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Biomedical subjects

O Abulafia

Publications and source records attributed to O Abulafia.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Nomograms of the axial fetal cerebellar hemisphere circumference and area throughout gestation.

OBJECTIVE: The widely applied transcerebellar diameter (TCD) obtained at axial cranial imaging, measures the distance between the lateral aspects of the cerebellum and incorporates the width of the cerebellar vermis. Our objective was to create reference ranges of axial fetal cerebellar hemisphere circumference (CHC) and area (CHA), independent of the cerebellar vermis, throughout gestation. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved pregnant patients between 14 and 41 weeks of gestation. Inclusion criteria consisted of well-established dates (confirmed by early ultrasound), non-anomalous singleton fetuses and intact amniotic membranes. Sonographic measurements included biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), humerus length (HL), TCD, and estimated fetal weight (EFW). Values of axial fetal CHC and CHA were each calculated as the mean of three separate measurements. The 5th, 50th and 95th centiles were estimated at each week of gestational age (GA) by least-squares regression for the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the CHC and CHA as functions of GA. r2 and associated P-values for the relationships of CHC and CHA with other sonographic biometric measurements were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 651 consecutive patients. All attempts at obtaining axial fetal CHC and CHA were successful. Mean maternal age was 27.3+/-6.7 years, median gravidity was 1 (range 1-16), and median parity was 1 (range 0-6). Mean CHC (cm) throughout gestation was modeled as -2.091+0.2563xGA (weeks) (SD=-0.075+0.0164xGA), and mean CHA (cm2) was modeled as 0.245-0.0765xGA+0.00506xGA2 (SD=1.167-0.1565xGA+0.006785xGA(2)-0.00008028xGA3). Fetal axial CHC and CHA correlated significantly and strongly with BPD, HC, AC, HL, FL, TCD and EFW (all R2 values were >or=0.95, and all P-values were <0.001). CONCLUSION: Nomograms of axial fetal cerebellar hemisphere circumference and area throughout gestation, independent of the cerebellar vermis, have been provided.

Abdomen↗

Fetal clavicle length throughout gestation: a nomogram.

OBJECTIVE: To create a nomogram of fetal clavicle length (CL) throughout gestation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients between 14 and 42 weeks' gestation. Inclusion criteria consisted of well-established dates (consistent with early ultrasound), singleton, non-anomalous fetuses, and intact amniotic membranes. Sonographic measurements included biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), humerus length (HL) and sonographically estimated fetal weight (SEFW). For every case, the average of three separate measurements of the CL was used. The 5th, 50th and 95th centiles were obtained by least squares regression. Pearson's correlation coefficient and associated P-values for the relationships between CL and other biometric measurements were calculated. The data were compared to a nomogram of the CL generated in 1985 from the measurement of 85 fetuses. RESULTS: A total of 623 consecutive patients were studied. In all but three cases, CL was successfully measured. Mean maternal age was 27.7 +/- 6.2 years, median gravidity 3 (range, 1-14) and median parity 1 (range, 0-9). Mean CL (mm) = -75.30 + 32.70*ln(GA) and SD = -0.41 + 0.08328*GA, where ln represents the natural logarithm and GA the gestational age in weeks. Fetal CL correlated significantly and strongly with BPD, HC, AC, HL, FL and the logarithm of SEFW, with Pearson correlation values of 0.973, 0.977, 0.976, 0.979, 0.977 and 0.979, respectively (all P < 0.001). Measurements according to comparable 1985 data were consistently substantially below the present data (smaller CL for any given GA except below 17 weeks' gestation). CONCLUSIONS: We propose a new nomogram of CL, which differs significantly from the previously published nomogram. We suggest that the present data reflect the use of high-resolution ultrasound technology and propose that these data, based on a large number of fetuses, replace the previous nomogram. We also suggest that the '1 mm = 1 week' rule of thumb should no longer be used, since it can be erroneous by as much as 6 weeks.

Adult↗

Is fetal cerebral vascular resistance affected by the presence of nuchal cord(s) in the third trimester of pregnancy?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether fetal cerebral vascular resistance is affected by the presence of nuchal cord(s) in the third trimester. METHODS: A set of 115 patients with well-established dates and singleton, appropriate for gestational age (GA), non-anomalous fetuses with nuchal cord(s) diagnosed with prenatal color Doppler imaging, between 28 and 41 weeks and 115 controls matched for GA, were studied. Patients with hypertension, diabetes and autoimmune conditions were excluded. Doppler indices were obtained from the umbilical artery (UA) and the fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) upon initial diagnosis of the nuchal cord. RESULTS: Of 115 GA-matched pairs of pregnancies, 103 fetuses had a single nuchal cord and 12 a double nuchal cord. No significant differences were noted in patient age, gravidity, parity, sonographically estimated fetal weight (SEFW), and growth centile at ultrasonographic diagnosis. Mean UA systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) was 2.28 +/- 0.32 and 2.36 +/- 0.33 (P = 0.03) and UA resistance index (RI) 0.55 +/- 0.06 and 0.57 +/- 0.06 (P = 0.02) among study and controls, respectively. Mean fetal MCA S/D and RI did not differ significantly between the two groups (fetal MCA S/D 5.01 +/- 1.28 and 5.04 +/- 1.71 (P = 0.86), and mean fetal MCA RI 0.78 +/- 0.06 and 0.78 +/- 0.05 (P = 0.88)). No significant differences were noted in GA at delivery, incidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, birth weight, mode of delivery, neonatal gender, 1 and 5 minute Apgar scores, or UA pH and base excess, between study and control patients. CONCLUSION: Fetal cerebral vascular resistance is not affected by the presence of nuchal cord(s) in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Adult↗

Cord entanglement of monochorionic diamniotic twins following spontaneous antepartum septostomy sonographically simulating a true knot of the umbilical cord.

Spontaneous antepartum septostomy occurring in monochorionic diamniotic twins is extremely rare. We present a case in which prenatal sonography at 26 weeks' gestation depicted a monochorionic diamniotic twin gestation with concordant fetal growth and findings suggestive of a true knot of the umbilical cord. At Cesarean delivery at 34 weeks' gestation, spontaneous antepartum septostomy with entanglement of the two separate umbilical cords was noted. This case suggests that the differential diagnosis of findings considered consistent with a true knot of the umbilical cord in monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations, should include spontaneous antepartum septostomy and umbilical cord entanglement.

Adolescent↗

Nomograms of sonographic measurements throughout gestation of the fetal hard palate width, length and area.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of sonographic depiction of the fetal hard palate and secondarily to create nomograms throughout gestation of its sonographic width, length and area. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of pregnant patients between 15 and 41 weeks' gestation. Inclusion criteria consisted of well-established dates (confirmed by early ultrasound), and singleton, non-anomalous fetuses. Sonographic measurements obtained included biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length. Fetal hard palate measurements included maximum width, maximum length and the calculated area. Tables were prepared depicting the estimated mean +/- SD and 5(th), 50(th) and 95(th) centiles at each gestational week between 15 and 41 weeks. Pearson's correlation coefficient and associated P-values for the relationships between fetal hard palate measurements and other sonographic measurements and coefficients of variation for each of the fetal hard palate measurements were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 602 consecutive patients. The mean maternal age was 28.7 +/- 6.3 years, with median gravidity of 2 (range, 1-12) and parity 1 (range, 0-8). All attempts at obtaining fetal hard palate ultrasound measurements were successful. Mean fetal hard palate width (cm) = -0.73579345 + 0.11370432 x GA - 0.00083919 x GA(2) and SD = -0.017842055 + 0.005142475 x GA, where GA is gestational age in weeks. Mean fetal hard palate length (cm) = -0.82020463 + 0.11767777 x GA - 0.00092801 x GA(2) and SD = -0.043064317 + 0.006378869 x GA. Mean fetal hard palate area (cm(2)) = -2.40090641 + 0.17136556 x GA + 0.00097308 x GA(2) and SD = -0.603647741 + 0.040740282 x GA. Sonographic measurements of the fetal hard palate width, length and area correlated significantly and strongly with gestational age (all P < 0.001) and significantly but less strongly with femur length (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The fetal hard palate may be depicted sonographically with relative ease between 15 and 41 weeks' gestation and measurements of the fetal hard palate width, length and area correlate well with gestational age, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, sonographic estimated fetal weight, and femur length.

Adult↗

Intrapartum assessment of fetal head engagement: comparison between transvaginal digital and transabdominal ultrasound determinations.

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that no correlation exists between transvaginal digital examination and the gold standard technique of intrapartum transabdominal ultrasound determination of fetal head engagement, and secondarily to compare the performance of attending physicians and senior residents in depicting fetal head engagement by transvaginal digital examination. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients in labor > 37 weeks' gestation with normal singleton cephalic-presenting fetuses and with either ruptured or intact membranes were included. Of these, 119 were nulliparous and 103 were multiparous. Transvaginal digital examinations were performed by either attending physicians or senior residents and were followed immediately by transverse suprapubic sonographic assessments by a single sonographer. The fetal head was considered engaged on transvaginal digital examination if the leading part of the fetal head was positioned at least at maternal ischial spine station 0, and on transverse suprapubic ultrasound if the fetal biparietal diameter was below the maternal pelvic inlet. Examiners were blinded to each other's findings and the effect of examiner experience on the rate of agreement between the two techniques was assessed. The effect of several other independent variables upon the rate of agreement between the two modalities was also assessed. RESULTS: Overall, transvaginal digital examinations were consistent with ultrasound determinations with a raw percent agreement rate of 85.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), 80.8-90.3); kappa = 69.5% (95% CI, 59.4-73.9; P < 0.001). When stratified according to parity, the raw percent agreement rate for nulliparous patients was 81.5% (95% CI, 73.4-88.0); kappa = 60.7% (95% CI, 45.9-64.1; P < 0.001), and for multiparous patients it was 90.3% (95% CI, 84.1-95.9); kappa = 80.4% (95% CI, 63.0-87.5; P < 0.001). Maternal age, gravidity, maternal body mass index, gestational age, cervical dilatation, effacement, membrane status, ischial spine station of the fetal head, fetal head position at ultrasound assessment, birth weight and mode of delivery did not significantly affect rate of agreement. Parity did not affect examination consistency in multiparous patients, but in the whole group increasing parity increased the rate of agreement between modalities. Presence of combined spinal epidural anesthesia significantly increased the rate of agreement in the complete group and among multiparous but not among nulliparous patients. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate a high rate of agreement (85.6%) between ultrasound determination and transvaginal digital assessment of fetal head engagement. Examiner experience had no effect. These data support the use of intrapartum transabdominal assessment of fetal head engagement.

Adult↗

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the vulva.

BACKGROUND: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a subset of sweat gland carcinoma first described as a specific entity by D. J. Goldstein, R. J. Barr, and D. J. Santa Cruz (Cancer 1982;50:566-72). We report the first case of MAC occurring on the vulva and review the literature pertaining to this rare tumor. CASE: A 43-year-old multiparous black woman presented initially to Kings County Hospital Medical Center with a chief complaint of a vulvar lesion arising on the left labia majora which she had noted for 4 years prior to presentation. Aside from increasing paresthesia in the area, she denied any constitutional symptoms. Her past medical history was significant only for hyperthyroidism and mild hypertension and surgical history was noncontributory. Gynecologic history was unremarkable, with sporadic care over the last 20 years. Physical examination revealed a 1.5 x 2.0-cm raised, well-circumscribed, firm mobile lesion on the left labia majora. It was noted to be yellow in color with the surrounding tissue being unremarkable in character. The remainder of her gynecologic examination and lymph node survey was unremarkable. Preoperative chest X ray was negative as was the CAT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. All laboratory values were within normal limits. A Pap smear done preoperatively was significant for atypical squamous and glandular cells of undetermined significance. Subsequent colposcopic examination of the cervix was remarkable for cervicitis and was adequate, with the entire transformation zone visualized. Both endocervical curettage and endometrial biopsy were normal. Initially, an excisional biopsy was performed with final pathology demonstrating microcystic adnexal carcinoma with positive surgical margins. She subsequently underwent a left radical hemivulvectomy with bilateral inguinal groin lymph node dissection. At the time of surgery, the left labia majora was noted to be well healed, with a residual surgical scar easily discernible. No areas of discoloration were noted and digital palpation of the area was unremarkable. Microscopic residual tumor was noted; however, all surgical margins and lymph nodes were negative for tumor. Her postoperative course was unremarkable. The patient has continued to do well since the time of her surgery and is being followed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Radical vulvectomy should be performed when MAC occurs in the vulva to secure negative margins of resection. Groin dissection should be reserved for cases in which the inguinal lymph nodes are clinically suspicious or in cases of tumor recurrence.

Adult↗

Angiogenesis during implantation, and placental and early embryonic development.

Angiogenesis, the development of new capillaries from pre-existing vessels, is induced by inflammation, wound healing, immune reactions and neoplasia, and is required for tumour growth and progression. Angiogenesis participates in a wide range of ovulatory-related and non-ovulatory-related reproductive processes. We present a review of current data pertaining to angiogenesis of pregnancy, with specific emphasis on implantation and placental and embryonic development in both normal physiology processes and various pathological conditions. To this goal, MEDLINE, Current Contents and Index Medicus were searched for studies published between 1966 and August 1999. Pertinent studies (including human and animal models) pertaining to angiogenesis of implantation and placental and embryonic development were reviewed. Current literature supports that angiogenesis is an essential physiological component of implantation, and placental and embryonic development. Angiogenesis also actively participates in abnormal implantation, and various pathological processes of the placenta including those observed in association with pre-eclampsia, growth restriction, maternal anaemia in the first-trimester and other hypoxia-related conditions during pregnancy. Finally, administration of an angiogenesis inhibitor (AGM-1470) in mice has been shown to result in complete failure of embryonic growth due to interference with decidualization, placental and yolk sac formation, and embryonic vascular development.

Adult↗

Postcesarean small bowel volvulus. Case report and review of the literature.

Volvulus is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction during pregnancy. We present an unusual case in which cesarean delivery at 26 weeks of gestation was complicated by volvulus of the small bowel 1 week following delivery. At laparotomy, detorsion of the loop of the terminal ileum sufficed, and bowel resection was not required. We review the literature pertaining to volvulus of the bowel during pregnancy and discuss recent new diagnostic imaging modalities for midgut volvulus, which may assist early noninvasive diagnosis of this condition.

Adult↗

Pseudomyxoma peritonei: a review of current literature.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is an unusual condition more common in females, in which massive amounts of mucinous ascites in conjunction with mucinous peritoneal and omental implants occur. We performed a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature from 1966 to June 2000, utilizing the key words pseudomyxoma peritonei. All case reports, series and studies regarding this condition were reviewed. Cross-referencing was also performed. The etiology and treatment of this condition are currently controversial. Most investigators agree that surgical debulking and appendectomy are adequate initial therapeutic measures. The role of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, radiotherapy or application of mucolytic therapy remains uncertain. Recent molecular genetic studies suggest the appendix as the organ of primary origin of this disease.

Female↗

Magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative determination of tumor resectability in previously irradiated groin tumor.

We present an unusual case in which magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was utilized in the preoperative determination of resectability of a large inguinal tumor. The patient had previously presented with a large fungating, surgically nonresectable mass, which impinged upon the anterior ramus of the pubic bone. Following chemotherapy and radiation, the mass appeared more mobile and surgically resectable. Due to fibrosis and induration, the relationship of the tumor and underlying femoral vascular bundle were unclear. MR imaging clearly depicted that the tumor was sufficiently distant from the vessels, to allow safe resection with an adequate surgical margin. Resection was performed with clear lateral and deep margins. Histopathology demonstrated squamous cell carcinoma of the inguinal skin replacing subcutaneous tissue.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment upon angiogenesis in uterine leiomyoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatment upon angiogenesis in uterine leiomyomata. METHODS: Uterine leiomyomata specimens of 49 consecutive patients who underwent myomectomy or hysterectomy following presurgical treatment with (n = 23) and without (n = 26) GnRH agonist were stained immunohistochemically with antibody to factor VIII-related antigen. For each subject, age, parity, number of Lupron treatments, leiomyoma size (cm), and mean microvessel counts calculated from three fields (x400) were recorded. Differences in patient age, parity, microvessel counts and leiomyoma size between GnRH agonist treated and untreated patients were tested by unpaired Student's t test. Differences among the various number of doses were tested by one-way ANOVA, with Bonferonni and Neuman-Keuls post hoc tests between specific dose-number groups. The relationship between microvessel counts and leiomyoma size was tested by Pearson correlation test. Multivariate stepwise regression tested the relationship between the number of Lupron doses and microvessel counts, correcting for age, parity, and leiomyoma size. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Patient age and parity were similar in GnRH treated and untreated patients (mean 43.3 +/- 6.6 versus 43.9 +/- 7.5 years and median 2 (range 0-7) versus 1 (range 0-5), p = 0.78 and p = 0.45, respectively). Microvessel counts of leiomyomata specimens treated presurgically with GnRH agonist therapy (median 22.7, range 6.7-65.7) were not significantly different from microvessel counts of specimens without presurgical GnRH agonist treatment (median 19.8, range 6-53; p = 0.77). No correlation between leiomyoma size and microvessel counts was noted (r = 0.06, P = 0.7). CONCLUSION: Angiogenesis as assessed by microvessel counts in surgically removed leiomyomata is not affected by presurgical medical management with GnRH agonist therapy.

Analysis of Variance↗

60Cobalt vs. linear accelerator in the treatment of locally advanced cervix carcinoma: a comparison of survival and recurrence patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the survival and recurrence patterns of patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma treated with 60cobalt radiotherapy units and linear accelerators. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-eight patients with cervical carcinoma stages IIB-IVA who were treated with primary irradiation between the years 1985 and 1988 comprised the study group. The median survival of patients treated with 60cobalt units and linear accelerators was calculated using the method of Kaplan and Meier and compared using the log-rank test. Recurrence patterns were compared using chi-square analysis; p < .05 was considered significant for all tests. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-five patients were treated with 60cobalt units (Group 1) and 53 patients were treated with a linear accelerator (Group 2). Group 1 and 2 were similar with regard to mean age and weight, stage distribution, and mean dose to point A. The rate of recurrence was comparable between Group 1 and 2 (65.6% vs. 64.2%) and no significant difference was found in overall survival between the groups (20 months vs. 21 months. p = 81). There was a trend toward increasing pelvic recurrence in Group 1 (50.8%) compared to Group 2 (35.8%, p = .08). CONCLUSIONS: 60Cobalt units and linear accelerators offer comparable rates of overall survival in patients with locally advanced cervix carcinoma.

Cobalt Radioisotopes↗

Correlating Papanicolaou Smear, Colposcopic Impression, and Biopsy: Results from the Women's Interagency HIV Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations among cervical cytology, colposcopy, and biopsy in HIV-seropositive women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HIV-seropositive women and uninfected comparison women in a multicenter prospective cohort study underwent colposcopy for protocol indications. Women were eligible if they had a cervix, satisfactory cytology, and colposcopy between October 1994 and September 1999. Cytology, colposcopic impression, and biopsy were compared using equivalent categorizations. Kappa statistics with bootstrap sampling assessed strength of associations. RESULTS: Colposcopy was performed in 978/1370 HIV-seropositive women and in 154/224 seronegative women. Biopsies were performed on 603 (44%) seropositive women at least once during 1015 colposcopy visits and on 82 (37%) seronegative women at 116 visits. The positive predictive value of cytology was 72% for seropositive women and 60% for seronegative women. The positive predictive value of colposcopy was 71% for seropositive women and 55% for seronegative women. CONCLUSION: The correlation between either cervical cytology or colposcopic impression and colposcopic biopsy was poor.

Journal Article↗

Rapid progression of primary vaginal squamous cell carcinoma in a young HIV-infected woman.

BACKGROUND: The association of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection with rapid progression of cervical and anal squamous cell carcinoma has been clearly established by several studies. Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the anogenital tract is believed to be the causative agent of cervical, anal, vaginal, and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. While a myriad of reports exist in the literature pertaining to the rapid progression of cervical and anal carcinoma in HIV-infected patients, no association of HIV infection and vaginal carcinoma has been reported. We present an unusual case of a young woman infected with HIV who was diagnosed with advanced vaginal carcinoma and succumbed to her disease shortly thereafter despite aggressive treatment. CASE: A 40-year-old woman with a 2-year history of HIV infection presented with Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina and a large vesicovaginal fistula from the tumor eroding through the posterior bladder wall. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a large tumor replacing the vagina with mild hydronephrosis and diffuse pelvic and inguinal lymphadenopathy. She underwent urinary diversion with a transverse colon conduit followed by pelvic radiation with weekly cisplatin chemosensitization. A repeat CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis upon completion of her treatment revealed progression of disease with multiple liver metastases and gastrohepatic ligament adenopathy. She subsequently died of advanced metastatic vaginal carcinoma 2 months after completion of treatment. CONCLUSION: Due to the rarity of primary vaginal carcinoma, the clinical behavior of this neoplasm in the HIV-infected patient is poorly understood. Our case indicates that, although vaginal carcinoma is a disease of the elderly, young women infected with HIV and HPV are predisposed not only to develop cervical or anal carcinoma but also may be at increased risk for vaginal carcinoma with more aggressive and less responsive disease. Furthermore, although vaginal carcinoma is usually a slow-growing neoplasm, this case illustrates the aggressive behavior of such a tumor when associated with HIV infection.

Adult↗

Computed tomography guided core needle biopsy diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative inflammatory disease caused by the anaerobic Gram-positive bacilli Actinomyces israelii. The propensity of this disease to simulate gynecological malignancies has been described previously. The great majority of these patients were diagnosed with actinomycotic diseases during or after exploratory laparotomy, but rarely preoperatively. We reviewed the literature pertaining the management of pelvic actinomycosis. CASE: A nulliparous woman with a long history of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) and recent Papanicolaou smear findings consistent with the presence of actinomyces presented with chronic vague lower abdominal pain, weight loss, poor appetite, and recent increase in abdominal girth associated with a large immobile pelvic mass. Transcutaneous computed tomography guided core needle biopsy established the diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis obviating immediate surgical intervention. Intravenous and subsequent long-term oral penicillin therapy was constituted and resulted in a significant decrease in the size of the pelvic mass. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with pelvic masses and a history of IUD placement, actinomycotic infection should be considered and diagnosis attempted by imaging guided needle biopsy. Furthermore, this case suggested that correct nonsurgical diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis followed by prolonged antibiotic therapy might eliminate the need for extensive extirpative surgery and assist in maintaining future fertility.

Actinomycosis↗

Angiogenesis of the ovary.

We present current data pertaining to angiogenesis of the ovary throughout the follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle, in various ovarian pathologic conditions and in benign and neoplastic diseases. MEDLINE, Current Contents, and Index Medicus were searched for studies published between January 1966 and October 1998. All studies that incorporated human and animal models of angiogenesis of the normal ovarian physiologic state and pathologic conditions including both benign and neoplastic ovarian diseases were reviewed. Current literature supports that angiogenesis is an important component of both follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle that correlates well with maturation of secretory endometrium. Angiogenesis also participates in various pathologic processes of the ovary, including follicular cyst formation, polycystic ovary, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and both benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms. In the future a knowledge of specific angiogenic patterns of various pathologic processes may assist in the application of antiangiogenic medications in targeted therapy of benign and neoplastic diseases of the ovary.

Female↗