Assessment of arterial function in pregnancy: recommendations of the International Working Group on Maternal Hemodynamics

There is strong evidence supporting the role of maternal arterial dysfunction in pregnancy-specific disorders such as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. As more work is focused towards this field, it is important that methods and interpretation of arterial function assessment are applied appropriately. Here, we summarize techniques and devices commonly used in maternal health studies, with consideration of their technical application in pregnant cohorts. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Placental histopathology associated with pre-eclampsia: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is associated with impaired trophoblastic invasion and typical villous and vascular placental lesions. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of placental histopathological lesions in pregnancies complicated by PE.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched electronically, and relevant articles reporting on placental histopathological lesions were assessed according to the following criteria: study design, number of pregnancies included, severity of PE and whether the pathologist was blinded to the clinical information. Prospective and retrospective case-control studies including ≥ 100 pregnancies were included in the systematic review. The incidence of each type of histological lesion according to the Perinatal Section of the Society for Pediatric Pathology classification in pre-eclamptic and normal pregnancies was identified, and lesions were categorized into two main groups: villous lesions and vascular lesions. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was used for analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

RESULTS

The search yielded 717 citations, and a total of eight studies (four blinded and four non-blinded) were included in the review. In unblinded studies, the pooled prevalence of villous lesions was 11.6% and 48.2% in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies, respectively, giving a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 7.59. In blinded studies, the pooled prevalence of villous lesions was 18.5% and 42.0% in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies, respectively, giving a pooled OR of 4.28. In unblinded studies, the pooled prevalence of vascular lesions was 8.1% and 37.3% in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies, respectively, giving a pooled OR of 20.34. In blinded studies, the pooled prevalence of vascular lesions was 9.8% and 38.9%, in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies, respectively, giving a pooled OR of 7.08.

CONCLUSIONS

In blinded studies, the incidence of both placental villous and vascular histopathological lesions is four- to seven-fold higher in pre-eclamptic than in normal pregnancies. Greater differences are reported in unblinded studies. Despite the higher probability (point prevalence) of finding abnormal placental pathology in pregnancies with PE, placental lesions are not specific to the diagnosis of PE. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Outcome of fetal ovarian cysts diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound examination: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the outcome of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of ovarian cyst.

METHODS

The electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched using keywords and word variants for 'ovarian cysts', 'ultrasound' and 'outcome'. The following outcomes in fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of ovarian cyst were explored: resolution of the cyst, change of ultrasound pattern of the cyst, occurrence of ovarian torsion and intracystic hemorrhage, need for postnatal surgery, need for oophorectomy, accuracy of prenatal ultrasound examination in correctly identifying ovarian cyst, type of ovarian cyst at histopathological analysis and intrauterine treatment. Meta-analyses using individual data random-effects logistic regression and meta-analyses of proportions were performed. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies (954 fetuses) were included. In 53.8% (95% CI, 46.0-61.5%) of cases for which resolution of the cyst was evaluated (784 fetuses), the cyst regressed either during pregnancy or after birth. The likelihood of resolution was significantly lower in complex vs simple cysts (odds ratio (OR), 0.15 (95% CI, 0.10-0.23)) and in cysts measuring ≥ 40 mm vs < 40 mm (OR, 0.03 (95% CI, 0.01-0.06)). Change in ultrasound pattern of the cyst was associated with an increased risk of ovarian loss (surgical removal or autoamputation) (pooled proportion, 57.7% (95% CI, 42.9-71.8%)). The risk of ovarian torsion was significantly higher for cysts measuring ≥ 40 mm compared with < 40 mm (OR, 30.8 (95% CI, 8.6-110.0)). The likelihood of having postnatal surgery was higher in patients with cysts ≥ 40 mm compared with < 40 mm (OR, 64.4 (95% CI, 23.6-175.0)) and in complex compared with simple cysts, irrespective of cyst size (OR, 14.6 (95% CI, 8.5-24.8)). In cases undergoing prenatal aspiration of the cyst, rate of recurrence was 37.9% (95% CI, 14.8-64.3%), ovarian torsion and intracystic hemorrhage were diagnosed after birth in 10.8% (95% CI, 4.4-19.7%) and 12.8% (95% CI, 3.8-26.0%), respectively, and 21.8% (95% CI, 0.9-40.0%) had surgery after birth.

CONCLUSION

Size and ultrasound appearance are the major determinants of perinatal outcome in fetuses with ovarian cysts. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Perinatal and long-term outcomes in fetuses diagnosed with isolated unilateral ventriculomegaly: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The majority of studies on fetal ventriculomegaly have focused on the perinatal and long-term outcomes in fetuses with an antenatal diagnosis of bilateral ventriculomegaly. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the perinatal and long-term outcomes in fetuses diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy with isolated unilateral ventriculomegaly.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library were searched electronically. Outcomes investigated included incidence of aneuploidy, congenital infection, progression of ventriculomegaly, associated brain and extracerebral abnormalities in the apparently isolated cases and neurodevelopmental delay in both apparently and truly isolated cases. Sensitivity analysis was performed according to whether the ventriculomegaly was mild/moderate (atrial width < 15 mm) or severe (atrial width ≥ 15 mm). Reference lists within relevant articles and reviews were hand-searched for additional reports. Cohort and case-control studies were included. Meta-analysis of proportions was used, and between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I² test.

RESULTS

The search yielded 2053 citations. The full text was retrieved for 202, and 11 studies were included in the systematic review. In fetuses with apparently isolated unilateral ventriculomegaly, no chromosomal abnormalities were identified and the pooled prevalence of congenital infection was 8.2% (95% CI, 3.6-14.5%). The pooled prevalence of additional brain abnormalities detected prenatally and postnatally by magnetic resonance imaging was 5.1% (95% CI, 0.2-16.1%) and 6.4% (95% CI, 0.3-19.4%), respectively. The pooled prevalence of abnormal neurodevelopment was 5.9% (95% CI, 2.2-11.2%) in apparently isolated cases with an atrial width of < 15 mm, and it was 7.0% (95% CI, 3.2-12.2%) in fetuses with truly isolated unilateral ventriculomegaly. Most cases with apparently isolated ventriculomegaly were classified as mild/moderate (93.5%) and therefore the outcomes in this group were similar to those in the whole cohort of apparently isolated ventriculomegaly.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of aneuploidy, congenital infection and neurodevelopmental delay in fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated unilateral ventriculomegaly is likely to be low. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Aging effect on microcirculation: A multiscale entropy approach on laser speckle contrast images

PURPOSE

It has long been known that age plays a crucial role in the deterioration of microvessels. The assessment of such deteriorations can be achieved by monitoring microvascular blood flow. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a powerful optical imaging tool that provides two-dimensional information on microvascular blood flow. The technique has recently been commercialized, and hence, few works discuss the postacquisition processing of laser speckle contrast images recorded in vivo. By applying entropy-based complexity measures to LSCI time series, we present herein the first attempt to study the effect of aging on microcirculation by measuring the complexity of microvascular signals over multiple time scales.

METHODS

Forearm skin microvascular blood flow was studied with LSCI in 18 healthy subjects. The subjects were subdivided into two age groups: younger (20-30 years old, n = 9) and older (50-68 years old, n = 9). To estimate age-dependent changes in microvascular blood flow, we applied three entropy-based complexity algorithms to LSCI time series.

RESULTS

The application of entropy-based complexity algorithms to LSCI time series can differentiate younger from older groups: the data fluctuations in the younger group have a significantly higher complexity than those obtained from the older group.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of aging on microcirculation can be estimated by using entropy-based complexity algorithms to LSCI time series.

[Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias in 2016]

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias comprise 8 clinicopathological entities, most of them with a chronic course and various prognosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most frequent and most severe of these. Computed tomography has an important role for its diagnosis. It can identify the corresponding pathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia in about 50 percent of cases. It can suggest differential diagnosis in other cases, most frequently fibrosing nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Imaging features should be integrated to clinical and available pathologic data during multidisciplinary team meetings involving physicians with a good knowledge of interstitial diseases. Some cases may be unclassifiable, but these could later be reclassified as new data may occur or imaging features may change. Surgical lung biopsy is being less frequently performed and an emerging less invasive technique, lung cryobiopsy, is under evaluation. Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is a distinct entity only recently described, with uncertain prevalence and prognosis that seems being quite often associated to another pattern of interstitial pneumonia.

[Lung screening]

The NLST study found in more than 53,000 (former-) heavy smokers that annual screening with low-dose CT-scan (LDCT) reduced lung cancer mortality and overall mortality by 20% and 6.7% respectively. However, several potential harms of such screening strategy were underlined: over-diagnosis bias, irradiation risk, and the high rate of false-positive results that could lead to futile invasive (and potentially harmful) exams, to impact quality of life, to increase patient's anxiety and costs. All these concerns were largely debated in several recent publications. Most of them concluded in a risk/benefit ratio favoring screening strategy by LDCT. Conversely, most of American academic societies currently recommend LDCT-based lung cancer screening. In France, a taskforce edited a common statement recommending screening smokers or ex-smokers, from 55 to 75years old who have smoked at least 30packs/year. The taskforce also underlined the need for clinical trials aiming to translate screening strategy to the French setting. However, the French Health Authority recently claimed that lung cancer screening was not relevant in the current setting.

BMP-2-coated mineral coated microparticles improve bone repair in atrophic non-unions

Atrophic non-unions are a major clinical problem. Mineral coated microparticles (MCM) are electrolyte-coated hydroxyapatite particles that have been shown in vitro to bind growth factors electrostatically and enable a tuneable sustained release. Herein, we studied whether MCM can be used in vivo to apply Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) to improve bone repair of atrophic non-unions. For this purpose, atrophic non-unions were induced in femurs of CD-1 mice (n = 48). Animals either received BMP-2-coated MCM (MCM + BMP; n = 16), uncoated MCM (MCM; n = 16) or no MCM (NONE; n = 16). Bone healing was evaluated 2 and 10 weeks postoperatively by micro-computed tomographic (µCT), biomechanical, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. µCT revealed more bone volume with more highly mineralised bone in MCM + BMP femurs. Femurs of MCM + BMP animals showed a significantly higher bending stiffness compared to other groups. Histomorphometry further demonstrated that the callus of MCM + BMP femurs was larger and contained more bone and less fibrous tissue. After 10 weeks, 7 of 8 MCM + BMP femurs presented with complete osseous bridging, whereas NONE femurs exhibited a non-union rate of 100 %. Of interest, immunohistochemistry could not detect macrophages within the callus, indicating a good biocompatibility of MCM. In conclusion, the local application of BMP-2-coated MCM improved bone healing in a challenging murine non-union model and, thus, should be of clinical interest in the treatment of non-unions.

Cardiac output assessment in pregnancy: comparison of two automated monitors with echocardiography

OBJECTIVE

To compare non-invasive hemodynamic measurements obtained in pregnant and postpartum women using two automated cardiac output monitors against those obtained by two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

METHODS

This was a cross-comparison study into which we recruited 114 healthy women, either with normal singleton pregnancy (across all three trimesters) or within 72 hours following delivery. Cardiac output estimations were obtained non-invasively using two different monitors, Ultrasound Cardiac Output Monitor (USCOM®, which uses continuous-wave Doppler analysis of transaortic blood flow) and Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitor (NICOM®, which uses thoracic bioreactance), and 2D-TTE. The performance of each monitor was assessed relative to that of TTE by calculating bias, precision, 95% limits of agreement and mean percentage difference (MPD). Intraobserver repeatability was assessed for both monitors and interobserver reproducibility was assessed for USCOM, NICOM being operator-independent.

RESULTS

Following exclusions due to poor-quality results of a monitor or TTE, or for medical reasons, our analysis included 98 women (29 in the first trimester, 25 in the second and 21 in the third, and 23 postpartum). For cardiac output estimation, when compared with TTE, USCOM had a bias ranging from 0.4 to 0.9 L/min. The MPD of USCOM was 29% in the third-trimester cohort. NICOM had a bias ranging from -1.0 to 0.6 L/min, with a MPD of 32% in the third-trimester group. There was limited agreement between the cardiac output monitors and TTE in the first and second trimesters, with a MPD of 38% for USCOM in both first and second trimesters, and 71% and 61% for NICOM in first and second trimesters, respectively. For cardiac output estimation using USCOM, we found excellent intraobserver repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98) and interobserver reproducibility (ICC, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-0.94), and the repeatability for NICOM was comparable (ICC, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

We found good agreement of both USCOM and NICOM when compared with 2D-TTE, specifically in the third trimester of pregnancy. Both devices had good intraobserver repeatability and either had good interobserver reproducibility or were operator-independent. Future studies should take into account the significant differences in the precise maternal hemodynamic values obtained by these devices, and consider developing device-specific reference ranges in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of Phthalates on the Biology of the Mussel Mytilus Galloprovincialis (from the Atlantic Coast of El Jadida, Morocco)

Not available

Systematic review and meta-analysis of persistent left superior vena cava on prenatal ultrasound: associated anomalies, diagnostic accuracy and postnatal outcome

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the prevalence of chromosomal anomalies in fetuses with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), assess the strength of the association between PLSVC and coarctation of the aorta and ascertain the diagnostic accuracy of antenatal ultrasound in correctly identifying isolated cases of PLSVC.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL and the Cochrane databases were searched from the year 2000 onwards using combinations of keywords 'left superior vena cava' and 'outcome'. Two authors reviewed all abstracts independently. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. The rates of the following outcomes were analyzed: chromosomal abnormalities; associated intracardiac anomalies (ICAs) and extracardiac anomalies (ECAs) diagnosed prenatally; additional ICAs and ECAs detected only at postnatal imaging or clinical evaluation but missed at prenatal imaging; and association of PLSVC and coarctation of the aorta. Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data.

RESULTS

In total, 2708 articles were identified and 13 (n = 501) were included in the systematic review. Associated ICAs and ECAs were detected at the prenatal ultrasound examination or at a follow-up assessment in 60.7% (95% CI, 44.2-75.9%) and 37.8% (95% CI, 31.0-44.8%) of cases, respectively. Chromosomal anomalies occurred in 12.5% (95% CI, 9.0-16.4%) of cases in the overall population of fetuses with PLSVC and in 7.0% (95% CI, 2.7-13.0%) of isolated cases. Additional ICAs and ECAs were detected only after birth and missed at ultrasound in 2.4% (95% CI, 0.5-5.8%) and 6.7% (95% CI, 2.2-13.2%) of cases, respectively. Coarctation of the aorta was associated with isolated PLSVC in 21.3% (95% CI, 13.6-30.3%) of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

PLSVC is commonly associated with ICAs, ECAs and chromosomal anomalies. Fetuses with isolated PLSVC should be followed up throughout pregnancy in order to rule out coarctation of the aorta. As most of the data in this review were derived from high-risk pregnancies, the rate of associated abnormalities is likely to be higher than that in the general population of fetuses with PLSVC, for which more data are needed. Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de la persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda en la ecografía prenatal: anomalías asociadas, precisión del diagnóstico y resultado postnatal RESUMEN OBJETIVOS: Cuantificar la prevalencia de anomalías cromosómicas en fetos con vena cava superior izquierda persistente (VCSIP), evaluar la solidez de la asociación entre la VCSIP y la coartación aórtica, y determinar la precisión del diagnóstico de la ecografía prenatal como método para identificar correctamente casos aislados de VCSIP. MÉTODOS: Se buscó en las bases de datos de MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL y Cochrane artículos publicados desde el año 2000 en adelante, usando combinaciones de las palabras clave "vena cava superior izquierda" y "resultado". Dos de los autores revisaron de forma independiente todos los resúmenes encontrados. La evaluación de calidad de los estudios incluidos se realizó mediante la escala Newcastle-Ottawa para estudios de cohortes. Se analizaron las tasas de los siguientes resultados: anomalías cromosómicas; anomalías intracardíacas (AIC) y anomalías extracardíacas (AEC) asociadas diagnosticadas prenatalmente; AIC y AEC adicionales detectadas sólo en ecografías postnatales o mediante evaluación clínica, pero no observadas en ecografías prenatales; y la asociación entre la VCSIP y la coartación aórtica. Se utilizó un meta-análisis de proporciones para combinar los datos.

RESULTADOS

En total, se identificaron 2708 artículos y se incluyeron 13 (n = 501) en la revisión sistemática. En la ecografía prenatal o en una revisión de seguimiento se detectaron AIC y AEC asociadas en el 60,7% (IC 95%, 44,2-75,9%) y el 37,8% (IC 95%, 31,0-44,8%) de los casos, respectivamente. Se produjeron anomalías cromosómicas en el 12,5% (IC 95%, 9,0-16,4%) de los casos en la población general de fetos con VCSIP y en el 7,0% (IC 95%, 2,7-13,0%) de casos aislados. Las AIC y AEC adicionales sólo se detectaron después del nacimiento y en el 6,7% (IC 95%, 2,2-13,2%) de los casos, respectivamente. La coartación aórtica se encontró asociada con la VCSIP aislada en un 21,3% (IC 95%, 13,6-30,3%) de los casos.

CONCLUSIONES

La VCSIP está comúnmente asociada a AIC, AEC y anomalías cromosómicas. Los fetos con VCSIP aislada deben ser objeto de seguimiento durante todo el embarazo, con el fin de descartar la coartación aórtica. Como la mayoría de los datos de esta revisión proceden de embarazos de alto riesgo, es probable que la tasa de anomalías asociadas sea más alta que la de la población general de fetos con VCSIP, por lo que se necesitan más datos.

Short-term outcome of periviable small-for-gestational-age babies: is our counseling up to date?

OBJECTIVE

There are limited data for counseling on and management of periviable small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. We therefore aimed to investigate the short-term outcome of periviable SGA fetuses in relation to the likely underlying cause.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of data from three London tertiary fetal medicine centers obtained between 2000 and 2015. We included viable singleton pregnancies with a severely small fetus, defined as those with an abdominal circumference ≤ 3^rd percentile, identified between 22 + 0 and 25 + 6 weeks' gestation. Data obtained included fetal biometry, presence of placental anomalies, uterine and fetal Doppler and neonatal outcome. We excluded cases with structural abnormalities, proven or suspected abnormal karyotype or genetic syndromes. Cases were classified according to the suspected underlying cause of the small fetal size into one of the following categories: uteroplacental insufficiency, evidence of placental damage with normal uterine artery Doppler, viral infection, or unclassied.

RESULTS

There were 245 cases included in the study. Of these, at diagnosis of SGA, 201 (82%) were categorized as uteroplacental cause, 13 (5%) as suspected placental cause, one (0.4%) as suspected viral cause and 30 (12%) could not be assigned to any of these categories. Overall, 101 (41%) cases survived the neonatal period; 89 (36%) underwent in-utero fetal demise, 22 (9%) died neonatally and 33 (14%) pregnancies were terminated. The diagnosis-to-delivery interval was 8.1 weeks in those that survived and 4.5 weeks in those that died neonatally.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost 90% of periviable SGA cases are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency or intraplacental damage. Survival is related to gestational age at delivery, with outcomes better than might be assumed at diagnosis and some pregnancies reaching term. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Contribution of magnetic resonance imaging in lung cancer imaging

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Prognosis and treatment outcomes are known to be related to the disease stage at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, an accurate assessment of the extent of disease is critical to determine the most appropriate therapy. Currently available imaging modalities for diagnosis and follow-up consist of morphological and functional imaging. Morphological investigations are mainly performed with CT-scan and in some cases with MRI. In this review, we describe the contribution of MRI in lung cancer staging focusing on solid pulmonary nodule characterization and TNM staging assessment using chest and whole-body MRI examinations, detailing in each chapter current recommendations and future developments.

Prevalence of prenatal brain abnormalities in fetuses with congenital heart disease: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Studies have shown an association between congenital heart defects (CHDs) and postnatal brain abnormalities and neurodevelopmental delay. Recent evidence suggests that some of these brain abnormalities are present before birth. The primary aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to quantify the prevalence of prenatal brain abnormalities in fetuses with CHDs.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library were searched electronically. Reference lists within each article were hand-searched for additional reports. The outcomes observed included structural brain abnormalities (on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and changes in brain volume (on MRI, three-dimensional (3D) volumetric MRI, 3D ultrasound and phase-contrast MRI), brain metabolism or maturation (on magnetic resonance spectroscopy and phase-contrast MRI) and brain blood flow (on Doppler ultrasound, phase-contrast MRI and 3D power Doppler ultrasound) in fetuses with CHDs. Cohort and case-control studies were included and cases of chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, case reports and editorials were excluded. Proportion meta-analysis was used for analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) test.

RESULTS

The search yielded 1943 citations, and 20 studies (n = 1175 cases) were included in the review. Three studies reported data on structural brain abnormalities, while data on altered brain volume, metabolism and blood flow were reported in seven, three and 14 studies, respectively. The three studies (221 cases) reporting on structural brain abnormalities were suitable for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The prevalence of prenatal structural brain abnormalities in fetuses with CHD was 28% (95% CI, 18-40%), with a similar prevalence (25% (95% CI, 14-39%)) when tetralogy of Fallot was considered alone. These abnormalities included ventriculomegaly (most common), agenesis of the corpus callosum, ventricular bleeding, increased extra-axial space, vermian hypoplasia, white-matter abnormalities and delayed brain development. Fetuses with CHD were more likely than those without CHD to have reduced brain volume, delay in brain maturation and altered brain circulation, most commonly in the form of reduced middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and cerebroplacental ratio. These changes were usually evident in the third trimester, but some studies reported them from as early as the second trimester.

CONCLUSION

In the absence of known major aneuploidy or genetic syndromes, fetuses with CHD are at increased risk of brain abnormalities, which are discernible prenatally. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Nivolumab-induced organizing pneumonitis in a patient with lung sarcomatoid carcinoma

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are known to induce 'immune pneumonitis' in 3-6% of patients treated for lung cancer. However, their dramatic efficacy in as much as 20% of patients led to recent registrations in squamous, and then non-squamous lung carcinoma, in second line setting after failure of first-line chemotherapy, while large phase 3 trials are on-going, to assess first-line immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Pulmonary Sarcomatoid carcinomas consist of a rare subset of highly aggressive and poorly differentiated non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC), with poor prognosis and chemo-resistance. Although exhibiting high expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), their sensitivity to inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 axis is still unknown. Here we report a case of lung sarcomatoid carcinoma with Nivolumab dramatic and long-lasting efficacy, but occurrence of a very specific pattern of lung toxicity, the so-called 'organizing bronchiolitis syndrome'. As more and more NSCLC patients are promised to receive PD-1 inhibitors as part of their treatment, we feel that specific features of such Nivolumab-induced organizing pneumonitis should be known. Although corticosteroid sensitivity is high, recurrence is frequent because of premature steroid tapering, as for all other causes of organizing pneumonias, and probably because of the Nivolumab long tissue half-life.

Hemilaminectomy for large spinal extradural meningeal cysts: A case report and review of surgical techniques

Spinal extradural meningeal cysts (SEMC) are uncommon causes of back pain. The literature contains only case reports of this pathology, and treatment remains controversial due to its rarity. We present a case of SEMC and describe an approach via hemilaminectomy, with the choice of side guided by radiological imaging, followed by complete excision of the cyst and repair of the underlying dural defect.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of isolated posterior fossa malformations on prenatal imaging (part 2): neurodevelopmental outcome

OBJECTIVES

Diagnosis of isolated posterior fossa anomalies in children is biased by the fact that only those that are symptomatic are brought to the attention of the appropriate clinical personnel, and the reported rate is often affected by the adoption of different nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, outcome measures, duration of follow-up and neurodevelopmental tools. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the neurodevelopmental outcome of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated posterior fossa anomalies.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched electronically, utilizing combinations of the relevant medical subject heading terms for 'posterior fossa' and 'outcome'. Studies assessing the neurodevelopmental outcome in children with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated posterior fossa malformations were considered eligible. The posterior fossa anomalies analyzed included Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM), mega cisterna magna (MCM), Blake's pouch cyst (BPC) and vermian hypoplasia (VH). Two authors reviewed all abstracts independently. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data, and between-study heterogeneity was explored using the I(2) statistic.

RESULTS

A total of 1640 articles were identified; 95 were assessed for eligibility and a total of 16 studies were included in the systematic review. The overall rate of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome in children with a prenatal diagnosis of DWM was 58.2% (95% CI, 21.8-90.0%) and varied from 0-100%. In those with a prenatal diagnosis of MCM, the rate of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome was 13.8% (95% CI, 7.3-21.9%), with a range of 0-50%. There was no significant association between BPC and the occurrence of abnormal neurodevelopmental delay, with a rate of 4.7% (95% CI, 0.7-12.1%) and range of 0-5%. Although affected by the very small number of studies, there was a non-significant occurrence of abnormal neurodevelopmental delay in children with a prenatal diagnosis of VH, with a rate of 30.7% (95% CI, 0.6-79.1%) and range of 0-100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses diagnosed with isolated DWM are at high risk of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome, while isolated MCM or BPC have a generally favorable outcome. The risk of abnormal developmental delay in cases with isolated VH needs to be further assessed. In view of the wide heterogeneity in study design, time of follow-up, neurodevelopmental tests used and the very small number of included cases, further future large prospective studies with standardized and objective protocols for diagnosis and follow-up are needed in order to ascertain the rate of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome in children with isolated posterior fossa anomalies. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of isolated posterior fossa malformations on prenatal ultrasound imaging (part 1): nomenclature, diagnostic accuracy and associated anomalies

OBJECTIVE

To explore the outcome in fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of posterior fossa anomalies apparently isolated on ultrasound imaging.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched electronically utilizing combinations of relevant medical subject headings for 'posterior fossa' and 'outcome'. The posterior fossa anomalies analyzed were Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM), mega cisterna magna (MCM), Blake's pouch cyst (BPC) and vermian hypoplasia (VH). The outcomes observed were rate of chromosomal abnormalities, additional anomalies detected at prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), additional anomalies detected at postnatal imaging and concordance between prenatal and postnatal diagnoses. Only isolated cases of posterior fossa anomalies - defined as having no cerebral or extracerebral additional anomalies detected on ultrasound examination - were included in the analysis. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. We used meta-analyses of proportions to combine data and fixed- or random-effects models according to the heterogeneity of the results.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies including 531 fetuses with posterior fossa anomalies were included in this systematic review. The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with isolated DWM was 16.3% (95% CI, 8.7-25.7%). The prevalence of additional central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities that were missed at ultrasound examination and detected only at prenatal MRI was 13.7% (95% CI, 0.2-42.6%), and the prevalence of additional CNS anomalies that were missed at prenatal imaging and detected only after birth was 18.2% (95% CI, 6.2-34.6%). Prenatal diagnosis was not confirmed after birth in 28.2% (95% CI, 8.5-53.9%) of cases. MCM was not significantly associated with additional anomalies detected at prenatal MRI or detected after birth. Prenatal diagnosis was not confirmed postnatally in 7.1% (95% CI, 2.3-14.5%) of cases. The rate of chromosomal anomalies in fetuses with isolated BPC was 5.2% (95% CI, 0.9-12.7%) and there was no associated CNS anomaly detected at prenatal MRI or only after birth. Prenatal diagnosis of BPC was not confirmed after birth in 9.8% (95% CI, 2.9-20.1%) of cases. The rate of chromosomal anomalies in fetuses with isolated VH was 6.5% (95% CI, 0.8-17.1%) and there were no additional anomalies detected at prenatal MRI (0% (95% CI, 0.0-45.9%)). The proportions of cerebral anomalies detected only after birth was 14.2% (95% CI, 2.9-31.9%). Prenatal diagnosis was not confirmed after birth in 32.4% (95% CI, 18.3-48.4%) of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

DWM apparently isolated on ultrasound imaging is a condition with a high risk for chromosomal and associated structural anomalies. Isolated MCM and BPC have a low risk for aneuploidy or associated structural anomalies. The small number of cases with isolated VH prevents robust conclusions regarding their management from being drawn. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Spleen preserving management of a non-parasitic splenic cyst in pregnancy

Non-parasitic splenic cysts are rare entities. In pregnancy, they are rarer still, with as few as seven cases reported in the literature. There is little consensus regarding the optimal management of this condition in pregnancy. Although small, the theoretical risk of intrapartum splenic rupture is associated with a fetal mortality rate as high as 70%. The authors of at least three case reports advocate total splenectomy as first-line management of splenic cyst in pregnancy. Paradoxically, spleen conserving surgery is the recognised gold standard treatment for symptomatic splenic cysts in non-pregnant patients. We present a case of a large maternal splenic cyst that was treated successfully with a laparoscopic cystectomy.