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Biomedical subjects

G Malinger

Publications and source records attributed to G Malinger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The fetal cerebellar vermis: normal development as shown by transvaginal ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the normal appearance and development of the fetal cerebellar vermis using mid-sagittal planes obtained by transvaginal sonography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 101 fetuses were evaluated by transvaginal sonography between 21 and 39 weeks of gestation. The mid-sagittal antero-posterior and cranio-caudal vermian diameters, circumference and surface area were measured and calculated. Nomograms were produced. RESULTS: The vermis was observed in 96% of the cases and all the measurements were performed in 92%. The vermis grows in a linear fashion throughout pregnancy. The growth pattern correlates well with gestational age, biparietal diameter, head circumference and transverse cerebellar diameter. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal sonography is a valuable tool in the study of the fetal vermis during the second half of pregnancy. Knowledge of its normal appearance may help identify developmental anomalies and enable accurate prenatal counseling.

Cerebellum↗

Laparoscopic surgery for extrauterine pregnancy in hemodynamically unstable patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery in treatment of ectopic pregnancy in hemodynamically unstable women. DESIGN: Three-year observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred one women with ectopic pregnancy who underwent laparoscopic surgery, 18 with substantial intraabdominal bleeding and with clinical signs and symptoms of hemodynamic instability. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Compared with stable patients, hemodynamically unstable women had significantly more free blood in the abdomen (1244 +/- 590 vs 173 +/- 301 ml, p <0.0001), had significantly lower hemoglobin levels (7.8 +/- 1.4 vs 11.9 +/-1.4 g%, p <0.0001), and required significantly more frequent blood transfusions (83% vs 3.6%, p <0.0001). Similarly, their hemodynamic values such as pulse rate and blood pressures were worse. Among these women, 15 (83%) had a tubal pregnancy, 2 had an interstitial pregnancy, and 1 had a tubal abortion. Those with tubal pregnancy who were hemodynamically unstable underwent salpingectomy. Only one required conversion to laparotomy. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred, and all women made a full and uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: Improved anesthesia and cardiovascular monitoring, together with advanced laparoscopic surgical skills and experience, justifies operative laparoscopy for surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy even in women with hemodynamic instability.

Adult↗

The subarachnoid space: normal fetal development as demonstrated by transvaginal ultrasound.

Enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces can be seen in the following conditions: communicating hydrocephalus, brain atrophy and benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces. These disorders may begin in utero. There are no established normograms for the fetal subarachnoid spaces. This study was conducted in order to determine its normal development. Transvaginal sonography was used to examine the subarachnoid space in 80 fetuses between 16 and 40 weeks' gestation. The sinocortical width (SCW) and craniocortical width (CCW) were measured in a coronal plane at the level of the foramen of Monro. The SCW remained relatively constant during the gestational period. The CCW increased in size from the 20th to the 28th week of pregnancy, with a subsequent gradual decrease until term. Determination of fetal subarachnoid space normograms may potentially help in the diagnosis of pathological conditions affecting this space and allow prenatal counselling.

Adult↗

Screening efficacy of the subcutaneous tissue width/femur length ratio for fetal macrosomia in the non-diabetic pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal weight estimations have limited sensitivity and specificity for the detection of macrosomia. The objective of our study was to examine the screening efficacy of the subcutaneous tissue width/femur length ratio for the intrapartum detection of fetal macrosomia in a non-diabetic population at term. STUDY DESIGN: Intrapartum sonographic measurements were performed in 178 well-dated gravidas at 37-41 weeks' gestation with negative glucose tolerance screens. The biparietal diameter, femur length (FL), abdominal circumference and subcutaneous tissue width of the thigh (SCT) were determined. Subsequently, predictions for macrosomia (actual birth weights above the 90th centile) were made using varying cut-off points of the examined parameters or estimated fetal weights. RESULTS: Macrosomia occurred in 27 newborns (15.1%). The SCT/FL ratio was independent of gestational age (r = -0.017). Maternal age, gravidity, parity, gestational age and the ratio of male-to-female infants were similar in pregnancies resulting in appropriate-for-gestational-age and macrosomic infants (NS). There was no difference in the SCT/FL ratio between these groups (p = 0.067; 99% power to detect 2 standard deviation differences). Comparison of screening efficacy by the univariate z score for the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (theta) revealed that the abdominal circumference had the best sensitivity-specificity trade-off (theta = 0.8843; p < 0.0001 for comparison with SCT/FL ROC curve), followed by weight estimations based on the Hadlock formula (theta = 0.8773; p < 0.0005), the Shepard formula (theta = 0.8606; p < 0.0001), subcutaneous tissue thickness alone (theta = 0.6872; p < 0.01) and the SCT/FL ratio (theta = 0.6303). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the SCT/FL ratio is a poor sonographic predictor of fetal macrosomia in the non-diabetic pregnancy and does not improve fetal weight estimations by conventional sonographic parameters.

Adolescent↗

Prenatal diagnosis of interrupted inferior vena cava as an isolated finding: a benign vascular malformation.

We report two cases of interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation diagnosed as an isolated finding during routine prenatal scans. Visualization of the venous vasculature of the abdomen and thorax in the mid-sagittal plane failed to visualize the segment of the inferior vena cava between the kidneys and the liver. A vessel with venous flow was observed parallel, adjacent and posterior to the aorta between the kidney and the right atrium. This blood vessel connected with the superior vena cava. Axial planes of the thorax confirmed the presence of two vessels running paravertebrally. A detailed ultrasound examination of the fetal anatomy failed to demonstrate other anomalies. The neonatal course of both fetuses was uneventful. Isolated interruption of the inferior uena cava can be a vascular malformation without known pathological consequences.

Adult↗

Exaggerated placental site erroneously diagnosed as non-metastatic trophoblastic disease. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Exaggerated placental site (EPS) is classified as a non-neoplastic trophoblastic lesion, and histologically it consists of endometrial and myometrial invasion of intermediate trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts and it differs morphologically from placental site trophoblastic tumors and placental nodules. The purpose of this report is to increase physicians' awareness of this lesion. CASE: A 48-year-old woman with post-molar rising betahCG titers and a clinical diagnosis of non-metastatic trophoblastic disease underwent hysterectomy. Final histopathology showed exaggerated placental site--a lesion often unfamiliar to clinicians. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that operative hysteroscopy may be useful in the diagnosis and management of EPS.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Outcome of fetuses with isolated borderline unilateral ventriculomegaly diagnosed at mid-gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of fetuses with isolated borderline, unilateral ventriculomegaly. DESIGN: A retrospective survey was conducted at four perinatal centers in Israel. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Only fetuses with one ventricular width of > or = 11 mm and the other < 10 mm were included in the study. In all cases, the difference of the ventricular width between the two ventricles was > 2.4 mm (two standard deviations). Fetuses with other malformations, chromosomal abnormalities, or those with evidence of in utero infection, were not included in the study. RESULTS: Unilateral ventriculomegaly was found in 27 subjects (after excluding one case with unilateral ventriculomegaly and Down's syndrome). The mean width of the enlarged ventricle was 11.7 +/- 0.9 mm, while the other normal ventricle was 7.2 +/- 0.9 mm. The mean gestational age at diagnosis of the unilateral ventriculomegaly was 23.6 +/- 2.7 weeks. In one case, pregnancy was terminated, and pathological examination of the fetal brain failed to detect any structural abnormality. Twenty-five patients delivered at term and only one at 34 weeks' gestation. The neurological development in all 25 fetuses was normal, and one fetus had petit mal seizures. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with isolated, borderline unilateral ventriculomegaly, but without other abnormalities, have a good neurological outcome.

Cerebral Ventricles↗

Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal hepatic hyperechogenicities: clinical significance and implications for management.

The clinical significance of sonographically detected fetal hepatic hyperechogenicities has not been fully established. The aim of this study was to assess various aspects of fetal hepatic hyperechogenicities detected in utero, including natural history, prenatal investigation and pregnancy outcome. In a retrospective survey of pregnant women presenting to the ultrasonographic unit, five fetuses with a mean gestational age of 20 weeks (range 14-24 weeks) were antenatally diagnosed as having hepatic hyperechogenicities. All cases underwent extensive investigation to establish the etiology and to determine the spectrum of ultrasonographic presentation. In three fetuses, only parenchymal lesions were found, while two had combined lesions: parenchymal and peritoneal. The earliest prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis was made at 14 weeks' gestation in a fetus with combined hyperechogenic lesions, which, at 12 weeks' gestation, demonstrated unexplained fetal ascites. Associated abnormalities were found in only one fetus in which a solitary parenchymal lesion was associated with direct communication of the intrahepatic portion of the umbilical vein with the right atrium, and high output cardiac failure. In this case, termination of pregnancy confirmed ischemic hepatic necrosis. In the other four cases, no direct etiology could be determined, and all four pregnancies continued to term with normal neonatal follow up until 12 months of age. The present data suggest that in cases of fetal hepatic hyperechogenicities, where apparent intrauterine infection or neoplasia can be ruled out, a vascular disruption phenomenon is a putative etiology. If there are no associated morphological abnormalities or abnormal karyotypes, the prognosis may be favorable.

Adult↗

The corpus callosum: normal fetal development as shown by transvaginal sonography.

OBJECTIVE: Detection of the corpus callosum in the developing fetus on sonograms usually is difficult. We determined the normal appearance and development of this structure during the second half of pregnancy, as shown on transvaginal sonograms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred one fetuses were evaluated with transvaginal sonography between 18 and 42 weeks' gestation. The length of the corpus callosum and the thicknesses of the genu, body, and splenium were measured, and growth tables were produced. RESULTS: The corpus callosum was detected in 95% of cases and showed gradual enlargement during pregnancy; growth was linear, from nearly 17 mm in length at 18 weeks' gestation to 44 mm at term. The ratios of the length of the corpus callosum to the anteroposterior diameter of the brain remained relatively constant from 20 to 21 weeks' gestation to term. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal sonography can be used to visualize and measure the corpus callosum in the developing fetus. Data from this study may be useful as a reference for normal development of the corpus callosum.

Corpus Callosum↗

[Ultrasonographic diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome in pregnancy].

The amniotic band syndrome comprises a heterogenous group of congenital deformities which originate from rupture of the amnion during the early stages of fetal development. The diagnosis of the syndrome in the newborn is difficult because of the wide spectrum of anomalies, and its resemblance to other genetic or developmental deformities. The prenatal diagnosis of the syndrome is possible when there is ultrasonographic demonstration of multiple, nonembryological anomalies, with or without visualization of amniotic bands floating in the amniotic fluid. We recently diagnosed prenatally 3 fetuses affected by this condition. 2 were members of different twin pregnancies who presented with severe multiple malformations, and the other was a singleton with a big facial cleft and Pierre-Robin syndrome.

Amniotic Band Syndrome↗

Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase genes coamplify in primary ovarian carcinomas.

The genes for acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) and butyrylcholinesterase (CHE) are expressed in multiple tumor tissues, including ovarian carcinomas. Both CHE and ACHE genes coamplify in leukemias. To examine the relationship of gene amplification to the expression of these genes in tumors, ACHE and CHE genes and their expression were studied in primary ovarian carcinomas. DNA blot hybridization demonstrated a significant amplification and mutagenesis of both genes in 6 of 11 malignant tumors studied. This was greater or of the same order of magnitude as the amplification of the oncogenes c-rafi, v-sis, and c-fes in these tumors. No amplification was found in normal ovarian tissues or benign ovarian cysts. Xenopus oocyte microinjections, blot and in situ hybridizations, and immuno- and cytochemical staining revealed translatable CHEmRNA and its active protein product in discrete tumor foci. The frequent coamplification in ovarian carcinomas of ACHE and CHE genes implicates cholinesterases in neoplastic growth and/or proliferation.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Cholinoceptive properties of human primordial, preantral, and antral oocytes: in situ hybridization and biochemical evidence for expression of cholinesterase genes.

In addition to their well-known involvement in neuromuscular junctions and in brain cholinergic synapses, cholinergic mechanisms have been implicated in the growth and maturation of oocytes in various species. Functional acetylcholine receptors were electrophysiologically demonstrated in amphibian and mammalian oocyte membranes, and activity of the acetylcholine-hydrolyzing enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was biochemically measured in the exceptionally big oocytes of the frog Xenopus laevis. However, biochemical methods could not reveal whether AChE was produced within the oocytes themselves or in the surrounding follicle cells. Furthermore, this issue is particularly important for understanding growth and fertilization processes in the much smaller human oocytes, in which the sensitivity of AChE biochemical measurements is far too low to be employed. To resolve this question, a molecular biology approach was combined with biochemical measurements on ovarian extracts and sections. To directly determine whether the human cholinesterase (ChE) genes are transcriptionally active in oocytes, and, if so, at what stages in their development, the presence of ChE mRNA was pursued. For this purpose frozen ovarian sections were subjected to in situ hybridization using 35S-labeled human ChE cDNA. Highly pronounced hybridization signals were localized within oocytes in primordial, preantral, and antral follicles, but not in other ovarian cell types, demonstrating that within the human ovary ChE mRNA is selectively synthesized in viable oocytes at different developmental stages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗