Search

Caesarean scar pregnancy is a rare but serious early pregnancy complication. It is defined as an ectopic implantation in the myometrial defect at the site of a previous uterine incision . The estimated prevalence is rising with 1 in 2000 pregnancies being affected, and up to 1 in 530 women who have had a previous caesarean section . The increasing incidence is a result of the number of caesarean sections having doubled globally in the last two decades. These pregnancies are associated with severe maternal morbidity and mortality including uterine rupture , major haemorrhage and abnormally invasive placentation . The reasons for this are multifactorial but include late presentation, misdiagnosis, limited clinician experience with the condition and lack of knowledge regarding treatment options. The management and outcomes for women diagnosed with this condition vary greatly. Women need detailed counselling regarding the risks posed in pregnancy and the management options available. Once a decision on whether to terminate or continue the pregnancy is made, women should be managed by clinicians with expertise in scanning and in managing such pregnancies. Robust data regarding pregnancy outcomes will drive production of guidelines and a unified approach to managing this commonly increasing pregnancy complication .

ObjectivesFirst, to determine the uptake of prenatal exome sequencing (pES) and the diagnostic yield of pathogenic (causative) variants in a UK tertiary fetal medicine unit following the introduction of the NHS England Rapid Exome Sequencing Service for fetal anomalies testing (R21 pathway). Second, to identify how the decision to proceed with pES and identification of a causative variant affect perinatal outcomes, specifically late termination of pregnancy (TOP) at or beyond 22 weeks' gestation.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of anomalous fetuses referred to the Liverpool Women's Hospital Fetal Medicine Unit between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. pES was performed as part of the R21 pathway. Trio exome sequencing was performed using an Illumina next-generation sequencing platform assessing coding and splice regions of a panel of 974 prenatally relevant genes and 231 expert reviewed genes. Data on demographics, phenotype, pES result and perinatal outcome were extracted and compared. Descriptive statistics and the χ-square or Fisher's exact test were performed using IBM SPSS version 28.0.1.0.ResultsIn total, 72 cases were identified and two-thirds of eligible women (n = 48) consented to trio pES. pES was not feasible in one case owing to a low DNA yield and, therefore, was performed in 47 cases. In one-third of cases (n = 24), pES was not proposed or agreed. In 58.3% (14/24) of these cases, this was because invasive testing was declined and, in 41.7% (10/24) of cases, women opted for testing and underwent chromosomal microarray analysis only. The diagnostic yield of pES was 23.4% (11/47). There was no overall difference in the proportion of women who decided to have late TOP in the group in which pES was agreed compared with the group in which pES was not proposed or agreed (25.0% (12/48) vs 25.0% (6/24); P = 1.0). However, the decision to have late TOP was significantly more frequent when a causative variant was detected compared with when pES was uninformative (63.6% (7/11) vs 13.9% (5/36); P ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential impact of identification of a causative variant by pES on decision to have late TOP. As the R21 pathway continues to evolve, we urge clinicians and policymakers to consider introducing earlier screening for anomalies, developing robust guidance for late TOP and ensuring optimized support for couples.

Objectives: To explore whether early first-trimester ultrasound can predict the third-trimester sonographic stage of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder and to elucidate whether combining first-trimester ultrasound findings with the sonographic stage of PAS disorder can stratify the risk of adverse surgical outcome in women at risk for PAS disorder. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from women with placenta previa, and at least one previous Cesarean delivery (CD) or uterine surgery, for whom early first-trimester (5-7 weeks' gestation) ultrasound images could be retrieved. The relationship between the position of the gestational sac and the prior CD scar was assessed using three sonographic markers for first-trimester assessment of Cesarean scar (CS) pregnancy, reported by Cali et al. (crossover sign (COS)), Kaelin Agten et al. (implantation of the gestational sac on the scar vs in the niche of the CS) and Timor-Tritsch et al. (position of the center of the gestational sac below vs above the midline of the uterus), by two different examiners blinded to the final diagnosis and clinical outcome. The primary aim of the study was to explore the association between first-trimester ultrasound findings and the stage of PAS disorder on third-trimester ultrasound. Our secondary aim was to elucidate whether the combination of first-trimester ultrasound findings and sonographic stage of PAS disorder can predict surgical outcome. Logistic regression analysis and area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) were used to analyze the data. Results: One hundred and eighty-seven women with vasa previa were included. In this cohort, 79.6% (95% CI, 67.1-88.2%) of women classified as COS-1, 94.4% (95% CI, 84.9-98.1%) of those with gestational-sac implantation in the niche of the prior CS and 100% (95% CI, 93.4-100%) of those with gestational sac located below the uterine midline, on first-trimester ultrasound, were affected by the severest form of PAS disorder (PAS3) on third-trimester ultrasound. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, COS-1 (odds ratio (OR), 7.9 (95% CI, 4.0-15.5); P < 0.001), implantation of the gestational sac in the niche (OR, 29.1 (95% CI, 8.1-104); P < 0.001) and location of the gestational sac below the midline of the uterus (OR, 38.1 (95% CI, 12.0-121); P < 0.001) were associated independently with PAS3, whereas parity (P = 0.4) and the number of prior CDs (P = 0.5) were not. When translating these figures into diagnostic models, first-trimester diagnosis of COS-1 (AUC, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91-0.97)), pregnancy implantation in the niche (AUC, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.89-0.96)) and gestational sac below the uterine midline (AUC, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.88-0.96)) had a high predictive accuracy for PAS3. There was an adverse surgical outcome in 22/187 pregnancies and it was more common in women with, compared to those without, COS-1 (P < 0.001), gestational-sac implantation in the niche (P < 0.001) and gestational-sac position below the uterine midline (P < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, third-trimester ultrasound diagnosis of PAS3 (OR, 4.3 (95% CI, 2.1-17.3)) and first-trimester diagnosis of COS-1 (OR, 7.9 (95% CI, 4.0-15.5); P < 0.001), pregnancy implantation in the niche (OR, 29.1 (95% CI, 8.1-79.0); P < 0.001) and position of the sac below the uterine midline (OR, 6.6 (95% CI, 3.9-16.2); P < 0.001) were associated independently with adverse surgical outcome. When combining the sonographic coordinates of the three first-trimester imaging markers, we identified an area we call high-risk-for-PAS triangle, which may enable an easy visual perception and application of the three methods to prognosticate the risk for CS pregnancy and PAS disorder, although it requires validation in large prospective studies. Conclusions: Early first-trimester sonographic assessment of pregnancies with previous CD can predict reliably ultrasound stage of PAS disorder. Combination of findings on first-trimester ultrasound with second- and third-trimester ultrasound examination can stratify the surgical risk in women affected by a PAS disorder. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether maternal cardiac adaptation at term differs between women with, and those without, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS This was a prospective case-control study of pregnant women at term with or without GDM. For both cases and controls, only women without any comorbidity or form of pre-existing diabetes who had a singleton pregnancy without complication (such as pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction) were included. All women underwent conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess both the left- and right-heart geometry and function. RESULTS A total of 40 women with GDM and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. Women with GDM, compared with controls, had a significantly higher heart rate (83 ± 10 vs 75 ± 9 beats per min; P

OBJECTIVE: To develop a standardized sonographic evaluation and reporting system for Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) in the first trimester, for use by both general gynecology and expert clinics. METHODS: A modified Delphi procedure was carried out, in which 28 international experts in obstetric and gynecological ultrasonography were invited to participate. Extensive experience in the use of ultrasound to evaluate Cesarean section (CS) scars in early pregnancy and/or publications concerning CSP or niche evaluation was required to participate. Relevant items for the detection and evaluation of CSP were determined based on the results of a literature search. Consensus was predefined as a level of agreement of at least 70% for each item, and a minimum of three Delphi rounds were planned (two online questionnaires and one group meeting). RESULTS: Sixteen experts participated in the Delphi study and four Delphi rounds were performed. In total, 58 items were determined to be relevant. We differentiated between basic measurements to be performed in general practice and advanced measurements for expert centers or for research purposes. The panel also formulated advice on indications for referral to an expert clinic. Consensus was reached for all 58 items on the definition, terminology, relevant items for evaluation and reporting of CSP. It was recommended that the first CS scar evaluation to determine the location of the pregnancy should be performed at 6-7 weeks' gestation using transvaginal ultrasound. The use of magnetic resonance imaging was not considered to add value in the diagnosis of CSP. A CSP was defined as a pregnancy with implantation in, or in close contact with, the niche. The experts agreed that a CSP can occur only when a niche is present and not in relation to a healed CS scar. Relevant sonographic items to record included gestational sac (GS) size, vascularity, location in relation to the uterine vessels, thickness of the residual myometrium and location of the pregnancy in relation to the uterine cavity and serosa. According to its location, a CSP can be classified as: (1) CSP in which the largest part of the GS protrudes towards the uterine cavity; (2) CSP in which the largest part of the GS is embedded in the myometrium but does not cross the serosal contour; and (3) CSP in which the GS is partially located beyond the outer contour of the cervix or uterus. The type of CSP may change with advancing gestation. Future studies are needed to validate this reporting system and the value of the different CSP types. CONCLUSION: Consensus was achieved among experts regarding the sonographic evaluation and reporting of CSP in the first trimester. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. ispartof: ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY vol:59 issue:4 pages:437-449 ispartof: location:England status: published

Cesarean scar pregnancy is a potentially dangerous consequence of a previous cesarean delivery. If unrecognized and inadequately managed, it can lead to untoward complications throughout all three trimesters of the pregnancy. The rate of occurrence parallels the mounting rate of cesarean sections. The late consequences of cesarean delivery, such as placenta previa and placenta accrete, were known for a long time. However, it took more than a decade for the obstetric community to make the connection between the cesarean scar pregnancy and the placenta accreta spectrum. This article discusses the pathogenesis and diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide, with well recognized detrimental effects on cardiovascular health; however, very little is known about the effect of obesity on cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to compare biventricular cardiac function at term between obese pregnant women and pregnant women with normal body weight, utilizing conventional echocardiography and speckle-tracking assessment. METHODS This was a prospective case-control study of 40 obese, but otherwise healthy, pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 35 kg/m2 and 40 healthy pregnant women with a BMI of ≤ 30 kg/m2 . All women underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination and speckle-tracking assessment at term. RESULTS Obese pregnant women, compared with controls, had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (117 vs 109 mmHg; P = 0.002), cardiac output (6.73 vs 4.90 L/min; P

Abnormal placental invasion is associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality. In an abnormally invasive placenta (AIP), the placental villi are not confined by the innate barrier of the uterine endometrium and invade the uterine myometrium and potentially even the uterine serosa . During the antenatal period , signs of abnormal invasion can be seen on ultrasound from as early as the first trimester . Typically, placental lacunae, a thin myometrium, abnormal blood flow in the placenta and myometrium, and/or an interrupted bladder edge should raise the clinical suspicion of AIP. Women with suspected AIP should be referred to centres with appropriate experience in the management of these cases, to optimize outcomes. Women are at significant risk of haemorrhage and other surgical complications . Therefore, skilled surgeons, anaesthetists and interventional radiologists should be involved in the planning and conduct of delivery of the baby. Some cases are not detected antenatally, only being recognized at the time of delivery. Appropriate assistance should be sought to plan and complete the delivery in these cases.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound signs of abnormal placental invasion are subjective in nature. We tested the hypothesis that placental thickness in the lower uterine segment is increased when there is abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) in women with a low-lying placenta. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data of placental thickness in women with ultrasound evidence of major placenta previa or a low-lying anterior placenta was done. The diagnosis of AIP was confirmed both intraoperatively and on histopathology for those managed by partial myometrial excision with uterine conservation or by hysterectomy. RESULTS: In all, 131 records were available for analysis after exclusion of 33 cases due to unsuitable images and eight cases without pregnancy outcomes. The diagnosis of AIP was confirmed in 28 (21.4%) of the 131 cases. The lower segment placental thickness was significantly higher in women with AIP (median = 50.3 mm, IQR: 42.7-64.3) than in those with normal placentation (median = 30.9 mm, IQR: 22.9-42.2, P CONCLUSIONS: Lower uterine segment placental thickness is increased in women with AIP compared with those with noninvasive placentation. This association constitutes a pragmatic objective sign and may be of clinical value in improving prenatal detection of AIP in women with placental implantation in the lower uterine segment. Prospective studies are necessary to ascertain lower segment placental thickness as a predictor for AIP.

We thank Takahashi and Matsubara for the interest in our article in which it was demonstrated that the placental thickness in the lower uterine segment is increased in women with abnormally invasive, compared to those with normal placentation. Takahashi & Matsubara argue that measurement of the placental thickness can be difficult in cases of central placenta previa. To support their argument, they show MRI images of central placenta previa. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVES: To study biventricular cardiac changes with conventional echocardiography and new echocardiographic speckle tracking technologies such strain, twist and torsion in pregnant women with preeclampsia at term and normotensive control term pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: For this prospective single centre case-control study, we consecutively recruited 30 women with preeclampsia at term as cases and 40 healthy control term pregnant women. All women underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examination at the time point of inclusion into the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Signs of systolic and/or diastolic cardiac maladaptation to the increased volume load associated with pregnancy. RESULTS: Conventional echocardiography revealed mild left sided diastolic impairment in the form of significantly increased E/E' in preeclampsia (7.58 ± 1.72 vs. 6.18 ± 1.57, p = 0.001) compared to normotensive controls, but no evidence of systolic impairment. With speckle tracking analysis, significant decreases in left ventricular global (-13.32 ± 2.37% vs. -17.61 ± 1.89%, p

Background Cesarean scar pregnancy and cervical pregnancy are unrelated forms of pathological pregnancies carrying significant diagnostic and treatment challenges, with a wide range of treatment effectiveness and complication rates ranging from 10% to 62%. At times, life-saving hysterectomy and uterine artery embolization are required to treat complications. Based on our previous success with using a single-balloon catheter for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy after local injection of methotrexate, we evaluated the use of a double-balloon catheter to terminate the pregnancy while preventing bleeding without any additive treatment. This was a retrospective study. Objectives The objective of the study was to describe the placement of a cervical ripening double-balloon catheter as a novel, minimally invasive treatment in patients with cesarean scar and cervical pregnancies to terminate the pregnancy and at the same time prevent bleeding by compressing the blood supply of the gestational sac. Study Design Patients with diagnosed, live cervical pregnancy and cesarean scar pregnancy between 6 and 8 weeks' gestation were considered for the office-based treatment. Paracervical block with 1% lidocaine was administered in 3 patients for pain control. Insertion of the catheter and inflation of the upper balloon were done under transabdominal ultrasound guidance. The lower (pressure) balloon was inflated opposite the gestational sac under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. After an hour, the area of the sac was scanned. When fetal cardiac activity was absent and no bleeding was noted, patients were discharged. After 2-3 days, a follow-up appointment was scheduled for possible catheter removal. Serial ultrasound (US) and serum human chorionic gonadotropin were followed weekly or as needed. Results Three live cervical pregnancies and 7 live cesarean scar pregnancies were successfully treated. Median gestational age at treatment was 6 6/7 weeks (range 6 1/7 through 7 4/7 weeks). Patients' acceptance for the double-balloon treatment was high in spite of the initial low abdominal pressure felt at the inflation of the balloons. All but 1 patient noted vaginal spotting at the follow-up appointment. Only 1 patient experienced bleeding of dark blood. The balloons were in place for a median of 3 days (range, 1–5 days). Median time from treatment to the total drop of human chorionic gonadotropin was 49 days (range, 28–97 days). Conclusion The double balloon is a successful, minimally invasive and well-tolerated single treatment for cervical pregnancy and cesarean scar pregnancy. This simple treatment method has 4 main advantages: it effectively stops embryonic cardiac activity, prevents bleeding complications, does not require any additional invasive therapies, and is familiar to obstetricians-gynecologists who use the same cervical ripening catheters for labor induction. Its wider application, however, has to be validated on a larger patient population.

Background Cesarean scar pregnancy and cervical pregnancy are unrelated forms of pathological pregnancies carrying significant diagnostic and treatment challenges, with a wide range of treatment effectiveness and complication rates ranging from 10% to 62%. At times, life-saving hysterectomy and uterine artery embolization are required to treat complications. Based on our previous success with using a single-balloon catheter for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy after local injection of methotrexate, we evaluated the use of a double-balloon catheter to terminate the pregnancy while preventing bleeding without any additive treatment. This was a retrospective study. Objectives The objective of the study was to describe the placement of a cervical ripening double-balloon catheter as a novel, minimally invasive treatment in patients with cesarean scar and cervical pregnancies to terminate the pregnancy and at the same time prevent bleeding by compressing the blood supply of the gestational sac. Study Design Patients with diagnosed, live cervical pregnancy and cesarean scar pregnancy between 6 and 8 weeks' gestation were considered for the office-based treatment. Paracervical block with 1% lidocaine was administered in 3 patients for pain control. Insertion of the catheter and inflation of the upper balloon were done under transabdominal ultrasound guidance. The lower (pressure) balloon was inflated opposite the gestational sac under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. After an hour, the area of the sac was scanned. When fetal cardiac activity was absent and no bleeding was noted, patients were discharged. After 2-3 days, a follow-up appointment was scheduled for possible catheter removal. Serial ultrasound (US) and serum human chorionic gonadotropin were followed weekly or as needed. Results Three live cervical pregnancies and 7 live cesarean scar pregnancies were successfully treated. Median gestational age at treatment was 6 6/7 weeks (range 6 1/7 through 7 4/7 weeks). Patients' acceptance for the double-balloon treatment was high in spite of the initial low abdominal pressure felt at the inflation of the balloons. All but 1 patient noted vaginal spotting at the follow-up appointment. Only 1 patient experienced bleeding of dark blood. The balloons were in place for a median of 3 days (range, 1–5 days). Median time from treatment to the total drop of human chorionic gonadotropin was 49 days (range, 28–97 days). Conclusion The double balloon is a successful, minimally invasive and well-tolerated single treatment for cervical pregnancy and cesarean scar pregnancy. This simple treatment method has 4 main advantages: it effectively stops embryonic cardiac activity, prevents bleeding complications, does not require any additional invasive therapies, and is familiar to obstetricians-gynecologists who use the same cervical ripening catheters for labor induction. Its wider application, however, has to be validated on a larger patient population.

Background Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a serious complication of pregnancy, which consists of implantation of the gestational sac in the hysterotomy scar. This condition is increasing in frequency and often poses a diagnostic challenge. Its diagnosis is dependent on visual assessment of the uterus on the longitudinal sagittal ultrasound plane. Misdiagnosing a low intrauterine chorionic sac as a CSP, or a true scar pregnancy as an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), may lead to adverse outcomes including hysterectomy. Objective The objective of the study is to describe a sonographic method for the differential diagnosis of CSP vs IUP in early gestation. The current study tests the hypothesis that on a first-trimester ultrasound performed between 5-10 weeks of gestation, the relative location of the center of gestational sac to the midpoint of the uterus along a longitudinal line between the external cervical os and the fundus can be used for early detection of CSPs. Study Design This is a retrospective review of electronically archived ultrasound images of IUP and CSP between 5-10 weeks of gestation. A total of 242 ultrasound images were analyzed: 185 cases of normal IUPs (including 128 in anteverted uteri, 31 in retroverted uteri, and 26 IUPs with history of cesarean delivery) and 57 cases of CSPs diagnosed from 2004 through 2015 in a single institution. The following measurements were made for each case: distance from the external cervical os to the uterine fundus, the midpoint axis of the uterus, the distance from the external cervical os to the center of gestational sacs, and the distance from the external cervical os to the most distant edge of the gestational sacs from the cervix. Results The location of the center of the gestational sac relative to the midpoint axis of the uterus between 5-10 weeks of gestation differentiated between IUP and CSP (mean 17.8 vs –10.6 mm, respectively, P = .0001), indicating that most CSPs are located proximally to the midpoint axis of the uterus whereas most normal IUPs are located distally from the midpoint of the uterus. Using location of the center of the gestational sac as a marker of CSPs between 5-10 weeks of gestation yielded the following characteristics of diagnostic accuracy: sensitivity 93.0% and specificity 98.9%. The likelihood ratio of the positive test was 84.5. The likelihood ratio of the negative test was 0.07. Conclusion The location of the center of the gestational sac relative to the midpoint axis of the uterus can be used as an easy method for sonographic differentiation of IUP and CSP between 5-10 weeks of gestation.