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Pain; Patient Satisfaction; Polyps; Pregnancy; Vagina
PubMed: 35799662
DOI: 10.1155/2022/3835941 -
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La... Jul 2022A 6-year-old, intact female, domestic short-hair cat had a 3-month history of obstipation. On physical examination and diagnostic imaging, megacolon secondary to a...
A 6-year-old, intact female, domestic short-hair cat had a 3-month history of obstipation. On physical examination and diagnostic imaging, megacolon secondary to a large, intrapelvic vaginal mass was diagnosed. An ovariohysterectomy and a complete vaginectomy a ventral midline celiotomy and bilateral pubic and ischial osteotomies were performed. This approach allowed excellent exposure of the entire genital tract necessary to excise the large vaginal mass. The mass was histologically diagnosed as a vaginal fibrous stromal polyp. Obstipation resolved 12 h after surgery. On radiographic recheck 11 d after surgery, the colon had returned to normal size. No major surgical complications were observed. This is the first case report of a complete vaginectomy the ventral approach with a pelvic osteotomy in a cat. Furthermore, this report describes the different surgical techniques used in animals affected by a large vaginal mass and provides evidence that an aggressive surgical approach and excision can be considered for the management of extensive intrapelvic vaginal masses in cats.
Topics: Abdomen; Animals; Cats; Colpotomy; Constipation; Female; Hysterectomy; Osteotomy; Pregnancy; Pubic Bone
PubMed: 35784779
DOI: No ID Found -
BMJ Case Reports Jun 2022
Topics: Female; Humans; Neoplasms, Fibroepithelial; Polyps; Vagina
PubMed: 35710231
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250076 -
Human Reproduction Update Nov 2022To provide the optimal milieu for implantation and fetal development, the female reproductive system must orchestrate uterine dynamics with the appropriate hormones...
BACKGROUND
To provide the optimal milieu for implantation and fetal development, the female reproductive system must orchestrate uterine dynamics with the appropriate hormones produced by the ovaries. Mature oocytes may be fertilized in the fallopian tubes, and the resulting zygote is transported toward the uterus, where it can implant and continue developing. The cervix acts as a physical barrier to protect the fetus throughout pregnancy, and the vagina acts as a birth canal (involving uterine and cervix mechanisms) and facilitates copulation. Fertility can be compromised by pathologies that affect any of these organs or processes, and therefore, being able to accurately model them or restore their function is of paramount importance in applied and translational research. However, innate differences in human and animal model reproductive tracts, and the static nature of 2D cell/tissue culture techniques, necessitate continued research and development of dynamic and more complex in vitro platforms, ex vivo approaches and in vivo therapies to study and support reproductive biology. To meet this need, bioengineering is propelling the research on female reproduction into a new dimension through a wide range of potential applications and preclinical models, and the burgeoning number and variety of studies makes for a rapidly changing state of the field.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
This review aims to summarize the mounting evidence on bioengineering strategies, platforms and therapies currently available and under development in the context of female reproductive medicine, in order to further understand female reproductive biology and provide new options for fertility restoration. Specifically, techniques used in, or for, the uterus (endometrium and myometrium), ovary, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina will be discussed.
SEARCH METHODS
A systematic search of full-text articles available in PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between January 2000 and September 2021. The search terms included: bioengineering, reproduction, artificial, biomaterial, microfluidic, bioprinting, organoid, hydrogel, scaffold, uterus, endometrium, ovary, fallopian tubes, oviduct, cervix, vagina, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, chlamydia, Asherman's syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, uterine polyps, polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency. Additional studies were identified by manually searching the references of the selected articles and of complementary reviews. Eligibility criteria included original, rigorous and accessible peer-reviewed work, published in English, on female reproductive bioengineering techniques in preclinical (in vitro/in vivo/ex vivo) and/or clinical testing phases.
OUTCOMES
Out of the 10 390 records identified, 312 studies were included for systematic review. Owing to inconsistencies in the study measurements and designs, the findings were assessed qualitatively rather than by meta-analysis. Hydrogels and scaffolds were commonly applied in various bioengineering-related studies of the female reproductive tract. Emerging technologies, such as organoids and bioprinting, offered personalized diagnoses and alternative treatment options, respectively. Promising microfluidic systems combining various bioengineering approaches have also shown translational value.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
The complexity of the molecular, endocrine and tissue-level interactions regulating female reproduction present challenges for bioengineering approaches to replace female reproductive organs. However, interdisciplinary work is providing valuable insight into the physicochemical properties necessary for reproductive biological processes to occur. Defining the landscape of reproductive bioengineering technologies currently available and under development for women can provide alternative models for toxicology/drug testing, ex vivo fertility options, clinical therapies and a basis for future organ regeneration studies.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Bioengineering; Embryo Implantation; Genitalia, Female; Reproduction; Uterus
PubMed: 35652272
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac025