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The aim of this study was to assess whether magnetic resonance imaging could predict the outcome of attempted vaginal delivery in a group of pregnant women whose parturition had to be induced by oxytocin. The signal intensity and morphology alterations in the cervix of 21 full-term pregnant women were analyzed before the induction of parturition. T2-weighted gradient echo sequences were utilized and signal intensity in the cervix was measured from the anterior and posterior lips of the cervix. An index indicating the brightness range of the cervix was formulated to overcome the effects of the individual intensity changes. Imaging features including the signal intensity and the evidence of effacement were correlated with the actual type of delivery performed. Images were also assessed visually by two independent radiologists. Statistical analysis of brightness indexes that were considered to have a predictive value as an indicator for possible delivery was not significant. However, visually assessed signal intensity of the cervix correlated strongly with the type of delivery. Effacement itself was the most reliable parameter in predicting the progress of the delivery. In conclusion, MR imaging seems to be useful for predicting normal parturition in full-term pregnant women who need oxytocin induction. However, the presence of effacement seems to be a more reliable and practical parameter that will be preferred in that prediction.

Cholelithiasis is uncommon in childhood and usually associated with any predisposing factors such as congenital abnormalities of biliary tract, hemolytic diseases, TPN administration and diseases of terminal ileum. Recent studies demonstrated ceftriaxone inducing reversible precipitations in gallbladder that mimic cholelithiasis. This complication is termed "biliary pseudolithiasis" or "reversible cholelithiasis". In this paper we describe a patient who developed biliary pseudolithiasis after six days of ceftriaxone therapy which completely resolved eleven days after the end of the treatment, and discuss the indication for cholecystectomy.