Management of large placental chorioangioma: two-port laser approach for fetal intervention

OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of literature providing evidence-based guidelines for the management of large placental chorioangioma (≥ 4 cm in diameter). The objectives of this study were to compare outcomes between patients managed expectantly and those undergoing in-utero intervention and to describe the different in-utero techniques used for cessation of blood flow to the tumor and the associated outcome.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 34 patients referred for the management of large placental chorioangioma in a single center between January 2011 and December 2022, who were managed expectantly or underwent in-utero intervention. In-utero intervention was performed when the fetus developed any signs of impending compromise, including high combined cardiac output (CCO), worsening polyhydramnios or abnormal fetal Doppler velocimetry findings. Interventions included radiofrequency ablation (RFA), interstitial laser ablation (ILA) and single-port or two-port fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP). Treatment selection was dependent on the proximity of the tumor to the umbilical cord insertion (UCI) and placental location. The two-port technique was performed in patients with a chorioangioma with large feeding vessels (≥ 3 mm) located in the posterior placenta, in which one port was used for occlusion using bipolar forceps and the other port was used for laser photocoagulation of the feeding vessels downstream. The single-port technique was used for chorioangioma with small feeding vessels (< 3 mm) located in the posterior placenta. ILA or RFA was performed in cases with an anterior placenta. Supportive treatments, including amnioreduction and intrauterine transfusion (IUT), were performed for worsening polyhydramnios and suspected fetal anemia based on middle cerebral artery Doppler flow studies, respectively. Comparative statistical analysis between cases undergoing expectant management vs in-utero intervention was performed. Descriptive details were provided for patients who underwent in-utero intervention.

RESULTS

Thirty-four cases of large chorioangioma were evaluated, of which 25 (73.5%) were managed expectantly and nine (26.5%) underwent intervention. The frequency of polyhydramnios was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the expectant-management group (66.7% vs 8.0%, P < 0.001). The live-birth rate among expectantly managed cases with large chorioangioma was significantly higher compared with that in cases that underwent in-utero intervention (96.0% vs 62.5%, P = 0.01). In the intervention group, preoperative CCO was elevated in all cases with available information and preoperative hydrops was present in 33.3% (3/9) of cases. One patient experienced fetal demise following IUT prior to planned FLP. Among the remaining eight patients, four underwent two-port FLP, two underwent single-port FLP, one underwent ILA and one underwent both ILA and RFA. All three cases in which hydrops was present at the time of intervention resulted in fetal demise.

CONCLUSIONS

In-utero interventions aimed at cessation of blood flow in the feeding vessels are a therapeutic option for the management of cases with large chorioangioma. The two-port percutaneous technique appears to improve the efficiency of FLP when a large chorioangioma with large feeding vessels is located in the posterior placenta. We propose that in-utero interventions for large chorioangioma should be initiated prior to the development of fetal hydrops. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

[Prenatal diagnosis and prognostic factors analysis of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma]

Objective: To investigate the prenatal diagnosis and prognostic factors of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 41 pregnant women who were diagnosed with fetal SCT by prenatal ultrasound at the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2014 to September 2021. The prenatal imaging features and pregnancy outcomes, including tumor volume to fetal weight ratio (TFR), proportion of solid tumor, tumor growth rate (TGR), fetal hydrops, placentomegaly and polyhydramnios were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the critical values of TFR and TGR for predicting adverse fetal outcomes. Results: (1) Among the 41 pregnant women with fetal SCT, the diagnostic gestational week of ultrasound was (24.2±2.9) weeks (range: 18-28 weeks). Among them, 1 case progressed to fetal hydrops and induced labor at 22 weeks of gestation, 1 case developed intrauterine death and induced labor at 29 weeks of gestation, and 39 pregnancies continued until delivery. Among the 39 cases of continued pregnancy, 1 case underwent cesarean section at 31 weeks of gestation due to malignant polyhydramnios and increased fetal cardiothoracic ratio in the third trimester, 1 case underwent cesarean section at 32 weeks of gestation due to fetal heart failure, and 1 case underwent cesarean section at 32 weeks of gestation due to fetal heart failure and hydrops. The other 36 cases underwent surgical resection of tumor within 3 weeks after birth with good prognosis. (2) TFR>0.12 before 28 weeks of gestation could predict poor fetal prognosis, with a sensitivity of 100.0%, a specificity of 86.1% and an area under curve (AUC) of 0.922 (P<0.01). Among the fetuses with TFR>0.12, 5/10 had poor prognosis, while the fetuses with TFR≤0.12 all had good prognosis (100%,31/31), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). (3) TGR>48 cm³/week could predict poor fetal prognosis with a sensitivity of 100.0%, a specificity of 78.3% and an AUC of 0.880 (P<0.05). (4) Among the 28 SCT fetuses delivered in our hospital, the incidence rate of poor fetal prognosis was 0 (0/20) in those with solid tumor component<50%, and 5/8 in those with solid tumor component ≥50%, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). The incidence rate of poor fetal prognosis was 2/2 in those with placentomegaly (all with fetal hydrops), and 12% (3/26) in those without placentomegaly. The risk of poor fetal prognosis was 8.67 times higher in those with placentomegaly than those without placentomegaly, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence rate of poor fetal prognosis in those with polyhydramnios was 3/7, and 10% (2/21) in those without polyhydramnios, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: TFR combined with solid tumor morphology, TGR, and presence of placentomegaly could predict the adverse pregnancy outcomes of fetal SCT.

Rapid Resolution of Polyhydramnios Foretells Circulatory Collapse for the Donor Twin in Feto-Fetal Transfusion Syndrome

Feto-fetal transfusion syndrome is a pathological process unique to diamniotic monochorionic pregnancies. It is the consequence of an unbalanced fetal blood flow through communicating vessels within a shared placenta. When it occurs, a polyuric, hypervolemic recipient twin co-exists with a hypovolemic oliguric donor. The presence of polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios is considered a poor prognostic indicator, whereas normal amniotic fluid volumes indicate a lack of clinically significant twintwin transfusion. In addition, the spontaneous normalization of amniotic fluid volume is usually seen as a favorable prognostic sign. Here, however, we present a case of feto-fetal transfusion in a 31 year-old primigravida at 19 week, in which the spontaneous normalization of amniotic fluid volume in the recipient twin preceded the death of the donor.

Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence in a case of monoamniotic twins

Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) complicates up to 6% of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies, typically in the late second or third trimester. The presence of only a few and very small arteriovenous vascular anastomoses characterizes the underlying angioarchitecture at the chorionic plate in cases of TAPS. In monoamniotic twins, large vascular anastomoses can usually be seen at the placental vascular equator, and therefore one would not expect the development of TAPS in monoamniotic twins. We report a case of TAPS in a monoamniotic pregnancy at 26 + 5 weeks' gestation which responded favorably to fetoscopic laser coagulation of the small placental anastomoses, resolving severe anemia in one twin and polycythemia in the other. The pregnancy continued until 32 + 5 weeks, when worsening cord entanglement with increased resistance and the development of postsystolic notches in the umbilical artery of one twin prompted delivery by Cesarean section. There was only a moderate difference in neonatal hemoglobin concentrations, with the former polycythemic twin needing a single partial volume exchange transfusion. The postnatal course of the neonates was uneventful, according to their gestational age at birth. To our knowledge this is the first case report describing successful laser therapy for TAPS in monoamniotic twins.

High-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a serious complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies, in which arterioarterial anastomoses allow blood flow from a 'pump' fetus to an acardiac fetus via reversed flow in the latter's umbilical artery. Several trial treatments for TRAP sequence have been reported, but all of these have been invasive. We present a case of TRAP sequence in which high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was applied to the umbilical artery of the anomalous twin at 26 weeks as a non-invasive fetal therapy. The HIFU intensity was set at approximately 2300 W/cm(2) with exposure periods of 10 s. Color Doppler ultrasound showed a decrease in blood supply to the anomalous twin, although complete occlusion of the targeted vessel was not achieved. Delivery was by Cesarean section at 29 weeks' gestation and the pump twin survived, without severe clinical complications at 6 months.

Paradoxical scalloped placenta with polyhydramnios in twin–twin transfusion syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To describe the paradoxical occurrence of a scalloped placenta in the presence of polyhydramnios and assess its clinical significance in pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with laser therapy.

METHODS

All patients who underwent laser therapy for TTTS between January 2003 and April 2004 were studied. TTTS was diagnosed and staged using the Quintero staging system. Normally the placenta is characterized by undulations of the fetal-placental surface visible by ultrasound (scalloped placenta). Patients with polyhydramnios will typically have a flattened, smooth, non-scalloped placenta. Operative tapes were reviewed and placental type assigned. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative characteristics of each study patient were obtained.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 120 patients (12.5%) were noted to have a scalloped placenta despite having polyhydramnios. There was no difference in mean gestational age at laser treatment (20.3+/-0.5 vs. 19.6+/-0.6 weeks, p=0.66) or in stage (p=0.07) between the two groups. The median and range preoperative maximum vertical pocket (MVP) in the recipient gestational sac differed significantly between the scalloped and non-scalloped patients (8.3 (8-12) vs. 10.5 (8-17), p=0.001). All 15 patients (100%) with a scalloped placenta required an amnioinfusion to expose all vascular anastomoses, while amnioinfusion was necessary in only 28 of the 105 patients (26.7%, p<0.001) with a non-scalloped placenta. Postoperative patent placental vessel was identified by surgical pathology in 6.7% of the scalloped placenta group vs. 1.9% of the non-scalloped placenta group (p=NS).

CONCLUSION

The definition of TTTS requires an MVP>or=8 cm in the recipient sac. Most patients will have a flattened placenta as a result of polyhydramnios in this sac. Our data show that a paradoxical scalloped placenta may still be present in approximately 12.5% of patients. This preoperative sonographic finding alerts to the potential need for amnioinfusion during laser therapy for TTTS to disclose all vessels to avoid missing placental vascular anastomoses. Amniocenteses should be avoided if possible in patients considering laser therapy to minimize the likelihood of iatrogenic placental scalloping.

The effect of polyhydramnios on cervical length in twins: a controlled intervention study in complicated monochorionic pregnancies

Objective

To test the hypothesis that cervical shortening in polyhydramnios reflects the degree of excess amniotic fluid, and increases with normalisation of amniotic fluid volume.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study of 40 women with monochorionic twins undergoing interventional procedures between 16–26 weeks. Cervical length was assessed via transvaginal sonography pre-procedure, 1 and 24 hours post-procedure, and results compared between amnioreduction and control procedures. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) was measured pre- and post-procedure.

Results

Pre-procedural cervical length correlated with AFI (linear fit = 5.07 -0.04x, R² = 0.17, P = 0.03) in patients with polyhydramnios (n = 28). Drainage of 2000ml fluid (range 700–3500ml), reduced AFI from 42cm to 21cm (P<0.001). Their pre-procedural cervical length did not change at one (mean Δ:−0.1cm, 95%CI, −0.4 to 0.2) or 24 hours (0.2cm, −0.1 to 0.6) after amnioreduction. There was no change in cervical length at control procedures.

Conclusion

Cervical shortening in twins with polyhydramnios does not appear to be an acute process; cervical length can be measured before or after therapeutic procedures.

Polyhydramnios, megalencephaly and symptomatic epilepsy caused by a homozygous 7-kilobase deletion in LYK5

We used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays to investigate the cause of a symptomatic epilepsy syndrome in a group of seven distantly related Old Order Mennonite children. Autozygosity mapping was inconclusive, but closer inspection of the data followed by formal SNP copy number analyses showed that all affected patients had homozygous deletions of a single SNP (rs721575) and their parents were hemizygous for this marker. The deleted SNP marked a larger deletion encompassing exons 9-13 of LYK5, which encodes STE20-related adaptor protein, a pseudokinase necessary for proper localization and function of serine/threonine kinase 11 (a.k.a. LKB1). Homozygous LYK5 deletions were associated with polyhydramnios, preterm labour and distinctive craniofacial features. Affected children had large heads, infantile-onset intractable multifocal seizures and severe psychomotor retardation. We designated this condition PMSE syndrome (polyhydramnios, megalencephaly and symptomatic epilepsy). Thirty-eight percent (N = 16) of affected children died during childhood (ages 7 months to 6 years) from medical complications of the disorder, which included status epilepticus, congestive heart failure due to atrial septal defect and hypernatremic dehydration due to diabetes insipidus. A single post-mortem neuropathological study revealed megalencephaly, ventriculomegaly, cytomegaly and extensive vacuolization and astrocytosis of white matter. There was abundant anti-phospho-ribosomal S6 labelling of large cells within the frontal cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus and spinal cord, consistent with constitutive activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway in brain.

Prevalence of polyhydramnios at a Danish hospital – a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of polyhydramnios, the related maternal and perinatal morbidity, and to estimate the association between perinatal outcome and the degree of polyhydramnios in a Danish population.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 168 women with singleton pregnancies and polyhydramnios diagnosed by ultrasound as a largest two-diameter pocket of > 50 cm2. Mild polyhydramnios defined as > 50 and < 100 cm2, and severe polyhydramnios defined as > or = 100 cm2. The background population consisted of 8,347 pregnant women from the same hospital. Outcome measures were compared using chi2 test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The incidence of polyhydramnios was 2%, with 66.7% of cases mild, and 33.3% were severe polyhydramnios. The study population had an increased risk of emergency (19 versus 10.5%, p<0.001) and elective (11.3 versus 5.0%, p<0.001) caesarean section, as well as perinatal death (1.2 versus 0.3%, p<0.05) compared to the background population. In cases of severe polyhydramnios, there was an increased risk of caesarean section (44.6 versus 23.1%, p<0.005), birth weight > 4,000 g (28.6 versus 14.3%, p<0.05), and need for neonatal care (8.9 versus 0.9%, p<0.01) compared to mild cases. Apgar score < 7, perinatal death and structural malformations only occurred in women with severe polyhydramnios.

CONCLUSION

It is reasonable to distinguish between mild and severe polyhydramnios regarding special attention and follow-up, as caesarean section and perinatal morbidity and mortality are related to the degree of polyhydramnios. A two-diameter pocket > or = 100 cm2 could be used to separate mild from severe cases.

Cervical length assessment in women with idiopathic polyhydramnios

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the study were to determine cervical length among patients with polyhydramnios and to assess the relationship between the severity of polyhydramnios, cervical length and gestational age at delivery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study was designed including 92 consecutive singleton pregnancies with polyhydramnios between 24 and 40 weeks' gestation. Cervical length was measured using transvaginal sonography. Polyhydramnios was defined when amniotic fluid index (AFI) was equal to or greater than 20 cm. A single sonologist performed all the examinations of the cervical length and the AFI.

RESULTS

The median cervical length and AFI were 37.5 (range, 7-52) mm and 28.8 (range, 20-43) cm, respectively. A significant gradual shortening of the cervical length was observed with advancing gestational age (P=0.027). No significant association was found between AFI and cervical length (P=0.24). A cut-off of 15 mm (n=5) was associated with a significantly lower gestational age at delivery (30+/-2.6 weeks vs. 37.2+/-4.2 weeks, respectively, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with polyhydramnios have a gradual shortening of cervical length with advancing gestational age. However, this finding is not related to the severity of polyhydramnios.

Evaluation of a Fetus with Neu-Laxova Syndrome through Prenatal, Clinical, and Pathological Findings

We report a case of Neu-Laxova syndrome in a fetus at 22 weeks with the ultrasonographic findings of characteristic facial findings, limb contractures, kyphosis and polyhydramnios. Pathological and ultrasonographic studies are discussed.

Lethal arthrogryposis with icthyosis: overlap with Neu-Laxova syndrome, restrictive dermopathy and harlequin fetus

We describe a stillborn female with joint contractures, subcutaneous oedema, ectropion, a severely flattened nose, an 'O' shaped open mouth and extensive peeling of skin. The head circumference was normal. She was born at 33 weeks of gestation to consanguineous parents, who had one previous offspring affected with non-immune hydrops fetalis. Pathological, radiological and prenatal findings are reported. The features of the present case are compared with those of Neu-Laxova syndrome, restrictive dermopathy and harlequin fetus.

Monocephalus diprosopus, a rare form of conjoined twins, and associated congenital anomalies

Craniofacial duplication (diprosopus) is a rare form of conjoined twins. A case of monocephalus diprosopus with anencephaly, cervicothoracolumbar rachischisis, and duplication of the respiratory tract and upper gastrointestinal tract is reported. The cardiovascular system remained single but the heart showed transposition of the great vessels. We present this case due to its rarity, and compare our pathologic findings with those already reported.

Five additional Costello syndrome patients with rhabdomyosarcoma: proposal for a tumor screening protocol

We report five new cases of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in Costello syndrome. These cases, combined with those previously reported, increase the number of solid tumors to 17 (10 RMSs, 3 neuroblastomas, 2 bladder carcinomas, 1 vestibular schwannoma, 1 epithelioma), in at least 100 known Costello syndrome patients. Despite possible ascertainment bias, and the incomplete identification of all Costello syndrome patients, the tumor frequency could be as high as 17%. This is comparable to the 7-21% frequency of solid tumors in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), and may justify tumor screening. Based on the recommendations for screening BWS patients, we propose a screening protocol consisting of ultrasound examination of the abdomen and pelvis every 3-6 months until age 8-10 years for RMS and abdominal neuroblastoma; urine catecholamine metabolite analysis every 6-12 months until age 5 years for neuroblastoma; and urinalysis for hematuria annually for bladder carcinoma after age 10 years. These recommendations may need to be modified, as new information becomes available. Potential criticism of the tumor screening protocol concerns the lack of evidence for improved outcome, and possible overestimation of the tumor risk. The ability of RMSs to occur at various sites complicates tumor screening, but 8 of the 10 RMSs in Costello syndrome patients originated from the abdomen, pelvis and urogenital area. Prior diagnosis of Costello syndrome is a prerequisite for the implementation of any screening protocol. The diagnosis of Costello syndrome should also be considered in individuals with RMS and physical findings suggestive of Costello syndrome.

Placental pathology in fetal bartter syndrome

Bartter syndrome, which presents clinically with polyuria, urinary potassium loss, hypokalemia, hypercalciuria, and alkalosis, is an autosomal recessive disorder with mutations in genes encoding the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, the chloride channel CLC-NKB, and the potassium channel ROMK. Prenatal diagnosis of Bartter syndrome is now possible; however, there are no reports of the placental pathology associated with fetal Bartter syndrome. We present the placental pathologic findings in two siblings with fetal Bartter syndrome. Both pregnancies were complicated by polyhydramnios and preterm delivery. The first pregnancy delivered at 30 weeks, and Bartter syndrome was diagnosed in the perinatal period. The subsequent pregnancy required periodic therapeutic amniocentesis secondary to massive polyhydramnios and delivered at 32 weeks gestation. The suspicion of fetal Bartter syndrome was very high in this second pregnancy, and the infant was confirmed to have Bartter syndrome subsequently. Both placentas were large for gestational age, weighing greater than the 95th percentile. Microscopic examination showed extensive subtrophoblastic basement membrane mineralization (special stains positive for iron and calcium) in the chorionic villi. This striking finding was present in both placentas. Subtrophoblastic mineralization has been described in the literature in placentas of fetuses with abnormalities including anencephaly, trisomy 21, and other congenital abnormalities; however, it has also been described in normal pregnancies. Mechanisms of calcification in the placenta are not well understood, but these striking cases suggest that defects in fetal renal excretion of ions can lead to dystrophic calcification within the placenta, particularly in a subtrophoblastic pattern.

Renin gene expression in fetal kidneys of pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) complicates one in five monochorionic pregnancies and is generally associated with high mortality and morbidity. One twin (the recipient) grows appropriately and has polyhydramnios while the other (the donor) may have a reduced growth velocity and severe oligohydramnios. The disparities in amniotic fluid volumes represent differences in fetal urine output. These differences occur secondary to hemodynamic changes, in which the vascular arrangement of placental anastomoses in TTTS leads to unidirectional flow from the donor to the recipient twin. A better understanding of the pathophysiology may contribute to improved management of this morbid condition. We studied three consecutive prospectively diagnosed stillborn twin pairs affected by early-onset TTTS. Renin gene expression was studied in sections of fetal kidneys with immunocytochemistry using a renin antiserum and with in situ hybridization using riboprobes complementary to renin mRNA, and renin-secreting cells (RCC) were counted. The overall maturation of the renal cortex was assessed by the percentage of immature glomeruli. The donor twin kidneys were smaller than those of the recipients, but the maturation of the renal cortex was not significantly different (28.2% immature glomeruli in the donor and 24.4% in the recipient kidney). The donor kidney showed increased renin gene expression with hyperplastic juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGAs) that contained excess RCCs (median 20.02 [25th-75th centiles, 5.4, 25.1 RCCs per 100 glomeruli]). In contrast, the recipient kidney was virtually devoid of these cells (0.04 [0, 0.36] RCCs per 100 glomeruli; P < 0.05). In the donor kidney, increased renin release may, by a local action, contribute to renal vasoconstriction and oliguria. Increased renin and/or angiotensin II in the blood passing through the placental anastomoses may, by an endocrine action, suppress renin synthesis in the recipient kidney, thereby increasing renal blood flow and causing polyuria and polyhydramnios. These changes in the renal RAS could thus contribute to the pathogenesis of TTTS. The renal renin changes noted here may represent a contributory or compensating mechanism, the success of which may dictate the overall survival of the twin pregnancy and allow better understanding of the pathophysiology and perhaps therapy that may be employed in this condition.

[A rare cause of polyhydramnios: Steinert's syndrome. A clinical case report]

Steinert's syndrome is a systemic disease with autosome mother-to-child transmission, characterized by myotonia and muscular dystrophia. The syndrome's clinical characteristics include: respiratory and alimentation diseases, facial diplegia, generalized hypotonia, areflexia, atrophy, arthrogryposis, hydramnios, retard in psychomotor development, cataract and genital disorders. A case of pregnancy occurs in Steinert syndrome's patient with hydramnios as a predominant symptom, is presented. At birth, in the congenital neonatal form, there is grave, generalized hypotonia which causes a very quick death of the newborn. There are not many characters which can be found out by ultrasound: hydramnios, reduction of fetal tone and active movements, micrognathia. Consequently it is of the utmost importance in those cases an adequate prenatal genetic counseling and a correct obstetrical management.

Hydrolethalus: a midline malformation syndrome with optic nerve coloboma and hypoplasia

Ophthalmic pathological findings of hydrolethalus, a midline malformation syndrome, were determined in three fetuses aborted between the 14th and 19th gestational week. The eyes were serially sectioned and analyzed using light microscopy and a panel of 13 antibodies to neuronal, glial, epithelial, and mesenchymal elements of the eye. The general morphological and antigenic development of the anterior segment, retina and choroid were normal, but some lens fibers were vacuolated and irregular in all eyes. A coloboma of the optic nerve was constant and corresponded in its severity to the systemic manifestations. It ranged from segmental dysplasia of the optic nerve head to a colobomatous orbital cyst with secondary microphthalmos and deranged development of the eye. Glial tissue extended through a defect in the sheaths of the optic nerve in three eyes, communicating with retinoblastic tissue in the orbit. Evidence of secondary optic nerve hypoplasia was present in all eyes, and a separate chorioretinal coloboma was present in one eye. Ocular anomalies should be considered one hallmark of hydrolethalus syndrome, and they may help to differentiate it from other overlapping malformation syndromes. In particular, colobomatous dysplasia and hypoplasia of the optic nerve seem to be typical of hydrolethalus syndrome. Histopathological studies of the eyes may help the neuropathologist in making the differential diagnosis of midline malformation syndromes.

[Prenatal diagnosis of thanatophoric dysplasia]

The authors report a case of a thanatophoric dysplasia associated with hydramnios diagnosed at 32 weeks' gestation by sonographic investigation. The final diagnosis was derived from radiological and hystological findings. The authors underline that the identification of a specific osteochondrodysplasia is quite difficult and postulates interdisciplinary cooperation between gynecologists, neonatologists, radiologists and pathologists. More effective counselling of affected families is the major purpose of all the efforts involved.

Neu-Laxova syndrome: report of a case from Turkey

We describe a case of Neu-Laxova syndrome in a newborn female who was born at full-term to consanguineous Turkish parents. The pathological and radiological features are described.

Management of the fetus with a cystic adenomatoid malformation

Prenatal detection and serial sonographic study of fetuses with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) now makes it possible to define the natural history of this lesion, determine the pathophysiologic features that affect clinical outcome, and formulate management based on prognosis. In a series of 22 prenatally diagnosed cases, the overall prognosis depended on the effects of the lung mass and the consequent physiologic derangement: A large mass may cause mediastinal shift, hypoplasia of normal lung tissue, polyhydramnios, and cardiovascular compromise leading to fetal hydrops. Two types of CCAM were distinguished by gross anatomy, ultrasonographic findings, and prognosis. Microcystic lesions (cysts < 5 mm; solid appearance) are often associated with fetal hydrops and have a poor prognosis. Macrocystic lesions (single or multiple cysts > 5 mm) are not usually associated with hydrops and have a more favorable prognosis. Four initially large lesions partially disappeared on serial prenatal sonography, suggesting that improvement can occasionally occur during fetal life. The finding that fetuses with hydrops are at high risk for fetal or neonatal demise led to fetal surgical resection of the massively enlarged pulmonary lobe (fetal lobectomy) in two cases. Fetuses with CCAM but without hydrops have a good chance for survival with maternal transport, planned delivery, and immediate neonatal resuscitation and surgery.

Frequency of fetal anomalies in sonographically detected polyhydramnios

One hundred and five patients who met the criterion of having an amniotic fluid pocket depth greater than 8.0 cm were categorized as polyhydramniotic. Of these cases, 82% were singleton pregnancies and 18% were twin pregnancies. The degree of polyhydramnios correlated directly with the probability that an anomaly would be detected. For the lowest rank group (pocket depth of 8 to 9.5 cm), 50% of fetuses manifested an anomaly, whereas the highest rank (16.0 cm or greater pocket depth) carried an 88% risk for an anomaly. Overall, 63% of pregnancies with polyhydramnios revealed anomalies. Sonography found all to be anomalous. There were three false diagnoses of potential anomalies. Monochorionic anomalies of twinning (twin transfusion syndrome and acardiac twin) and gastrointestinal anomalies among singletons were the most commonly seen abnormalities. However, a broad spectrum of anomalies was represented in the study group. Only five diabetic mothers were seen in our study cohort, and in each of them the pregnancy was further complicated by an associated fetal anomaly.

Survey of congenital tumors in perinatal necropsies

In an audit of 17,417 necropsies from 1939 to 1989 at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, 46 congenital tumors comprising 24 teratomas, 8 vascular tumors, 6 neuroblastomas, three rhabdomyomas, two mesoblastic nephromas, one thyroid adenoma, one hepatic adenoma and one cerebellar medulloblastoma were found. The teratomas were generally large tumors and, because of their size and location, incompatible with extrauterine life. Ten teratomas were associated with polyhydramnios, three with obstructed labour, five of the fetuses were hydropic and four had malformations at sites distant to the tumor. Twenty teratomas occurred in stillbirths, half of whom were macerated. The vascular tumors were associated with polyhydramnios in three cases and hydrops fetalis in two. The neuroblastomas were all incidental findings. Four were intra-adrenal, one was an adrenal tumor which had metastasized to the liver and the remaining case was a small paravertebral lesion. Two of the three rhabdomyomas were multiple and one of these occurred in a case of tuberous sclerosis. One of the mesoblastic nephromas occurred in a hydropic fetus who had the Arnold-Chiari malformation. The thyroid and hepatic adenomas were small incidental lesions. The cerebellar medulloblastoma had led to marked hydrocephalus. Congenital tumors have different incidence, presentation and behaviour than those in childhood or adult life. The association of congenital tumors with congenital malformations and hydrops fetalis should always be remembered.

Obstructive acute renal failure by a gravid uterus: a case report and review

Acute renal failure caused from an obstruction by the gravid uterus is a rare complication of pregnancy. Only 13 cases have been reported. We report a case of obstructive acute renal failure in a patient at 34 weeks' gestation with a twin pregnancy complicated by polyhydramnios. The serum creatinine peaked at 1,078 mumol/L (12.2 mg/dL), higher than in the previously reported patients. The striking feature of her clinical course was the immediate resolution of anuria following amniotomy, thus avoiding the need for dialysis, ureteral stenting, or immediate surgical delivery. This patient illustrates the potential importance of increased uterine pressure on the ureters as a cause of significant obstructive renal failure during pregnancy.

[Results of transabdominal placental biopsy in the 2nd and 3d trimester]

From August 1988 to October 1990, 115 transabdominal placental biopsies were performed in the second (68%) and third trimenon (32%). The main indication (80%) was the detection of pathological ultrasonographic findings (foetal malformation, growth retardation, oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios). The success rate of chorionic villus sampling (89%) was independent of the localisation of the placenta. A definite cytogenetic result was found in 83% of patients. By combination of placental biopsy and amniocentesis (n = 77) karyotyping was successful in 97% of pregnancies. Chromosomal abnormalities were observed in 15 (13%) cases (7 autosomal and 2 gonosomal aneuploidies, 1 unbalanced translocation, 1 autosomal deletion, 4 structural variants). The outcome of the pregnancies was substantially influenced by the indication for the procedure and by the cytogenetic result. Foetal and peri-/neonatal losses were found in 53% (3% spontaneous abortions) of patients with sonographic abnormalities (n = 92) and in 9% (abortion rate 4%) of pregnancies with regular findings (n = 23). The pregnancy loss rates were 37.7% and 5.9%, respectively. The results confirm the clinical significance of placental biopsy in the management of pregnancies with pathological ultrasonographic findings.

Congenital difficulties with swallowing and breathing associated with maternal polyhydramnios: neurocristopathy or medullary infarction?

Two babies with congenital difficulties in swallowing and breathing are presented and contrasted. Both were associated with maternal polyhydramnios, but one was due to medullary infarction and the other to a malformation ("neurocristopathy"). In the former case, isolated tenth and twelfth cranial nerve palsies provided the clue as to the correct etiology, whereas the latter baby had dyscoordination of swallowing and breathing with sleep apnea ("Ondine's curse"). It is somewhat ironic that the case without a difficult delivery had the infarct, probably prenatal in onset, whereas the one with a difficult delivery had the congenital malformation. Neural crest cells are known to migrate widely and to develop greatly different functions, but the fact that their central associations of neural tube origin may also be affected has not previously been emphasized in the etiopathogenesis of the congenital malformation. A variety of syndromes with combinations of many defects may be seen in which too many or too few cells are formed, with more or less serious consequences especially for the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.

Animal model for polyhydramnios

Chronic intravenous infusion of angiotensin 1 [182 micrograms/(kg.day)] into fetal lambs caused gross polyhydramnios. Infusions of comparable volumes of vehicle or lower concentrations of angiotensin 1 [48 micrograms/(kg.day)] did not cause gross polyhydramnios.

[Capillary hemangioma of the umbilical cord as a cause of polyhydramnios]

The authors report on an encapsulated, fibrous capillary hemangioma, 4 cm in diameter, located at the insertion of the umbilical cord, which caused a polyhydramnion in the 26th week of gestation. The diagnosis of capillary hemangioma was confirmed by multiple sonographic examinations. In the 27th week of gestation, 700 ml of amniotic fluid were drained by a single transabdominal amniocentesis. The child had to be delivered by cesarean section in the 36th week of gestation owing to a breech presentation in a primigravida mother and signs of respiratory placental insufficiency. No malformations of any kind were found in the newborn. The importance of the capillary hemangioma as the cause of a polyhydramnion is discussed with regard to differential diagnosis.

Theca-lutein ovarian cysts associated with homozygous alpha-thalassemia

We present a case of theca-lutein cysts associated with homozygous alpha-thalassemia. Theca-lutein cysts have been associated with various types of nonimmune hydrops fetalis but have not been reported previously in association with homozygous alpha-thalassemia.

Fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is being diagnosed before birth with increasing frequency. We were recently consulted about management of a 22-week fetus with SCT and reviewed our experience (6 cases) and the literature. We found that most fetal SCT present from 22 to 34 weeks gestation with a uterus enlarged by the tumor and/or associated polyhydramnios; although the American Academy of Pediatrics Surgical Section clinical classification is an important prognostic indicator in neonatal SCT, it does not appear to predict outcome in fetal SCT; associated chromosomal abnormalities or life threatening anomalies are rare; presentation after 30-weeks gestation is a relatively good prognostic sign with fetal survival, after planned cesarean delivery, in 6 of 8 cases; and hydrops and/or placentomegaly in association with fetal SCT predicts fetal demise soon after diagnosis with 7 of 7 cases dying in utero.

Amniotic epithelial ultrastructure in normal, polyhydramnic, and oligohydramnic pregnancies

The ultrastructure of the amniotic epithelial cells from normal, polyhydramnic, and oligohydramnic pregnancies were studied with the transmission electron microscope. The amniotic epithelial cell layer from normal pregnancies was 8- to 12-mu thick. In polyhydramnic pregnancies the cell layer varied widely from the normal thickness to as much as 18 to 56 mu in diabetic patients. Other ultrastructural changes observed in pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios were abnormal microvilli, diminished intercellular canals, increased tonofilaments, and decreased rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. In pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios the thickness of the cell layer was 3 to 6 mu. The amniotic epithelial cells had increased tonofilaments, decreased desmosomes, collapsed and fused intercellular canals, and caused a marked decrease of the Golgi apparatus and the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The sparse microvilli were short, plump, and had bizarre shapes.

Increased acinar complexity with polyhydramnios

We report 4 cases that presented a contradiction in terms of intrauterine lung growth. In all cases there was increased acinar complexity despite an array of influences known to be associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. In 2 of the 4 cases the lungs were severely hypoplastic by weight. Following an analysis of the factors operative in each case regarding lung growth, we conclude that diffuse increased acinar complexity occurs in selected cases with massive polyhydramnios. The observation is of importance because it is consonant with an intimate and dynamic relationship between amniotic fluid volume, lung fluid production, and fetal breathing movements in normal intrauterine lung growth and maturation. Although lung hypoplasia is known to occur in association with polyhydramnios, the reported alterations in lung structure were not previously observed.

Human fetal anatomy: MR imaging

Twenty-four pregnant women carrying 26 fetuses (two sets of twins) were imaged with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 0.35 T following sonographic evaluation. Each study was retrospectively evaluated to determine which of 33 normal fetal structures were visible on the images and which imaging parameters were most useful for depicting fetal anatomy. Fetal motion degraded fetal images in all but two cases, both with oligohydramnios and in the third trimester of gestation. Nevertheless, many fetal structures were identifiable, particularly in the third trimester. Visualization of fetal anatomy improved with intravenous maternal sedation in five cases. Relatively T1-weighted images occasionally offered the advantage of less image degradation owing to fetal motion and improved contrast between different fetal structures. More T2 weighting was believed to be advantageous in one case for outlining the fetal head and in one case for delineation of the brain. In many cases, structures were similarly identifiable (though with different signal intensities) regardless of the parameters selected. The authors conclude that MR imaging of many fetal structures is currently unsatisfactory and is probably of limited value, particularly in the first and second trimesters. However, the relative frequency and detail with which the fetal head and liver can be depicted indicate that these may be areas for further investigation, and the potential utility of imaging fetal fat warrants further investigation.

Longitudinal and transverse uterine area measurements (LTUA) are not representative of intrauterine volume

A midline longitudinal area and the maximum transverse area of the pregnant uterus were used to compute the intrauterine volumes of 37 women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The results were compared with measurements done simultaneously using a parallel planimetric area method. The use of only two areas caused significant underestimation of total intrauterine volume, by 14-36 per cent. Because of the variable shape of the uterine cavity in pregnancy, the product of longitudinal and transverse intrauterine area measurements cannot give reliable information about intrauterine volume.

A distinct chondrodysplasia resembling Kniest dysplasia: clinical, roentgenographic, histologic, and ultrastructural findings

Two sibs, one girl and one boy, were observed in infancy with a severe lethal skeletal dysplasia syndrome that radiologically and histologically resembled Kniest dysplasia but clearly differed in clinical course and inheritance. Kniest dysplasia is a nonlethal syndrome, whereas both of these infants died in the neonatal period. Kniest dysplasia appears to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait; the likely transmission in this family was autosomal recessive. Roentgenograms revealed dumbbell-shaped long bones superficially similar to Kniest dysplasia, but with markedly shortened diaphyses and metaphyseal irregularities. Chondro-osseous morphology demonstrated a superficially similar foamy "Swiss cheese" appearance to the cartilage matrix, as seen in Kniest dysplasia, but there were distinctly different changes in the growth plate and resting cartilage. Ultrastructurally, the chondrocytic endoplasmic reticulum was found to have an appearance different from that observed in either normal or Kniest cartilage. These cases likely represent a distinct chondrodysplasia.

[Polysyndactyly with complex cardiopathy. Apropos of 3 cases in the same family]

This study deals with a family where three successive children presenting with a complicated polymalformative syndrome, died. The first child, a boy, had atrial and ventricular septal defect. The second and third children, both females, had cardiac abnormalities with a single ventricle with common auriculo-ventricular valve. Each case was associated with low ear insertion and first toe bilateral polysyndactyly. Familial inquiry showed neither consanguinity nor similar cases in relatives and ancestors within three generations. This polymalformative syndrome could be genetically determined.