Primary small cell ovarian cancer of pulmonary type: A case report.

BackgroundPrimary small cell ovarian cancer of pulmonary type (SCCOPT) is a rare aggressive ovarian tumour with an incidence of Case presentationWe report a case of a 77-year old Caucasian woman who presented initially with a one-week history of abdominal discomfort with raised inflammatory markers and Ca125 of 50 μ/ml. Calcium levels were normal. She underwent primary debulking surgery, and histology showed a tumour comprising areas of classical small-cell carcinoma morphology. 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin was offered. Relapsed/progressive disease was noted after 3 months of chemotherapy and patient died 7 months after treatment completion.ConclusionsSCCOPT is a rare aggressive malignancy with majority of the women having an overall survival of 2 years. There is no clear consensus for the diagnosis and optimal treatment

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma: review of MR imaging findings

Objectives To review the epidemiological and clinical features of primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC), and to illustrate the spectrum of MRI findings, with pathological confirmation. Methods This article reviews the relevant literature on the epidemiological, clinical, and imaging features of primary fallopian tube carcinoma, with pathological confirmation, using illustrations from the authors' teaching files. Results Primary fallopian tube carcinoma came under focus over the last few years due to its possible role on the pathogenesis of high-grade serous epithelial ovarian and peritoneal cancers. Typical symptoms, together with the presence of some of the most characteristic MRI signs, such as a "sausage-shaped" pelvic mass, hydrosalpinx, and hydrometra, may signal the presence of primary fallopian cancer, and allow the radiologist to report it as a differential diagnosis. Conclusions Primary fallopian tube carcinoma has a constellation of clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging features, which may be diagnostic. Although these findings are not present together in the majority of cases, radiologists who are aware of them may include the diagnosis of primary fallopian tube cancer in their report more frequently and with more confidence. Teaching Points PFTC may be more frequent than previously thought PFTC has specific clinical and MRI characteristics Knowledge of typical PFTC signs enables its inclusion in the differential diagnosis PFTC is currently staged under the 2013 FIGO system PFTC is staged collectively with ovarian and peritoneal neoplasmsinfo:eu-repo/remantics/publishedVersio

Teaching midwives homeopathy—A Belgian pilot project

Introduction Recent Belgian legislation generated the need for homeopathic training of midwives. The Centre of Classical Homeopathy (CKH) offered a 50-hours course in homeopathy as a pilot project within the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program of Thomas More College. Methods The curriculum was designed to combine a minimum of homeopathic philosophical underpinning with appropriate clinical exercises within the limited training hours available. Eight participants followed the course. Evaluation of the course followed in the last session through a self-completed questionnaire with closed questions on course content and transfer to practice and open questions on didactics and the organisation of the course. Recommendations for the future were also queried. Results Although the learning objectives were met, participants provided useful feedback regarding content and method for the future organisation of the course. They felt more topics should be included such as, the postpartum period. They suggested supplementing the material from the current training with more practice and cases, and expanding the course to a full year’s training, allowing more time between sessions for processing the material. To use homeopathy for acute prescribing, more training on repertorisation techniques and materia medica knowledge would be required. Conclusions Training midwives in homeopathy requires considerably more time than the 50 contact hours stipulated by law and would best be offered as interactive sessions providing powerful concrete case examples, spread over the course of one full year to allow for integration of the material into practice

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare gynaecological tumour that accounts for 0.14-1.8% of genital malignancies. The most common age of occurrence is between 40 and 65 years, and the mean age is 55 years. The factors that contribute to its appearance are not well known. Population studies show that the mean incidence of PFTC is 3.6 per million women per annum. Overall survival percentages for patients with PFTC are generally low, in the range of 22-57%. Pre-operative diagnosis is-rare and PFTC is usually confirmed by a pathologist, but earlier diagnosis with early clinical manifestation and prompt investigation improves the prognosis. Both PFTC and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are treated with similar surgical and chemotherapy methods. Studies have shown that the prognosis for PFTC is worse than that for EOC or other primary gynaecological tumours. This article reviews and presents the current updates of this rare gynaecological malignancy. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

AMH after laparoscopic surgery of the ovaries: A review

Operative laparoscopy compared with laparotomy has been established as the gold standard surgical approach in treating ovarian cysts. However, the safety of a laparoscopic cystectomy has been questioned in what has to do with the subsequent damage to the ovarian reserve of the operated ovary. One of the best available methods to determine ovarian reserve, due to its biochemical and pathological characteristics is anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). With this study, we are reviewing currently available studies examining the effect laparoscopic operations have on AMH levels. © 2013 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted

Use of GnRH analogues pre-operatively for hysteroscopic resection of submucous fibroids: A systematic review and meta-analysis

GnRH analogues are commonly used before hysteroscopic myomectomy to make surgery easier and safer, but they are expensive, have potential side effects and lack a robust evidence base to support this practice. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to determine whether, in women with submucous fibroids, pre-operative GnRH analogues were more effective than placebo/no treatment in terms of symptom relief, complications and ease of surgery. The outcomes were patient-reported relief of symptoms, complete resection of the fibroids, operative time and complications. Meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. Two trials including 86 women were identified. The assessment of symptom relief differed in the two trials: hence it was not possible to combine these data. The relative risk for completion of surgery and mean differences (95% confidence intervals) for operating time and fluid deficit were [0.94 (0.68-1.31); -5.34 min, (-7.55 min to -3.12 min) and -176.2 ml, (-281.05 ml to -71.5 ml)] respectively. Our results suggest that GnRHa may improve some outcomes but there is insufficient evidence to support their routine use prior to hysteroscopic resection of submucous fibroids. More randomised trials are needed to inform definitive conclusions. © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd

Cabergoline as treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A review

One of the most serious complications of assisted reproduction techniques is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS not only increases morbidity and mortality in IFV cycles, but also causes significant other problems, as cancelled in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, prolonged hospitalization, causing emotional and sociofinancial consequences. Several treatments for OHSS have been proposed and among these Cabergoline (Cb2). Despite the above-mentioned beneficial effect, Cb2 has not been widely used in everyday's clinical practice. With our study, we try to review all studies with strong evidence examining Cb2 use for OHSS prevention. © 2013 Informa UK, Ltd