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Background: Genital tuberculosis is a chorionic disease and mostly occurs by haematogenous spread from extra genital source like lungs, peritoneum, lymph nodes and bones. Transmission through a sexual intercourse is also possible. Since the majority of patients are in reproductive ages, involvement of fallopian tubes and endometrium cause infertility in patients. Cases: Reviewing 4 cases of female genital tuberculosis, which referred to an infertility treatment center with various symptoms, we encountered various appearances on hysterosalpingography (HSG). Conclusion: The genitourmary tract is the most common site of extra pulmonary TB. The primary focus of genital tuberculosis is fallopian tubes, which are almost always affected bilaterally but not symmetrically. Because of common involvement of fallopian tubes and endometrial cavity, disease causes infertility. Diagnosis is not easy because genital tuberculosis has a wide range of clinical and radiological manifestations with slow growing symptoms. Detailed hysterosalpingography fmding may be helpful in better diagnosis of the disease. This case series aims to depict the various hystrosalpingographic appearances and pathology produced by tuberculosis and related literatures are reviewed in order to establish a better diagnostic evaluation of genital tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Study Objective: To identify and review cases of isolated fallopian tube torsion (FTT) at our institution to further characterize diagnosis and management. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Tertiary care medical center. Participants: Case series of pediatric and adolescent females, <21 years old, with operatively diagnosed isolated fallopian tube torsion from our institution. Intervention: None. Main Outcome Measure: Isolated fallopian tube torsion. Results: Fifteen cases of isolated fallopian tube torsion were identified based on intraoperative diagnosis. Patient ages ranged from 8-15 years old, mean age of 12. Fourteen patients (93%) presented with abdominal pain, 8 (53%) localized to the side of associated torsion. Ultrasonography reports described a tubular structure in 4 patients and an associated ovarian or paraovarian cyst in eleven patients. Suspicion of fallopian tube torsion was only described for those patients with a tubular structure described on ultrasonography report. Intraoperatively, 7 patients (47%) were found to have no associated pathology and 8 (53%) were found to have associated cyst or hydrosalpinx. Eight (53%) patients underwent salipingectomy and 7 (47%) underwent reversal of torsion with drainage of associated cyst or cystectomy. Conclusions: Isolated fallopian tube torsion is a rare condition that seems to occur in younger adolescents. Vague clinical presentation contributes to low preoperative suspicion. Preoperative suspicion may be increased based on radiographic findings of an enlarged tubular structure or an adjacent normal ovary. Management may be considered nonemergent and salpingectomy is controversial. Long-term fertility outcomes must be further assessed for more definitive decisions regarding surgical management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim The aim of this study was to identify factors that can predict the resistance to parenteral therapy in patients with tubo-ovarian abscesses ( TOA). Material and Methods We conducted a case-control study involving 55 admitted patients with TOA. The subjects eligible for this study included 28 patients who failed antibiotic therapy and required surgery (surgical cases) and 27 patients who were conservatively cured (control cases). The clinical characteristics of the patients on admission were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed after univariate analysis to identify potentially important variables and to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results As per the univariate analysis, compared to the control cases, the surgical cases were older (40.4 vs 31.5 years), had higher white blood cell counts (14000 vs 11828 cells/mm3), higher C-reactive protein levels (16.1 vs 7.6 mg/dL), and a larger abscess diameter (6.6 vs 3.9 cm). There were no significant differences in gravidity, parity, body temperature, rate of endometrial cyst formation, and Chlamydia trachomatis infection rates between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the only statistically significant risk factor predicting parenteral antibiotic therapy failure was the abscess diameter >5 cm (odds ratio = 69.6; 95% confidence interval = 9.3-527, P < 0.0001). Conclusion An abscess diameter >5 cm is an important factor for predicting the failure of antibiotic therapy in patients with TOA. Moreover, it is useful for determining whether patients with TOA should be surgically treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key content Assisted conception technology such as in vitro fertilisation ( IVF) is the first-line treatment of many causes of female subfertility and surgery is offered primarily to optimise the outcome of such treatments., An awareness and understanding of the evidence about the different surgical interventions used prior to assisted conception is essential in achieving the best possible outcome., Learning objectives To assess the fertility needs of women including the need for surgery., To understand the role of different surgical interventions prior to assisted conception for the management of hydrosalpinx, uterine fibroids, uterine pathology such as a uterine septum and intrauterine adhesions, and the treatment of endometriosis and ovarian endometriomas., Ethical issues Women should be counselled about the benefits and risks of surgery including the risk of delay to their assisted conception., A sympathetic approach is needed for women who are already emotionally and physically stressed., There are financial implications involved in IVF treatment., Psychosocial issues and anxiety require a multidisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC), the most lethal and frequent type of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), has poor long term prognosis due to a combination of factors: late detection, great metastatic potential and the capacity to develop resistance to available therapeutic drugs. Furthermore, there has been considerable controversy concerning the etiology of this malignancy. New studies, both clinical and molecular, strongly suggest that HGSC originates not from the surface of the ovary, but from the epithelial layer of the neighboring fallopian tube fimbriae. In this paper we summarize data supporting the central role of fallopian tube epithelium in the development of HGSC. Specifically, we address cellular pathways and regulatory mechanisms which are modulated in the process of transformation, but also genetic changes which accumulate during disease progression. Similarities between fallopian tube mucosa and the malignant tissue of HGSC warrant a closer analysis of homeostatic mechanisms in healthy epithelium in order to elucidate key steps in disease development. Finally, we highlight the importance of the cancer stem cell (CSC) identification and understanding of its niche regulation for improvement of therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors have a critical role in stimulating the growth of ovarian cancer cells. Motesanib is a small molecule inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases including VEGF receptors 1–3, as well as c-KIT and platelet-derived growth factor which are related to the VEGF family. Patients and methods: Twenty-two eligible patients with recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal carcinoma were treated with an oral daily dose of 125mg of motesanib. Peripheral blood was analyzed for circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating endothelial cells/circulating endothelial progenitors (CEC/CEP), VEGF levels and cell-free circulating DNA (cfDNA). Results: The study was abruptly halted after four patients developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. One patient had a partial response and seven patients had stable disease at the time they were removed from study treatment. Twelve of the 22 patients (50%) had indeterminate responses at trial closure. Early closure without clinical efficacy data precludes meaningful correlative studies. Conclusions: The serious central nervous system toxicity observed in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer precluded full examination of this agent in this population. There were no clear cut explanations for the high incidence of this known class effect in the study population compared with patients with other cancers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Measuring quality of life of women with disorders of the pelvic floor is crucial when evaluating a therapy. The aim of this study is to profile health related quality of life of women with pelvic organ prolapse who are treated with robot assisted laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (RALS). We also compare the operative characteristics and learning curve in this study with the current literature and describe the surgical technique. Study design: A prospective cohort study in a teaching hospital in The Netherlands. Fifty women with uterovaginal prolapse were treated with RALS. This study presents the largest cohort in Europe treated by RALS to date. Quality of life was assessed pre- and post-operatively using the UDI/IIQ validated self-questionnaire designed for Dutch-speaking patients. Clinical and operative data were prospectively collected up to 29months. RALS was performed with preservation of the uterus. Statistical analysis of categorical data was performed with the paired T-test. Descriptive statistics were computed with the use of standard methods for means, median and proportions. Results: Before operation, overall wellbeing was scored at 67.7% and after surgery this improved to 82.1% (p =0.03). Feelings of nervousness, frustration and embarrassment reduced significantly. Sexual functioning improved, but not significantly. The mean operative time was 223 (103–340)min. Operative time decreased significantly with gained experience and became comparable to the operative time for abdominal sacrocolpopexy and classic laparoscopy. Average blood loss was less than 50ml and patients had a mean hospital stay of 2days. Of all women, 95.2% were very satisfied with the result after RALS. Conclusion: Health related quality of life improves significantly after RALS. There are high rates of patient satisfaction. RALS proves to be a safe and effective treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Operative time is comparable to abdominal sacrocolpopexy and classic laparoscopy in the current literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND Tubal patency tests are routinely performed in the diagnostic work-up of subfertile patients, but it is unknown whether these diagnostic tests add value beyond the information obtained by medical history taking and findings at physical examination. We used individual patient data meta-analysis to assess this question. METHODS We approached authors of primary studies for data sets containing information on patient characteristics and results from tubal patency tests, such as Chlamydia antibody test (CAT), hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy. We used logistic regression to create models that predict tubal pathology from medical history and physical examination alone, as well as models in which the results of tubal patency tests are integrated in the patient characteristics model. Laparoscopy was considered to be the reference test. RESULTS We obtained data from four studies reporting on 4883 women. The duration of subfertility, number of previous pregnancies and a history of previous pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pelvic surgery or Chlamydia infection qualified for the patient characteristics model. This model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.65]. For any tubal pathology, the addition of HSG significantly improved the predictive performance to an AUC of 0.74 (95% CI 0.73–0.76) (P < 0.001). For bilateral tubal pathology, the addition of both CAT and HSG increased the predictive performance to an AUC of 0.76 (95% CI 0.74–0.79). CONCLUSIONS In the work-up for subfertile couples, the combination of patient characteristics with CAT and HSG results gives the best diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of bilateral tubal pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fistulous communication between the colon and female adnexal structure rarely occurs. The rarity of the condition reflects that only few cases have been reported in the literature, however, the bisalpingocolonic fistulae have never been reported. A case study of a 28-years-old woman with primary infertility of four years duration diagnosed with bilateral salpingocolonic fistulae by hysterosalpingography (HSG), which was performed as part of the routine work-up of infertility showed; contrast filed both tubes till fimbrial ends then joined diverticulum in sigmoid colon with opacification down to the rectum. Laparoscopic salpingectomy and closure of fistula were done. The patient was referred to the assisted conception unit and underwent two in vitro fertilization. An embryo transfer resulted on the second attempt in pregnancy and a normal healthy full term baby. In conclusions, Salpingocolonic fistula is a very rare disease and closure of the fistula is the treatment of choice with the need to IVF assisted conception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The use of laparoscopy in unexplained infertility work-up is still a subject of debate, although laparoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of several pelvic pathologies. The objective of this study was to assess the rates and types of pelvic pathologies observed during diagnostic laparoscopy, and the pregnancy rate in couples with unexplained infertility following laparoscopy. Study design: Prospective study, from November 2003 to October 2009, including 114 infertile, spontaneously ovulating women with normal clinical examination, ovarian reserve assessment, pelvic ultrasound scan and patent tubes on hysterosalpingography. Semen analyses were normal according to the World Health Organization criteria. After three cycles of ovulation induction with or without intra-uterine insemination and no pregnancy, women were referred for diagnostic laparoscopy. Results: Laparoscopy revealed pelvic pathology in 95 patients. Endometriosis, pelvic adhesions and tubal disease were observed and treated in 72, 46 and 24 patients, respectively. Following laparoscopy, bilateral and unilateral tubal patencies were observed in 107 and five patients, respectively. Pregnancy was observed in 77 out of 102 patients who tried to conceive after surgery, 35 of whom conceived using their own tubes. Conclusion: Diagnostic laparoscopy should be strongly considered in unexplained infertility work-up, and tubal efficiency should not be underestimated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction Infertility affects 15-17% of reproductive age couples in our country. In vitro fertilization brought revolution in treatment of this problem, bringing hope to many couples around the world for more than 3 decades. The aim of this paper was to present results and experiences of implementation of this method of treatment at the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Nis. Material and Methods The study included the first 402 women who had undergone in vitro fertilization program at the Clinical Center of Nis. The data were statistically analyzed by basic descriptive methods. The main outcome measures were demographic features, cause of infertility, duration of stimulation, average gonadothropine consumption, number of oocytes per aspiration and embryos transferred, mode of conception as well as clinical pregnancy and aspiration rate. Results The two main factors were the male infertility and tubal factor inferitily, being 51.61% and 48.39%, respectively. The classical method of in vitro fertilization constituted 72.40% of all cycles, while intra cytoplasmic sperm injection method was used in 27.60% of all cycles. The average number of embryos transferred was 2.75. The cycle cancellation rate was 15.05%. The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 35.44%; while the live birth rate per embryo transfer was 26.53%. Discussion and Conclusion Our success rates are comparable with those in other European countries, where for in vitro fertilization the clinical pregnancy rates per aspiration and per transfer were 29.0 and 32.4%, respectively in the observed period. For intra cytoplasmic sperm injection, the corresponding rates were 29.9 and 33.0%. The main difference from the European average was the average number of transferred embryos and lower percentage rate of intra cytoplasmic sperm injection as a method of conception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of tubal disease can be challenging and complex. It requires accurate assessment of the extent of disease and evaluation of all fertility parameters. Although traditionally treatment involved salpingectomy or IVF or a combination of the two, less invasive treatment options may prove beneficial. We evaluated the various diagnostic tools for disease assessment and the treatment options available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the role of activin-βA subunit, activin type II receptors, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and MUC1 in the pathogenesis of ectopic pregnancy (EP) and their involvement in the determination of the implantation site. Design: Observational study. Setting: Academic unit of reproductive and developmental medicine. Patient(s): Four women at the luteal phase, three pseudopregnant women at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease, and 10 archived cases of EP. We collected 14 Fallopian tubes were collected from four women at the luteal phase and three pseudopregnant women at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease; specimens from implantation site, trophoblast and remote sites from the implantation site were collected from 10 archived cases of EP. Intervention(s): Immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Main Outcome Measure(s): Comparison of the expression of candidate molecules between the different groups. Result(s): The expression of activin-βA subunit, activin type II receptors, and iNOS was statistically significantly increased and expression of MUC1 statistically significantly decreased in tubes bearing an EP. There was no statistically significant difference in the expression of the candidate molecules between the implantation and remote sites. Candidate molecules were also expressed in the trophoblast. Conclusion(s): The pathological expression of candidate molecules by tubes bearing an EP is not involved in the determination of implantation site. Additionally, candidate molecules may play a role in the regulation of trophoblast cells in vivo during early pregnancy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer have limited options, especially in the context of relapse less than six months from primary platinum-based therapy. This Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the histone deacetylase inhibitor, belinostat, in combination with carboplatin in women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Methods: Eligible patients had measurable, recurrent disease within six months of their last dose of a platinum-based combination. Belinostat was dosed at 1000mg/m2 daily for five days with carboplatin AUC 5 on day three of 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), using a two-stage design. Results: Twenty-nine women enrolled on study and 27 were evaluable. The median number of cycles given was two (range 1–10). One patient had a complete response and one had a partial response, for an ORR of 7.4% (95% CI, .9%–24.3%). Twelve patients had stable disease while eight had increasing disease. Response could not be assessed in five (18.5%). Grade 3 and 4 events occurring in more than 10% of treated patients were uncommon and limited to neutropenia (22.2%), thrombocytopenia (14.8%), and vomiting (11.1%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.3months and overall survival was 13.7months. PFS of at least six months was noted in 29.6% of patients. Due to the lack of drug activity, the study was closed after the first-stage. Conclusions: The addition of belinostat to carboplatin had little activity in a population with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bevacizumab is a recombinant, humanized anti- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the biological activity of VEGF and inhibits tumour angiogenesis. In two pivotal, well designed, phase III, clinical trials (GOG-0218 and ICON7) in women with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer, first-line treatment with bevacizumab in combination with standard chemotherapy (carboplatin plus paclitaxel) followed by maintenance treatment with bevacizumab alone significantly prolonged progression-free survival relative to standard chemotherapy. A subgroup analysis of ICON7 suggested that bevacizumab therapy may also be beneficial in patients at high risk of disease progression. In GOG-0218, health-related quality of life (HR- QOL) deteriorated temporarily (during the chemotherapy phase) and slightly, although statistically significantly, with bevacizumab in combination with standard chemotherapy followed by bevacizumab maintenance relative to standard chemotherapy plus placebo maintenance. In IC0N7, HR-QOL did not differ to a clinically significant extent between patients receiving bevacizumab plus standard chemotherapy followed by bevacizumab maintenance and those receiving standard chemotherapy alone. Bevacizumab combination therapy had generally acceptable tolerability in these studies, with the nature of adverse events generally similar to that observed in previous clinical trials in patients with other solid tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Secondary infertility in developing countries is mostly attributable to blockage of the fallopian tubes due to adhesions caused by reproductive tract infections. There is a dearth of information on the prevalence and causes of secondary infertility from Pakistan. This paper presents results on factors associated with secondary infertility among married women in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted. Cases were women aged 15-35 years with history of at least one previous conception and currently seeking treatment for secondary infertility. Controls were women residing in the neighborhood of cases with at least one live birth and not taking treatment for secondary infertility. The age of controls was matched by ±5 years to that of cases. Data was collected from June to August 2003. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with secondary infertility. Results: The final multivariate logistic regression model revealed that after adjusting for age, cases were more likely to be the housewives (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI:1.5-4.4), had used inappropriate material to absorb blood during menstruation (AOR = 9.0, 95% CI: 5.0-16.4), and at their last delivery, had a birth attendant who did not wash hands with soap and water (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.4-5.7). Moreover, women with secondary infertility were more likely to report current or past history of having STI symptoms (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 2.4-5.6) and use of intra-vaginal indigenous medicines during their last postpartum period (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.6-5.7). Conclusion: We recommend health education and awareness messages for safe practices during menstruation, delivery, and the postpartum period for women in general. Additionally, sanitary napkins should be made available at an affordable cost, and safe delivery kits should contain educational/pictorial brochures for appropriate hand washing skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the success rate of proximal tubal occlusion with Essure® devices in subfertile women with unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx and to observe the results of subsequent treatment with IVF-ET and/or frozen embryo transfer. Study design: Prospective, single-arm, clinical study in 20 women with unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinges (all visible on transvaginal ultrasound) due to undergo IVF-ET and/or frozen embryo transfer. In all patients, laparoscopy was considered to be contraindicated due to extensive pelvic adhesions. Result(s): In all patients the Essure® devices were placed in an ambulant setting without any complications. Proximal tubal occlusion was confirmed by hysterosalpingography in 19 out of 20 patients (95%) and in 26 of 27 treated tubes (96%). After 45 embryo transfer procedures in 19 patients, 18 pregnancies with 12 live births, 6 miscarriages and 1 immature delivery (probably related to cervical insufficiency leading to chorioamnionitis and subsequent rupture of the membranes) were observed. Conclusion(s): Essure® devices are effective in inducing proximal tubal occlusion in subfertile patients with hydrosalpinges. After artificial reproductive treatments a cumulative live birth rate per patient of 63% and a cumulative live birth rate per transfer of 27% were achieved. The latter was related to the large proportion of patients with severe endometriosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: A decrease in HOXA11 expression in eutopic mid-secretory endometrium has been found in women with endometriosis-associated infertility. Methods: Using Real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) and western blotting analysis we studied the HOXA11 transcript and protein levels in mid-luteal eutopic endometrium from eighteen infertile women with minimal endometriosis, sixteen healthy fertile women and sixteen infertile women with fallopian tubal occlusion from the Polish population. We also evaluated transcript levels of DNA methyltransferases DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B in these groups of women. Results: There were significantly lower levels of HOXA11 transcripts (p = 0.003, p = 0.041) and protein (p = 0.004, p = 0.001) in women with endometriosis as compared to fertile women and infertile women with tubal occlusion. Moreover, we found significantly higher methylation levels of the CpG region in the first exon of HOXA11 in infertile women with endometriosis compared with fertile women (p < 0.001) and infertile women with tubal occlusion (p < 0.001). We also observed significantly increased levels of DNMT3A transcript in women with endometriosis than fertile women (p = 0.044) and infertile women with tubal occlusion (p = 0.047). However, we did not observe significant differences in DNMT1 and DNMT3B transcript levels between these investigated groups of women. Conclusions: We confirmed that reduced HOXA11 expression may contribute to endometriosis-associated infertility. Moreover, we found that DNA hypermethylation can be one of the possible molecular mechanisms causing a decrease in HOXA11 expression in the eutopic mid-secretory endometrium in infertile women with endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The relationship between tubal cornual polyps and endometriosis and ovulatory disorders in infertile women is unclear. Our objective was to determine such an association from our database and review the literature. Methods. Twenty-two infertile women with tubal cornual polyps were assessed for coexistence of oligoovulation/anovulation and endometriosis with stratification for polyp diameter (large: ⩾5mmdiameter, small <5mmdiameter). Result(s). Oligoovulation/anovulation was more prevalent in women with large versus small tubal cornual polyps (P = 0.0048). Endometriosis was associated with both large and small polyps. Conclusion(s). This case series confirms the association of tubal cornual polyps with oligoovulation/anovulation and endometriosis in infertile women. This case series is limited by a lack of controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of medical history in the diagnosis of tubal pathology among subfertile patients. Patients and Methods. Prospective cross-sectional study was performed. Prior to tubal evaluation, medical history data were collected. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) for predicting tubal pathology as determined by laparoscopy and dye test were calculated for each issue of medical history. Results. 39.6 % (59/149) were diagnosed with tubal pathology. The sensitivity for the different issues ranged between 1.7 and 54.2% and the specificity between 75.6 and 97.8%. The estimated highest value of positive LR is attributed to the history of ectopic pregnancy and lowest of negative LR to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and abdominal surgery. Conclusion. The positive history of PID, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), abdominal and laparoscopic surgery, and ectopic pregnancy are satisfactory screening tests for ruling the tubal pathology in. The negative history of evaluated issues is inappropriate for ruling the tubal damage out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the clinical impact of the two histological types as designated in the proposed model for ovarian tumourigenesis in primary epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer (EOC) patients.Methods: All consecutive EOC patients (n=632) after primary tumour debulking in our institution (09/2000-08/2010) were classified into one of two groups: type I tumours (n=100; 15.8%) composed of low-grade serous, low-grade endometrioid, clear cell, mucinous and transitional carcinomas; and Type II tumours (n=532; 84.1%) composed of high-grade serous, high-grade endometrioid, undifferentiated and malignant mixed-mesodermal tumours. Kaplan-Meier and logistic/Cox-regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of histological type on surgical outcome and survival.Results: Type II patients had a significantly higher incidence of advanced disease (FIGO III/IV) than Type I patients (79.8% vs 38%, respectively; P<0.001). Median CA125 values (438 vs 93 U ml(-1); P=0.001); operative time (258 vs 237 min; P=0.001); and incidence of incomplete tumour resection (34.4% vs 15%; P<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with Type II. During a mean follow-up time of 23 months (range: 1-106), 17% of patients with type I vs 34.8% of patients with type II tumours relapsed and/or died (P<0.001). Overall survival (P=0.021) and progression-free survival (P=0.003) were also significantly higher in patients with type I tumours. Multivariate analysis, while identifying postoperative tumour residuals, positive lymph nodes and extrapelvic dissemination as independent predictors of survival, failed to demonstrate any prognostic significance of histological type.Conclusion: Type I EOC patients appear to present at earlier stages have significantly higher survival and more optimal surgical outcome compared with type II patients. However, in advanced stages, histology loses significance as an independent prognosticator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the fertility outcomes of infertile patients having proximal tubal obstruction treated with hysteroscopic tubal catheterization (HCT) for recanalization under diagnostic laparoscopy. Methods: From January 2000 to December 2008, diagnostic laparoscopy was used to assess the tubal status of 61 patients with unilateral or bilateral proximal tubal obstruction, as confirmed by hysterosalpingography. Among them, 35 patients with tubal obstruction confirmed by chromopertubation under laparoscopy subsequently underwent HCT. The pregnancy outcomes and success rates of recanalization were investigated. Results: In the 35 patients with confirmed tubal obstruction, HCT was performed in 54 fallopian tubes. The success rate of recanalization was 25.9% (14/54) per tube and 37.1% (13/35) per patient. Of the patients in whom tubal patency was restored, 4 achieved pregnancy, including 1 tubal pregnancy and 1 miscarriage. Among the 61 patients, excluding 14 who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) after laparoscopy, 13 were pregnant (27.7%), 9 gave live births, 1 had tubal pregnancy, and 3 had miscarriages. Conclusions: HCT under laparoscopy is an option for couples with tubal infertility who do not prefer IVF-ET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fallopian tube is the least common site for origin of malignancy in the female genital tract. Most primary fallopian tube malignancies are adenocarcinomas. Primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the fallopian tube is an extremely rare tumor with a small number of cases reported in the literature. We present a 67-year-old woman who was found incidentally to have a left adnexal mass on a screening pelvic ultrasound. Subsequently the patient underwent laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy and the specimen was submitted for intraoperative frozen section, which revealed a high-grade carcinoma; therefore, she underwnt a laparotomy and total abdominal hysterectomy, right salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy. Histopathology revealed high-grade transitional cell carcinoma in the left fallopian tube. Post-surgery she was treated with four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel with no complications. Our patient had a family history of malignancy, so genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations was undertaken and did not reveal any mutation or unclassified variants. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of Borderline papillary serous tumor of the fallopian tube was comprehensively established by Zheng in 1996 supported mostly by a histological similarity to its ovarian counterpart. It is a very rare entity with eight cases published so far and the ninth case described here as a 41-year-old woman presented with non-specific lower abdominal pain, dyspareunia and dysuria. Left adnexal mass was identified and she was operated on. It turned out the tumor was attached exclusively to the left tube, with no connection to any of the surrounding structures and with histology of borderline serous tumor with non-invasive implants in the left and right ovary and visceral peritoneum. Reviewing available data on genetics of these tumors there was diploid status in one examined tumor, and in our case no mutations of KRAS, BRAF and p53 genes were found. Histomorphology remains the mainstay of diagnosis and staging operation is the mainstay of patient management. Prognosis is uncertain with a 6-year survival documented in one case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The relation between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and subsequent tubal damage is widely recognized. As such, C. trachomatis antibody (CAT) testing can be used to triage women for immediate tubal testing with hysterosalpingography (HSG) or laparoscopy. However, once invasive tubal testing has ruled out tubal pathology, CAT serology status is ignored, as its clinical significance is currently unknown. This study aimed to determine whether positive CAT serology is associated with lower spontaneous pregnancy rates in women in whom HSG and/or diagnostic laparoscopy showed no visible tubal pathology. METHODS We studied ovulatory women in whom HSG or laparoscopy showed patent tubes. Women were tested for C. trachomatis immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies with either micro-immunofluorescence (MIF) or an ELISA. CAT serology was positive if the MIF titre was ≥1:32 or if the ELISA index was >1.1. The proportion of couples pregnant without treatment was estimated at 12 months of follow-up. Time to pregnancy was considered censored at the date of the last contact when the woman was not pregnant or at the start of treatment. The association between CAT positivity and an ongoing pregnancy was evaluated with Cox regression analyses. RESULTS Of the 1882 included women without visible tubal pathology, 338 (18%) had a treatment-independent pregnancy within 1 year [estimated cumulative pregnancy rate 31%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 27–35%]. Because of differential censoring after 9 months of follow-up, regression analyses were limited to the first 9 months after tubal testing. Positive C. trachomatis IgG serology was associated with a statistically significant 33% lower probability of an ongoing pregnancy [adjusted fecundity rate ratio 0.66 (95% CI 0.49–0.89)]. CONCLUSIONS Even after HSG or laparoscopy has shown no visible tubal pathology, subfertile women with a positive CAT have lower pregnancy chances than CAT negative women. After external validation, this finding could be incorporated into existing prognostic models. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study is a retrospective review of the transcervical fluoroscopy-guided fallopian tube recanalisation (FTR) procedures done in a multi-ethnic south-east Asian population, over 9 years. A total of 100 patients with infertility and documented proximal tubal obstruction (PTO) were referred for FTR. On-table hysterosalpingography under sedation demonstrated true PTO in 96 patients. At selective-salpingography, the PTO cleared in 16 patients; 78 required FTR and two had fimbrial blockage. The technical success rate of FTR was 86.8% and the post-FTR pregnancy rate was 36.84% at a mean follow-up interval of 12.2 months. There were no major, immediate procedure-related complications. There was an ectopic pregnancy in a single treated patient. Fluoroscopy-guided FTR is a safe treatment option in patients with infertility from PTO, with high technical success rate, low complication rate and increased chances of pregnancy; therefore it should be preferred before attempting more expensive and resource-intensive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although controversial, recent studies suggest that serous ovarian carcinomas may arise from fallopian tube fimbria rather than ovarian surface epithelium. We developed an in vitro model for serous carcinogenesis in which primary human fallopian tube epithelial cells (FTECs) were exposed to potentially oncogenic molecular alterations delivered by retroviral vectors. To more closely mirror in vivo conditions, transformation of FTECs was driven by the positive selection of growth-promoting alterations rather antibiotic selection. Injection of the transformed FTEC lines in SCID mice resulted in xenografts with histologic and immunohistochemical features indistinguishable from poorly differentiated serous carcinomas. Transcriptional profiling revealed high similarity among the transformed and control FTEC lines and patient-derived serous ovarian carcinoma cells and was used to define a malignancyrelated transcriptional signature. Oncogene-treated FTEC lines were serially analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription--polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis to identify oncogenes whose expression was subject to positive selection. The combination of p53 and Rb inactivation (mediated by SV40 T antigen), hTERT expression, and oncogenic C-MYC and HRAS accumulation showed positive selection during transformation. Knockdown of each of these selected components resulted in significant growth inhibition of the transformed cell lines that correlated with p27 accumulation. The combination of SV40 T antigen and hTERT expression resulted in immortalized cells that were nontumorigenic in mice, whereas forced expression of a dominant-negative p53 isoform (p53DD) and hTERT resulted in senescence. Thus, our investigation supports the tubal origin of serous carcinoma and provides a dynamic model for studying early molecular alterations in serous carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube is a rare medical emergency, especially in premenarchal girls. We present a 9-year-old girl with right-sided lower abdominal pain. Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube was suspected preoperatively because of the clinical presentation combined with the results of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At emergency laparoscopy, the isolated torsion of the fallopian tube could be reduced, and the tube could be salvaged. This case report shows that the use of ultrasonography and MRI or CT is a helpful diagnostic tool to recognize this condition at an early stage. Especially in young girls presenting with abdominal pain, this should be kept in mind, as digital vaginal examination and vaginal ultrasound most often cannot be used in the diagnostic process. In conclusion, because prompt surgical intervention is required to preserve the tube and prevent progression to peritonitis and possible detrimental effects on future fertility, isolated torsion of the fallopian tube should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lower abdominal pain in all female patients regardless of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe our experience of imaging following hysteroscopic sterilisation with the Essure (Conceptus Inc., Mountain View, San Carlos, CA) microinsert, and to underline the importance of a carefully performed follow-up hysterosalpingogram (HSG) in the management of these patients. Methods: 18 women underwent the procedure and all returned for follow-up HSG. A standard HSG technique was used and views were acquired to establish microinsert position and tubal occlusion. Results: In 16 of the 18 women, adequate microinsert positioning and bilateral tubal occlusion was present. In one woman, a unilateral microinsert occluded the fallopian tube, whereas the other fallopian tube was ligated with a clip. The final patient underwent two studies; both showed well-positioned microinserts but unilateral free spill from the right fallopian tube. There are no reported pregnancies thus far. Conclusion: Essure sterilisation coils have a unique appearance when radiographed and are an effective means of permanently occluding the fallopian tubes. HSG is a rapid and safe method of confirming satisfactory placement and tubal occlusion. Non-HSG imaging techniques are suboptimal at detecting patent fallopian tubes and expose patients to the risk of an unwanted and potentially complicated pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: fallopian tube prolapsed is a rare surgical complication, usually occurring secondary to vaginal hysterectomy. Such pathology forms a diagnostic challenge, given the spectrum of cervical benign and malign lesions. The present case reports were aimed at revising the literature regarding the pertinent etiology, diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods: three cases of fallopian tube prolapse are presented, as well as a literature review involving a search of PubMed via Medline, Hinari, SciELO and EMBASE databases to compile relevant information published in both English and Spanish during the last 5 years. Conclusion: post-hysterectomy fallopian tube prolapse, whether vaginal or abdominal, is a rare surgical complication. Definitive diagnosis is made by histopathological study when tubal tissue associated with inflammatory infiltrate has been shown. Different surgical techniques have been proposed for its treatment aimed at partially or totally removing the prolapsed tube and repairing the vaginal opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research which examined the efficiency of the use of hysteroscopy in treating pathology within endocervix and uterine cavity of pregnant patients. This technology enables medical professionals to visualize the endometrial cavity, endocervical canal as well as fallopian tube ostia. The study found that hysteroscopic procedure should be discussed between the patient and physician during a preoperative consultation.

The diagnosis of adnexal torsion can be difficult to make, especially in isolated fallopian tube torsion (FTT). Only small series and several case reports on isolated FTT have been published in the literature. To demonstrate symptom presentations, objective findings and surgical outcomes in women with isolated FTT over a 12-year period at a tertiary hospital. Using the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, and Clinical Modification, we reviewed the clinical records of women with isolated FTT during 1996 and 2008 at our institute. Seventeen women, age 13-50 (mean 32) with surgically proven isolated FTT, were included. Five women (29.4%) had tubal ligation history. None of these cases were diagnosed before operation. Pain characteristics were variable; the onset was sudden in 10 (58.8%) and 17 (100%) complained of lower abdominal pain, but only six (35.3%) had peritoneal signs. Other clinical manifestations were as follows: nausea or vomiting in seven women (41.2%), lower urinary tract symptoms in four (23.5%) and fever in three (17.6%). All the women had a cystic adnexal mass on ultrasound. An enlarged tubal mass (5-14 cm) was found in all the cases at surgery. Eleven women (64.7%) underwent laparoscopy, and six (35.3%) laparotomy for salpingectomy. The diagnosis of isolated FTT is often not made before surgical intervention because clinical features are non-specific. However, it needs to be considered in women with acute lower abdominal pain with a unilateral cystic adnexal mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to determine the first-cycle maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intraperitoneal carboplatin in combination with intravenous paclitaxel and then assess the feasibility of this dose over multiple cycles. Methods: Beginning at an intraperitoneal (IP) carboplatin dose area under the curve (AUC) of 5 and a fixed intravenous dose of 175mg/m2 paclitaxel, patients were entered on a dose-escalating phase evaluating first-cycle dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). After estimating the MTD, cohorts of 20 patients were then entered in an expanded phase to evaluate DLT over four cycles. Results: Twenty-one patients were entered on the dose-escalating phase. A first-cycle MTD of carboplatin at AUC 8 was tolerated although thrombocytopenia was dose-limiting over multiple cycles. An additional 69 patients were treated in expanded cohorts. Only 5/90 (5.6%) patients discontinued treatment because of a port problem. Four-cycle DLT required de-escalation to a carboplatin AUC of 6, and even at that dose, there were 14 dose-limiting toxic effects in 40 patients (35%). Seven dose-limiting toxicities were due to neutropenia, and 6 were due to grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia. Six cycles of therapy were completed in 75% of eligible patients, but dose adjustments were required. Conclusions: The first-cycle MTD did not predict the tolerability of this regimen over multiple cycles. Using an IP carboplatin dose of AUC 6 in combination with paclitaxel, the regimen can be administered with a high completion rate over multiple cycles. Because neutropenia is a frequent DLT, the addition of hematopoietic growth factors may permit a high completion rate while maintaining this dose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women with tubercular tubo-ovarian masses.Methods: Twenty-four women with a confirmed diagnosis of tubercular tubo-ovarian masses underwent MRI. The findings were compared with laparotomy/laparoscopy results wherever possible.Results: The mean age was 30.7 years and the mean parity was 1.5. The main symptom in 37.5% of patients was infertility. The MRI findings included unilateral definitive tubo-ovarian masses (n=4 [16.7%]); bilateral definitive tubo-ovarian masses (n=4 [16.7%]); unilateral hydrosalpinx (n=8 [33.3%]); bilateral hydrosalpinx (n=4 [16.7%]); unilateral adnexal cyst (n=4 [16.7%]), tuberculous deposits on the liver (n=1 [4.2%]); and cervical growth (n=1 [4.2%]). Other associated findings were endometriosis (n=2 [8.3%]), inclusion cyst (n=1 [4.2%]), subserous fibroid (n=1 [4.2%]), sacroiliac joint arthritis (n=1 [4.2%]), and enteritis (n=1 [4.2%]).Conclusion: MRI seems to be a useful modality for the diagnosis of tubercular tubo-ovarian masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background : Optical imaging systems are robust, portable, relatively inexpensive, and have proven utility in detecting precancerous lesions in the lung, esophagus, colon, oral cavity and cervix. We describe the use of light-induced endogenous fluorescence (autofluorescence) in identifying preinvasive and occult carcinomas in ex vivo samples of human fallopian tube (FT) epithelium. Methods : Women undergoing surgery for an i) ovarian mass, ii) a history suggestive of hereditary breast-ovarian cancer, or iii) known serous ovarian cancer following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) were approached for informed consent. Immediately following surgery, FT''s were photographed in reflectance and fluorescence at high resolution. Images included: (1) white-light reflectance of luminal/epithelial surface; (2) narrow-band green reflectance (570nm) (3) green autofluorescence (405/436nm excitation); and (4) blue autofluorescence (405nm excitation). Areas revealing a loss of natural tissue fluorescence or marked increase in tissue microvasculature were recorded and compared to final histopathologic diagnosis (SEE-FIM protocol). Results : Fifty-six cases involving one or both fallopian tubes underwent reflectance and fluorescence visualization. Nine cases were excluded, either secondary to non-ovarian primary pathology (7) or excessive trauma (2) rendering tissue interpretation impossible. Of the 47 cases remaining, there were 11 high grade serous (HGS) and 9 non-serous ovarian carcinomas undergoing primary debulking surgery, 5 serous carcinomas having received NAC, 8 benign ovarian tumors, and 14 women undergoing risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO). Methodology was feasible, efficient, and reproducible. TIC or carcinoma was identified in 7/11 HGS, 3/5 NAC, and 1/14 RRBSO. Optical images were reviewed to determine test positive or negative based on standardized criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for the entire cohort (73%; 83%; 57%; 91%) and in a subgroup that excluded non-serous histology (87.5%; 92%; 78%; 96%). Conclusions : Abnormal FT lesions can be identified using ex vivo optical imaging technologies. With this platform, we will move towards genomic interrogation of identified lesions, and developing in vivo screening modalities via falloposcopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective : To evaluate the risk of postoperative complications related to HA-CMC use in patients undergoing optimal cytoreductive surgery for primary and recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers. Methods : A single institution retrospective review identified all patients undergoing optimal (≤1cm) cytoreductive surgery for primary or recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers between 1/95 and 12/08. Operative details and post-operative complications (<30days) were extracted from the medical record. Fisher''s exact test, Mann–Whitney-U, and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors, including HA-CMC use, associated with post-operative complications. Results : Three hundred seventy-five cases were analyzed: HA-CMC was utilized in 168 debulking procedures. There was no difference in the incidence of overall morbidity for patients with HA-CMC compared to those without HA-CMC (OR 1.07; 95% CI: 0.68–1.67). On univariate analysis, application of HA-CMC increased the risk of pelvic abscess (OR 2.66; 95% CI: 1.21–5.86), particularly in the primary surgery setting (OR 4.65; 95% CI: 1.67–12.98) and in patients undergoing hysterectomy (OR 3.36; 95% CI: 1.18–9.53). After controlling for confounding factors using multiple linear regression, HA-CMC use approached statistical significance in predicting an increased risk of pelvic abscess but not major postoperative morbidity. Conclusions : HA-CMC adhesion barrier placement at the time of optimal cytoreductive surgery for ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer is not associated with major postoperative complications but may be associated with increased risk of pelvic abscess. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Infertility is one of the common problems in different communities and can cause anxiety in women with the problem. This study was done to evaluate the causes of infertility in patients underwent laparoscopy. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study to investigate the files of 300 cases with infertility who admitted to Shaid Beheshti hospital in Isfahan for laparoscopy. Information from registration files collected in a checklist and then entered and analyzed in SPSS software. Finding: The most frequent patients (56.3%) were classified in the 21-30 years old age group and minimum frequency was seen in patients older than 40 years old. 63 percent of the subjects were suffering from primary infertility. In general, 28.3% of patients had normal laparoscopic findings. The most frequent cause of infertility was adhesion and blocked fallopian tubes and endometriosis was the lowest cause (2.3%). Conclusion: Generally, frequent cause of infertility is adhesion and blocked fallopian tubes and the gold standard technique for diagnosing this situation is laparoscopy. Therefore, it seems that the use of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of cause of infertility is a safe and useful method. Moreover, given that pelvic infection is the common cause of blocked fallopian tubes, evaluating people can be an effective strategy to prevent the infection and infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genital infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) continue to be a worldwide epidemic. Immune response to chlamydia is important to both clearance of the disease and disease pathogenesis. Interindividual responses and current chlamydial control programs will have enormous effects on this disease and its control strategies. Humoral immune response to C. trachomatis occurs in humans and persistent antibody levels appear to be most directly correlated with more severe and longstanding disease and with reinfection. There is a close correlation between the presence of antichlamydial antibodies in females and tubal factor infertility; the closest associations have been found for antibodies against chlamydial heat shock proteins. The latter antibodies have also been shown to be useful among infertile patients with prior ectopic pregnancy, and their presence has been correlated with poor IVF outcomes, including early pregnancy loss. We review the existing literature on chlamydial antibody testing in infertile patients and present an algorithm for such testing in the infertile couple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate clinical activity of weekly topotecan plus carboplatin in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma. Methods: An open-label, single-arm, multicenter Phase I/II study. Phase II was the activity assessment phase, with overall response rate (ORR) as the primary endpoint. Eligible patients (females aged ≥18years) received study treatment at the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) identified in Phase I: intravenous topotecan 2.5mg/m2 (Days 1 and 8), followed by carboplatin AUC 5 (Day 1), every 21days. A two-stage Green–Dahlberg design was used to assess efficacy of treatment. An ORR of ≤30% was required to conclude that treatment was ineffective. Results: Twenty-two patients in Phase I permitted identification of the MTD. In Phase II, 55 patients (median age 64.0years) were enrolled and included in the intent-to-treat population. There were six complete responses (10.9%) and 11 partial responses (20.0%), giving an ORR of 30.9% (17 patients; 95% CI: 18.7%, 43.1%). Median time to response and progression-free survival were 6.57weeks (95% CI: 5.86, 12.57) and 44.29weeks (95% CI: 36.14, 52.14), respectively. Grade 3/4 hematological toxicity caused dose reductions, treatment delays and study discontinuation. Neutropenia (Grade 3: 29%; Grade 4: 11%) was the most common hematological adverse event (AE). Fatigue (71%) and nausea (71%) were the most common drug-related non-hematologic AEs. Conclusions: This study showed an acceptable benefit-risk profile for topotecan plus carboplatin. Further studies using alternative dose levels could help define an optimal dosing schedule for this treatment combination in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the expression profiles of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and its receptors in occluded tubes of infertile women with those of control patients and to evaluate the potential correlation with postsurgical pregnancy outcome.Methods: The expression profiles of TGF-β1, TGF-β1R1, and TGF-β1R2 in occluded fallopian tubes were compared using immunohistochemistry between 60 infertile patients with adhered tubes and 60 control patients with normal tubes; potential correlations with postsurgical fertility were evaluated at 2-year follow up.Results: Immunostainings of TGF-β1, TGF-β1R1, and TGF-β1R2 were all significantly elevated in patients with adhered tubes compared with normal specimens (P<0.001). In adhered specimens, correlation analyses showed positive correlations between TGF-β1 and TGF-β1R1 (P=0.008), and TGF-β1 and TGF-β1R2 (P=0.035). At 2-year follow up, 32 of the 60 infertile women had achieved normal pregnancies, 5 had had ectopic pregnancies, and 23 remained infertile. Correlation analysis showed that TGF-β1 expression level was negatively correlated with pregnancy outcome (r=-0.445, P<0.001), independent of adhesion severity or patient age.Conclusion: TGF-β1 expression was independently correlated with the postsurgical pregnancy outcome among infertile women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the role of distal fallopian tube as organ of serous carcinogenesis is emerging, additional literature on the role of tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (TIC) as a precursor lesion in a subset of primary peritoneal serous carcinomas (PPSC is emerging as well. TIC although fallopian tube in origin can be genetically related to ovarian/peritoneal carcinomas. The role of PAX2 in primary fallopian tube carcinomas (PFTC)/PPSC is yet to be defined. The aim of our study was to understand if the biologic properties of tumors arising in the distal fallopian tube that remain as PFTC are different when they seed on to the peritoneal surface (PPSC). A panel of 6 polymorphic microsatellite markers corresponding to p53, PAX2, and WT1 tumor suppressor genes were studied. Invasive carcinomas as well as TIC arising in the distal fallopian tube when remain as PFTC appears to exhibit different LOH patterns in comparison to PPSC. PAX 2 LOH patterns might represent a "hidden PAX 2 signature" analogous to p53 signatures. PAX 2 might be an emerging marker for detection of early serous carcinomas particularly in BRCA + women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To build an evaluation scoring system using the results of salpingoscopy, and to evaluate the relationship between this scoring system and the outcome of pregnancy. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Sugiyama Clinic. Intervention(s): Using salpingoscopy, we observed the tubal lumen, paying attention to the following six results: adhesions, loss of mucosal folds, rounded edges of mucosal folds, debris, foreign bodies, and abnormal vessels. Patient(s): From April 2008 through June 2009, 104 women in whom unexplained infertility had been diagnosed underwent salpingoscopy. The F scores were evaluated related with various clinical results or pregnancy rates. Main Outcome Measure(s): The F score expressed the sum of the abnormal results, and one abnormal result was given a 1-point F score. Results: Approximately 60% of the patients showed an F score of 0, and the percentages of patients who showed 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 points were 19.2%, 11.5%, 4.5%, and 4.5%, respectively. After evaluation, 23 patients achieved pregnancy within a year. The pregnancy rates for patients with F scores of 0 and 1 point were 30.6% and 20.0%, respectively, and the rate of patients with an F score of 0 was significantly higher than the rate of patients with high F scores (F score ≥2; 9.1%). Conclusion(s): The patients showing a lower F score (0 or 1) showed higher fecundity than those showing an F score of ≥2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To identify risk factors for the presence of a non-invasive lesion of the fallopian tube in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Methods: 173 BRCA mutation carriers underwent a prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy at the University Health Network, Toronto between 2000 and 2008 and were evaluated for the presence of a non-invasive lesion of the fallopian tube. Patients were classified as having p53 overexpression (“p53-signature”), a tubal intra-epithelial carcinoma (TIC) or normal tubal epithelium. We obtained a risk factor questionnaire from all patients. We calculated odds ratios for several risk factors, comparing patients with a tubal abnormality to those with normal histology. Results: Of the 173 patients, 43 (25%) were found to have a tubal lesion, including 23% of the BRCA1 mutation carriers and 27% of the BRCA2 mutation carriers. The prevalence of a non-invasive tubal lesion increased with age; an abnormality was present in 5% of women who had surgery before the age of 40 (1 of 12) and in 56% of women who underwent surgery at age 60 or above (6 of 13; p =0.004). A non-invasive lesion of either type was found in 31.2% of women with a BMI >25kg/m2) compared to 18.0% of patients with a BMI <25kg/m2 at the time of surgery (p =0.05). The average duration of oral contraceptive use among women with normal tubes was 6.0years, compared to an average duration of 4.0years for women with a p53 signature (p =0.09) and was 2.7years for women with a TIC (p =0.0003). Conclusion: The prevalence of tubal p53 signature and TIC increases with age at salpingectomy and with BMI. Oral contraceptive use is associated with a decrease in the prevalence of TICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations among a large series of women with carcinoma of the fallopian tube. Methods: Two series of women diagnosed with carcinoma of the fallopian tube were studied. Women identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry who were diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer between 1990 and 1998 and between 2002 and 2004. A second, hospital-based series was identified at Cedars Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, California. These women were diagnosed between 1991 and 2007. Each subject was approached to provide her family history and ethnic background and to provide a blood sample for genetic testing for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Results: In total, 108 patients with fallopian tube cancer were recruited (70 from Ontario and 38 from Los Angeles). Thirty-three patients (30.6%) were found to have a deleterious mutation; 23 in BRCA1 (21.3%) and 10 in BRCA2 (9.3%). The prevalence of mutations was 55.6% in Jewish women and was 26.4% in non-Jewish women. A family history of ovarian or breast cancer was positive for 24 women (23.3%); of these, 14 had a mutation (58.3%). Fourteen (14.4%) of the patients had a previous history of breast cancer; of these, 10 (71.4%) had a mutation. 40.3% of the women who were diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer before age 60 had a mutation, compared with 17.4% of the women diagnosed at age 60 and above. Conclusions: Approximately 30% of women with fallopian tube cancer have a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. The highest frequencies of BRCA mutations were seen in women with fallopian tube cancer diagnosed under age 60, in Jewish women, in women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and in women with a personal history of breast cancer. All patients diagnosed with invasive fallopian tube cancer should be considered candidates for genetic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective-To describe the characteristics and frequency of gross uterine anomalies in cats and dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Design-Prospective and retrospective case series. Animals-53,258 cats and 32,660 dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy at 26 clinics in the United States and Canada during 2007. Procedures-Clinics prospectively reported gross anomalies and submitted tissues from abnormal reproductive tracts identified during surgery. Records from a feral cat spay-neuter clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Results-Suspected congenital anomalies of the uterus were identified in 0.09% (49/53,258) of female cats and 0.05% (15/32,660) of female dogs. Uterine anomalies identified included unicornuate uterus (33 cats and 11 dogs), segmental agenesis of 1 uterine horn (15 cats and 3 dogs), and uterine horn hypoplasia (1 cat and 1 dog). Ipsilateral renal agenesis was present in 29.4% (10/34) of cats and 50.0% (6/12) of dogs with uterine anomalies in which kidneys were evaluated. Mummified ectopic fetuses were identified in 4 cats with uterine anomalies. Both ovaries and both uterine tubes were present in most animals with uterine anomalies. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Urogenital anomalies were twice as common in cats as in dogs. Identification of uterine developmental anomalies in dogs and cats should trigger evaluation of both kidneys and both ovaries because ipsilateral renal agenesis is common, but both ovaries are likely to be present and should be removed during ovariohysterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To review radiation exposure during hysterosalpingography (HSG) examinations with use of a mobile C-arm fluoroscopic imaging system with advanced features including pulsed fluoroscopy and last-image-hold capability. Design: Retrospective clinical study. Setting: Freestanding outpatient radiology office. Patient(s): Two hundred consecutive patients who were referred for HSG examinations to evaluate fertility or status of tubal ligation. Intervention(s): Pulsed fluoroscopy (eight frames per second) and continuous fluoroscopy were used with automated exposure control and last image hold for static image capture. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fluoroscopy time (seconds), field of view (12 in., 9 in., 6 in.), mode (continuous, pulsed), and dose area product (mGycm(2)) were recorded for each patient. The total estimated surface dose then was calculated. Result(s): One hundred forty-seven patients had normal results on hysterosalpingograms, and 57 patients had abnormal results on hysterosalpingograms. Selective salpingography was performed in 26 of the 38 patients with fallopian tube occlusions. Mean fluoroscopy time for normal, abnormal, and selective catheterization was 4.17, 14.3, and 56.1 seconds, respectively. Mean estimated surface dose for normal, abnormal, and selective catheterization was 2.6, 6.9, and 46.7 mGy, respectively. Conclusion(s): A mobile C-arm fluoroscopic imaging system with pulsed fluoroscopy and last-image-hold capability may be a desirable alternative for HSG to achieve lower radiation exposure with improved operator convenience and patient comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the success rate of proximal tubal occlusion with Essure devices in subfertile women with hydrosalpinges, and to observe the results of subsequent treatment with IVF. Design: Prospective, single-arm, clinical study. Setting: University hospital and teaching hospital. Patient(s): Ten women with uni- or bilateral hydrosalpinges prior to IVF. In all patients laparoscopy was felt to be contraindicated. Intervention(s): Hysteroscopic placement of Essure devices in an office setting. Main Outcome Measure(s): Placement rate, successful proximal tubal occlusion, and pregnancy rate after IVF. Result(s): All patients had successful placement of the Essure devices without any complications. Proximal tubal occlusion was confirmed by hysterosalpingography in 9 out of 10 patients. A 40% ongoing pregnancy rate was achieved with 20% life births after one IVF cycle and/or frozen embryo transfer. Conclusion(s): Proximal occlusion of hydrosalpinges with Essure devices before IVF is a successful treatment for patients with a contraindication for salpingectomy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]