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Psychosocial and biological factors influence the perception of physical changes during pregnancy. Some pregnant women present to the obstetric emergency department (ED) with diverse symptoms not requiring urgent medical action. These visits result in over-consultation, tying up resources and inflating health care expenses. This study outlines factors associated with multiple ED visits during pregnancy, measures the prevalence of anxiety and depression, and explores the choice of maternity clinic for delivery aiming to elucidate options for care strategies. This prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based bicentric study was performed in the obstetric outpatient departments of two university hospitals in Germany and recruited pregnant women between 12/2016 and 11/2017. The questionnaire included socio-demographics, obstetric history, anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and health status (WHO-5, SF-12). This analysis included 496 women and showed that women with numerous ED visits were significantly younger (p

Zusammenfassung Einleitung Bei Patientinnen mit Status nach Sectio ist die sonografische Diagnostik des unteren Uterinsegments (uUS) weit verbreitet. Ihr Nutzen für die Geburtsplanung ist jedoch nicht ausreichend belegt. Es gibt weder ein einheitliches Untersuchungsprotokoll noch einen sicheren Cut-off-Wert. Ziel dieser Studie war es, den Wert der uUS-Diagnostik in der klinischen Routine zu prüfen. Material und Methoden In die retrospektive Analyse wurden 631 Patientinnen mit Status nach Sectio eingeschlossen. Bei 399 (63%) Patientinnen war eine sonografische Dickenmessung des Myometriums (muUS) und/oder des gesamten uUS (guUS)) erfolgt. Die Inzidenz von Uterusdefekten sowie der Zeitpunkt und die Modalität ihrer Diagnostik wurden eruiert. Sensitivitäten, Spezifitäten, positive (PPV) und negative prädiktive Werte (NPV) wurden für verschiedene Cut-offs errechnet. Ergebnisse Uterusdefekte traten bei 28 (4,4%) Patientinnen auf. Die Detektionsrate für die Sonografie war gering (13,6%), die Sensitivität/ Spezifität/ PPV/ NPV für niedrigere Cut-off-Werte (2 mm (guUS)/ 1 mm (muUS): 75/96/48,3/98,7%) jedoch besser als für höhere (3 mm (guUS)/ 2 mm (muUS): 15,8/93,2/10,4/68,7%). Diskussion Der Nutzen der sonografischen uUS-Diagnostik erscheint überschätzt. Da ihre Genauigkeit von zahlreichen methodischen Faktoren beeinflusst wird, könnte sie durch ein einheitliches Protokoll mit einem transabdominellen und transvaginalen Scan durch einen erfahrenen Untersucher verbessert werden. Ein geeigneteres Untersuchungsziel für die Selektion nach Sectio könnte der Ausschluss von Uterusdefekten sein.

The neocortex, a structure that is unique to mammals, is formed by balanced proliferative and differentiative divisions of neural stem and progenitor cells that give rise to differentiated neural cells–neurons and glia. During neurogenesis, coordinated gene expression programs drive neural progenitor cells to initially expand their pool and to subsequently generate different neuronal subtypes, before switching to gliogenesis. Epigenetic mechanisms are important in the regulation of cell fate specification during development. In this chapter, we will focus on one type of epigenetic modification–histone methylation–that regulates neural progenitor behavior, and neuronal function. Importantly, mutations in several histone modifying enzymes have been reported in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, often linked to intellectual disability. We will review the molecular and cellular functions of these enzymes and discuss their contribution to the human phenotypes.

Annual cervical cancer screening is recommended in Germany as a part of the statutory preventive care. Abnormal results can provoke psychological distress and anxiety, compromising women’s adherence. Little is known about how a cervical dysplasia impacts adherence follow-up visits and prevention habits over time. To optimize care strategies, this study aims to identify women at risk for nonadherence to follow-up visits after a screening event. Between November 2015 and May 2017, participants with an abnormal Pap smear at the Heidelberg and Leipzig University Hospitals received a four-part questionnaire (sociodemographic data, PHQ-D, self-designed fear and prevention habit questions) at the first consultation (T1) and subsequently after 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months; healthy controls completed the questionnaire at T1. 132 women with an abnormal Pap smear [with conization: S1 (n = 68, 51.5%), without intervention: S2 (n = 64, 48.5%)] and healthy controls (K, n = 101) generally adhered to gynecological checkups, except S1 6 months after the first diagnosis (S1/T3 − 0.47, signed rank p

In this case–control study, the impact on quality of life and sexual function in women with cervical dysplasia and conization will be evaluated, in order to address coping with such a premalignant lesion and to improve strategies for salutogenesis. This multicenter case–control study evaluates women at special dysplasia outpatient clinic (T1) as well as 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months after the diagnosis of a dysplasia. The women were subgrouped upon dysplasia only (S2) or dysplasia with conization (S1). Sexual function as well as cervix-related and general quality of life was assessed using validated instruments (FSFI-d, EORTC-QLQ-CX24, SF-36). Women with dysplasia had a lower sexual functioning than controls (FSFI: S1: 23.8 ± 9.7 (p

Introduction Current concepts understand preeclampsia as an altered angiogenic state. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is a valid marker for the diagnosis of preeclampsia and correlates closely with the severity of the disease. A recent case-control study developed gestational age-dependent cut-offs for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. The currently used cut offs frame an intermediate zone of 33–85 ( 0 weeks) or 33–110 (⩾34 0 weeks), respectively. Objective In this study we sought to evaluate the relevance of an intermediate sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for the clinical pregnancy course and outcome. Material and methods We retrospectively analysed 533 consecutive patients with sFlt-1/PlGF ratio measurements for suspected preeclampsia. In patients with an intermediate sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, fetal and maternal characteristics and also pregnancy outcome were documented. Furthermore, we compared the patient groups with 0 /34 0 -36 6 /⩾37 0 gestational weeks at first visit. Results 83/533 (15.6%) patients had an intermediate sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. Maternal or fetal diseases or twin pregnancies occurred in 87.9%. Preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome developed in 31.3% but were mostly mild or moderate (65.4%). However, severe adverse outcome was observed in 36.1% with severe preeclampsia in 10.8%. Even if further pregnancy duration and gestational week correlated negatively ( r = −0.424; p 0 weeks delivered prematurely. The overall preterm birth rate was 27.7%. Conclusion Patients with an intermediate sFlt-1/PlGF ratio are at risk for severe adverse outcome. An intermediate sFlt-1/PlGF ratio indicates a risk for preterm birth, independent from the occurrence of preeclampsia.

Lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness measurement is frequently used to select patients for trial of labor after a previous cesarean section (TOLAC). To date no significant benefit of LUS measurement has ever been proven, and no standard protocol or clear cut-off value exists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of LUS measurement in a daily routine setting.In this retrospective study, we evaluated 631 pregnancies after previous cesarean section (CS). Ultrasound measurements of myometrial (mLUS) and/or full LUS (fLUS) thickness were performed in 399 (63%) patients. The incidence, time, and mode of detection of uterine defects were studied. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for different cut-off values of LUS thickness.Uterine defects were diagnosed in 28 (4.4%) patients. Detection rate of ultrasound was low (13.6%), with better sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV at lower (2 mm (fLUS) / 1 mm (mLUS): 75/96/48.3/98.7%) than at higher cut-off values (3 mm (fLUS) / 2 mm (mLUS): 15.8/93.2/10.4/68.7%).The benefit of LUS thickness measurement appears overestimated. As a large number of methodological factors trigger inaccuracy, a consistent protocol including both a transabdominal and a transvaginal scan performed by a trained examiner might improve accuracy. Exclusion of uterine defects might be more useful for prenatal selection after CS.Bei Patientinnen mit Status nach Sectio ist die sonografische Diagnostik des unteren Uterinsegments (uUS) weit verbreitet. Ihr Nutzen für die Geburtsplanung ist jedoch nicht ausreichend belegt. Es gibt weder ein einheitliches Untersuchungsprotokoll noch einen sicheren Cut-off-Wert. Ziel dieser Studie war es, den Wert der uUS-Diagnostik in der klinischen Routine zu prüfen.In die retrospektive Analyse wurden 631 Patientinnen mit Status nach Sectio eingeschlossen. Bei 399 (63%) Patientinnen war eine sonografische Dickenmessung des Myometriums (muUS) und/oder des gesamten uUS (guUS)) erfolgt. Die Inzidenz von Uterusdefekten sowie der Zeitpunkt und die Modalität ihrer Diagnostik wurden eruiert. Sensitivitäten, Spezifitäten, positive (PPV) und negative prädiktive Werte (NPV) wurden für verschiedene Cut-offs errechnet.Uterusdefekte traten bei 28 (4,4%) Patientinnen auf. Die Detektionsrate für die Sonografie war gering (13,6%), die Sensitivität/ Spezifität/ PPV/ NPV für niedrigere Cut-off-Werte (2 mm (guUS)/ 1 mm (muUS): 75/96/48,3/98,7%) jedoch besser als für höhere (3 mm (guUS)/ 2 mm (muUS): 15,8/93,2/10,4/68,7%).Der Nutzen der sonografischen uUS-Diagnostik erscheint überschätzt. Da ihre Genauigkeit von zahlreichen methodischen Faktoren beeinflusst wird, könnte sie durch ein einheitliches Protokoll mit einem transabdominellen und transvaginalen Scan durch einen erfahrenen Untersucher verbessert werden. Ein geeigneteres Untersuchungsziel für die Selektion nach Sectio könnte der Ausschluss von Uterusdefekten sein.

Zusammenfassung. Durch anhaltend steigende Sectioraten nimmt auch die Anzahl an Konsultationen von Patientinnen mit Zustand nach Sectio in der Schwangerenberatung zu. Auch wenn sekundäre Komplikationen durch eine frühere Sectio selten vorkommen, sind diese unter anderem wegen der hohen Blutungsgefahr potentiell lebensbedrohlich. Um das Vorliegen von Komplikationen möglichst früh auszuschließen bzw. zu diagnostizieren, hat sich neben der klinischen Untersuchung auch die bildgebende Diagnostik etabliert. Die Sonografie ist hierbei die Methode der Wahl. Bei weiter unklaren Verdachtsfällen (z. B. Wanddehiszenz) oder auch zur weiteren Spezifizierung von Befunden wird häufig eine zusätzliche MRT durchgeführt. Die frühzeitige Diagnosestellung ist eine wichtige Grundvoraussetzung für ein adäquates peripartales Management. Deshalb setzt sich dieser Artikel zum Ziel, den Leser für dieses Problemfeld zu sensibilisieren. Die wichtigsten Komplikationen werden erläutert und typische Befunde der Sonografie und MRT demonstriert. Bei der Erstellung dieses Beitrages wurden die Deutschen (DGGG), Österreichischen (OEGGG) und Schweizerischen (SGGG) Leitlinien berücksichtigt.

Dental and cervical controls are two established screening programs in Germany. Compliance to orthodontic treatment in childhood is essential for dental health and one of the first health interventions that requires adherent behavior; therefore, it may be associated with participation in further screening programs in adulthood. However, it is not yet known whether early orthodontic treatment influences long-term screening adherence. Using a questionnaire administered during a visit to a special dysplasia outpatient service, this case–control study evaluated women’s personal history of orthodontic care, long-term satisfaction, and dental and gynecological screening adherence. Oral health status and dental anxiety were assessed with validated instruments. Cases were categorized as cervical dysplasia only (S2) or cervical dysplasia with conization (S1) and compared to healthy controls with a normal PAP smear. A study population of 233 participants included 132 cases and 101 controls. The control group had had orthodontic treatment during childhood more often than our study population with abnormal PAP smears (68.3% controls versus 56.1% subjects; p

BACKGROUND Pregnancy can be distressing, particularly if expectant mothers are worried about the well-being of their fetus. Consequently, the desire for reassurance and frequent fetal monitoring is often pronounced. Smart wearable devices and telemedicine are promising tools that could assist women in self-monitoring their pregnancy at home, hence disburdening emergency departments (EDs). They present the possibility to clarify the need for urgent care remotely and offer tighter pregnancy monitoring. However, patients’ acceptance of such new technologies for fetal monitoring has not yet been explored extensively. OBJECTIVE This survey aimed to elucidate the attitudes of women toward self-monitoring of their pregnancy using noninvasive electronic devices. The technical details of the proposed devices were not specified. METHODS A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted at the departments of obstetrics of the University Hospitals of Heidelberg and Leipzig, Germany. All patients seen in the obstetrics clinic who were above 18 years were offered participation. We designed a survey questionnaire including validated instruments covering population characteristics, issues in current and past pregnancies, as well as attitudes toward self-monitoring of pregnancy with smart devices. RESULTS A total of 509 pregnant women with no previous experience in telemedicine participated. Only a small minority of 5.9% (29/493) regarded self-monitoring with wearable devices as an alternative to consulting their physicians. Along these lines, only 7.7% (38/496) strongly believed they would visit the ED less often if such devices were readily available. However, if the procedure were combined with a Web-based telemetric physician consult, 13.5% (66/487) would be highly motivated to use the devices. Furthermore, significantly more women regarded it as an alternative prior to seeing a doctor when they perceived a decline in fetal movements (P CONCLUSIONS Our results point to a skeptical attitude toward pregnancy self-monitoring among pregnant women. Nevertheless, many women are open to using devices for pregnancy monitoring in parallel to consulting their physician. The intention to use such devices several times daily or weekly, expressed by more than half of the participants, highlights the potential of such technologies.

Uterine rupture during labor is a rare but life-threatening complication after previous cesarean section (CS). Prenatal risk is assessed using ultrasound thickness measurement of the lower uterine segment (LUS). Due to inhomogeneous study results, however, clinical obstetrics still lacks for standard protocols and reliable reference values. As 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not yet been sufficiently studied regarding LUS diagnostics after previous CS, we sought to evaluate its feasibility focusing on thickness measurements and typical characteristics of the CS-scar region in comparison to ultrasound and the intraoperative status. In this prospective study, 25 asymptomatic patients with one previous CS and inconspicuous ultrasound findings were included. An additional 3 T MRI with either a T2-weighted Turbo-Spin-Echo or a Half Fourier-Acquired-Single-shot-Turbo-spin-Echo sequence in a sagittal orientation was performed. We analyzed categorical image quality, inter- and intra-rater reliability as well as anatomy, morphology and thickness of the LUS. Results were compared to ultrasound and intraoperative findings. MRI provided good to excellent image quality in all patients. The imaged structures presented with a high variability in anatomy and morphology. Image characteristics indicating the uterine scar were only found in 11/25 (44%) patients. LUS thickness measurements with MRI showed good inter- and intra-rater reliability but poor agreement with ultrasound. MRI is appropriate for additional LUS diagnostics in patients with previous CS. The strong individual variability of LUS-anatomy and morphology might explain the difficulties in establishing uniform diagnostic standards after CS.

Introduction Dilatation of the ascending aorta is a common finding in Tetralogy of fallot (TOF). We sought to provide aortic dimensions in children and adolescents after corrected TOF obtained by contrast-enhanced cardiac-magnetic-resonance angiography (CE-CMRA) that could serve as reference values. Materials and methods We enrolled 101 children and adolescents (56 male) with a median age of 10.9 years. All patients underwent CE-CMRA imaging using a 3-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo-sequence. Aortic diameters were measured at the level of the aortic valve (AV), aortic sinus (AS), sino-tubular junction (STJ) and the ascending aorta (AA) and compared with normal values obtained from literature. Sex-specific aortic dimensions are given as percentile curves as well as z scores. Furthermore CMR volumetric and functional parameters as well as clinical and anamnestic data were analyzed to identify parameters that are associated with aortic dilatation. Results Diameters for aortic size for males were 3.6 + 16.6*BSA0.5 at the AV level, 7.0 + 19.5*BSA0.5 at the AS level, 7.0 + 14.4*BSA0.5 at the STJ level and 7.3 + 15.5*BSA0.5 at the AA level. Diameters for females were 5.8 + 14.1*BSA0.5 at the AV level, 7.2 + 17.6*BSA0.5 at the AS level, 5.2 + 15.4*BSA0.5 at the STJ level and 2.0 + 17.8*BSA0.5 at the AA level. All diameters in TOF patients were larger compared with normal values. The postoperative interval and age at examination were the only parameters associated with aortic size at all measured levels. Conclusion We provide CE-CMRA data of aortic dimensions in children and adolescents after correction of TOF. Our data might be useful for an estimation of the “normal” aortic size in this patient cohort and can serve as a basis for future longitudinal studies adding prognostic data.

Due to novel scientific knowledge about molecular pathomechanisms, there is a new understanding of preeclampsia as a placental disease. Angiogenic factors were shown to influence placentation, and in the last decade, intensive research emerged particularly the antiangiogenic factor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and the pro-angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) to be most relevant in this process. Technical efforts and the development of commercially available automated methods firstly enabled maternal serum measurements of these factors and the introduction into daily clinical use. In various clinical studies, the additional value of sFlt-1 and PlGF for diagnosis and even prediction of preeclampsia have been confirmed. This major advance firstly allows a better diagnosis and distinction of preeclampsia, a disease with an extremely heterogeneous clinical appearance, from various different gestation-associated symptoms or diseases. A more precise diagnosis and the feasibility of prediction opened new horizons in clinical management of preeclampsia. This article gives an overview about the latest scientific knowledge about the angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and PlGF and provides actual recommendations for its clinical use for suspected preeclampsia.

PURPOSE Dilatation of the thoracic aorta is a well-known finding in corrected Tetralogy of Fallot. Complications are rare but can be life-threatening. Standard 1-dimensional (1D) measurements have several limitations. We sought to establish contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography cross-sectional areas of the aorta that could serve as reference values and to identify parameters that are associated with aortic dilatation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled 101 children and adolescents. The aortic areas were measured at the level of the aortic sinus (AS), the sinotubular junction (STJ), the ascending aorta (AA), the brachiocephalic trunk (TBC), and the descending aorta (DA). Sex-specific aortic dimensions were presented as percentile curves as well as regression equations. Furthermore volumetric and functional parameters as well as clinical data were analyzed to identify parameters that are associated with aortic dilatation. RESULTS Aortic areas (mm) for female subjects were 139+366×body surface area (BSA) for the AS, 134+255×BSA for the STJ, 113+239×BSA for the AA, 88+185×BSA proximal to the TBC, and 2.9+88×BSA for the DA. Aortic areas (mm) for male subjects were 162+403×BSA for the AS, 171+258×BSA for the STJ, 151+233×BSA for the AA, 73+206×BSA proximal to the TBC, and 21+80×BSA for the DA. The postoperative interval and age at examination were parameters associated with aortic size. CONCLUSIONS We provide aortic areas in children and adolescents after correction of Tetralogy of Fallot measured by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography. Our 2D data may better depict the geometry of enlarged aortae than standard 1D diameters and serve as reference values for evaluating aortic disease in these patients.

To assess if real-time magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation for atrial flutter is feasible in patients.The study complied with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the local ethics committee. All patients were informed about the investigational nature of the procedures and provided written informed consent. Ten patients (six men; mean age ± standard deviation, 68 years ± 10) with symptomatic atrial flutter underwent isthmus ablation. In all patients, two MR imaging conditional steerable diagnostic and ablation catheters were inserted into the coronary sinus via femoral sheaths and into the right atrium with fluoroscopic guidance. The patients were then transferred to a 1.5-T whole-body MR imager for an ablation procedure, in which the catheters were manipulated by an electrophysiologist by using a commercially available interactive real-time steady-state free precession MR imaging sequence.All catheters were placed in standard positions successfully. Furthermore, simple programmed stimulation maneuvers were performed. In one of 10 patients, a complete conduction block was performed with MR imaging guidance. In nine of 10 patients, creating only a small number of additional touch-up lesions was necessary to complete the isthmus block with conventional fluoroscopy (median, three lesions; interquartile range, two to four lesions).Real-time MR imaging-guided placement of multiple catheters is feasible in patients, with subsequent performance of stimulation maneuvers and occasional complete isthmus ablation.

To determine the time course of enhancement patterns in the aorta and endoleaks at dynamic computed tomographic (CT) angiography as well as their effect on the endoleak detection rate in patients who have undergone abdominal aortic endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).This retrospective study was approved by the local ethics committee and compliant with the Declaration of Helsinki. All patients gave written informed consent for the scientific analysis of their data. Seventy-one patients (mean age, 72 years ± 8 [standard deviation]) were retrospectively included after EVAR of the abdominal aorta. All patients underwent dynamic CT angiography with 10 unidirectional scan phases, followed by a venous phase. Endoleaks were detected visually in all scan phases; the magnitude of enhancement was assessed by using region-of-interest measurements in the aorta and the detectable endoleaks. Statistical analysis was performed with the χ(2) test, the paired t test, and analysis of variance with repeated measurements.The highest mean aortic enhancement was achieved 12 seconds after the bolus-tracking threshold, and the highest mean endoleak enhancement was achieved 22 seconds after the bolus-tracking threshold. In total, 44 endoleaks were detected. The detection rates differed significantly in between the dynamic CT angiography phases (minimum, seven endoleaks at 2 seconds after the bolus-tracking threshold; maximum, 44 endoleaks at 27 seconds after the bolus-tracking threshold; P = .001). The highest detection rate was achieved when the contrast between aortic and endoleak enhancement reached its maximum.Dynamic CT angiography revealed that the peak enhancement of endoleaks is significantly different than that of the aorta and that endoleaks may not be adequately evaluated with conventional biphasic CT protocols. The use of dynamic CT angiography is associated with a significantly increased detection rate of endoleaks compared with the detection rates at the time points of conventional biphasic CT.

Objectives: To analyse the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived myocardial parameters to differentiate left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) from other cardiomyopathies and controls. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 12 patients with LVNC, 11 with dilated and 10 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and compared them to 24 controls. LVNC patients had to fulfil standard echocardiographic criteria as well as additional clinical and imaging criteria. Cine steady-state free precession and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging was performed. The total LV myocardial mass index (LV-MMI), compacted (LV-MMI(compacted)), non-compacted (LV-MMI(non-compacted)), percentage LV-MM(non-compacted), ventricular volumes and function were calculated. Data were compared using analysis of variance and Dunnett's test. Additionally, semi-quantitative segmental analyses of the occurrence of increased trabeculation were performed. Results: Total LV-MMI(non-compacted) and percentage LV-MM(non-compacted) were discriminators between patients with LVCN, healthy controls and those with other cardiomyopathies with cut-offs of 15 g/m(2) and 25 %, respectively. Furthermore, trabeculation in basal segments and a ratio of non-compacted/compacted myocardium of >/=3:1 were criteria for LVNC. A combination of these criteria provided sensitivities and specificities of up to 100 %. None of the LVNC patients demonstrated LGE. Conclusions: Absolute CMR quantification of the LV-MMI(non-compacted) or the percentage LV-MM(non-compacted) and increased trabeculation in basal segments allows one to reliably diagnose LVNC and to differentiate it from other cardiomyopathies. Key Points: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can reliably diagnose left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. Differentiation of LVNC from other cardiomyopathies and normal hearts is possible. The best diagnostic performance can be achieved if combined MRI criteria for the diagnosis are used.

Background Systemic right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy and impaired function occur after atrial switch for dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA). Echocardiography is limited in its ability to assess the RV. We sought to evaluate systemic RV myocardial-mass index (MMI) and function after atrial switch and to analyse the role of hypertrophy for ventricular function with special consideration of the interventricular septal (IVS) movement. Methods Thirty-seven consecutive patients (median age 22.9 years) after atrial switch were studied using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (1.5T Intera, Philips) with a dedicated 5-channel phased-array surface cardiac coil. Cine steady-state free-precession sequences were acquired to obtain myocardial masses and function. The systolic movement of the IVS was defined as positive when moving towards the centroid of the RV and was defined as non-positive otherwise. Patient parameters were compared to controls. Results The systemic RVs were significantly larger (p 68 g/m2 had a reduced level of systolic function. Positive septal movement improved RV function compared with non-positive septal movement (p = 0.024). Conclusions There seems to be a range of beneficial RV hypertrophy after atrial switch in which a sufficient RV-EF can be expected. A positive septal movement, probably the result of hypertrophic septal RV fibres, improves RV function and might be regarded as a beneficial contraction pattern.

BackgroundPatients with a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries show an increasing incidence of cardiac failure with age. In other systemic right ventricles, such as in dextro-transposition after atrial switch, excessive hypertrophy is a potential risk factor for impaired systolic function. In this trial, we sought to compare systemic function and volumes between patients with congenitally corrected transposition and those with dextro-transposition after atrial switch by using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.Methods and ResultsA total of 19 patients (nine male) with congenitally corrected transposition and 31 patients (21 male) with dextro-transposition after atrial switch were studied using a 1.5-Tesla scanner. Cine steady-state free-precession sequences in standard orientations were acquired for volumetric and functional imaging. Patient parameters were compared with those of a group of 25 healthy volunteers. Although patients with congenitally corrected transposition were older, they presented with higher right ventricular ejection fractions (p = 0.04) compared with patients with dextro-transposition. Patients with congenitally corrected transposition showed a weak negative correlation between age at examination and systemic ejection fraction (r = −0.18, p = 0.04) but no correlation between right ventricular myocardial mass index and ejection fraction. There was no significant difference in the right ventricular end-diastolic volumes between both patient groups.ConclusionAlthough patients with congenitally corrected transposition had a longer pressure load of the systemic right ventricle, ventricular function was better compared with that in patients with dextro-transposition after atrial switch. The results suggest that the systemic ventricles might have partly different physiologies. One difference could be the post-operative situation after atrial switch, which results in impaired atrial contribution to ventricular filling.

To evaluate changes of right ventricular (RV) parameters in follow-up examinations after corrected tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). CMR was performed twice within 4 years in 45 patients using a 1.5 T scanner. RV-volumes and pulmonary-regurgitant-fractions (PRF) were calculated from standard cine-sequences and flow-sensitive gradient-echo images, respectively. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the post-operative (po) interval (group 1 ≤5 years po; group 2 >5 years po) and subgroups depending on type of surgery (transannular vs. non-transannular). Patient groups were compared among each other and differences between 1st and 2nd CMR were assessed. Furthermore, patients were compared with 25 healthy volunteers. Compared with controls RV-size was increased (group 1: p = 0.007; group 2: p

Background and Aim: Chemoresistance often leads to loss of the last treatment option for cancer. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME2) has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. The aim was to examine the efficacy of 2-ME2 on multidrug-resistant human cells from pancreatic and gastric cancer. Methods: We investigated the impact of 2-ME2 on multidrug-resistant cells derived from human pancreatic and gastric cancer cells that were positive or negative for the MDR1-gene. Results: In pancreatic cancer cells, growth inhibition was 57% in parental, 72% in MDR1-negative and 87% in MDR1-positive cells after 1 μmol/L 2-ME2. In gastric cancer cells we found a growth inhibition of 75% in parental, 82% in MDR1-positive and 95% in MDR1-negative cells. Strong induction of apoptosis was induced after a low dose of 2-ME2. No significant difference in the amount of apoptotic cells was observed between parental and multidrug-resistant cells of both tumor types. The number of apoptotic cells after 2-ME2 ranged from 7.5% in parental gastric cancer cells to 20.1% in MDR1-negative gastric cancer cells. Conclusion: 2-ME2 may therefore have clinical application for chemoresistant cancer.

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that myocardial scars after repair of tetralogy of Fallot are related to impaired cardiac function and adverse clinical outcome.MethodsA total of 53 patients were retrospectively analysed after repair of tetralogy of Fallot. The median patient age was 20 years (range 2–48).Cardiac MRI with a 1.5 T magnet included cine sequences to obtain volumes and function, phase-sensitive inversion recovery delayed enhancement imaging to detect myocardial scars, and flow measurements to determine pulmonary regurgitation fraction. In addition, clinical parameters were obtained.ResultsAn overall 83% of patients were in NYHA class I. All patients with the exception of 2 (96%) had pulmonary insufficiency. Mean ejection fraction and end-diastolic volume index were 46% and 128 ml/m2 for the right ventricle and 54% and 82 ml/m2 for the left ventricle, respectively. Excluding enhancement of the septal insertion and prosthetic patches, delayed enhancement was seen in 11/53 cases (21%). Delayed enhancement of the right ventricle was detected in 6/53 patients (11%) and of the left ventricle in 5/53 patients (9%). The patient group with delayed enhancement was significantly older (p=0.003), had later repair (p=0.007), and higher left ventricular myocardial mass index (p=0.009) compared with the group without delayed enhancement.ConclusionsThis study reveals that scarring is common in patients after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot and is associated with older age and late repair. However, there was no difference in right ventricular function, NYHA class, or occurrence of clinically relevant arrhythmias between patients with and those without myocardial scars.

Introduction Current concepts understand preeclampsia (PE) as an altered angiogenic state that is indicated by an increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. This ratio is a valid biomarker for the diagnosis of PE and correlates closely with the severity of the disease. A case control study developed new, gestational age-dependent cut-offs framing an intermediate zone. Objectives In this retrospective study we analysed patients in the intermediate zone with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio between 33 and 85 ( ⩾ 34weeks) according to pregnancy outcome, PE rate, re-testing and preterm delivery. Methods All women with tested sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in clinical routine in 2012 and 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study. SFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations were measured using the automated Elecsys® platform (Roche Diagnostics GmbH). Results Of all 553 tested woman, 86 (16%) showed an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the intermediate zone between 33 and 85/110. 16 of them were tested n =5), gestational diabetes, lupus erythematodes, pre-existing maternal cardiac or kidney disease, IUGR or pathological perfusion with a mean sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of 57. Re-testing was performed in 18% of all cases. Conclusions As expected, patients with ratio in the intermediate zone show an increased risk for developing PE. Notably, in patients

To test the hypothesis that myocardial scars cause systolic dysfunction in patients with transposition of the great arteries and a systemic right ventricle. We retrospectively analyzed 20 consecutive patients (10 male, mean age 27.3 years) with a systemic right ventricle who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with 1.5 T. Cine steady-state free-precession sequences were performed to obtain volumes and function. Phase-sensitive inversion-recovery (PSIR) delayed-enhancement imaging was performed to detect myocardial scars. Tricuspid insufficiency was detected with echocardiography. Furthermore, the presence of arrhythmias and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class were assessed. Mean ejection fraction of systemic right ventricles was 43 ± 11 %, mean end-diastolic volume index was 111 ± 37 ml/m2. Delayed-enhancement imaging revealed only one myocardial scar in the wall of a right ventricular aneurysm. All patients but one (95 %) presented with tricuspid insufficiency. Clinically relevant arrhythmias were present in 13/20 patients (65 %). The majority of patients (90 %) were NYHA class I or II. Arrhythmias, tricuspid insufficiency and NYHA class were not associated with right ventricular ejection fraction. Although right ventricular function was clearly impaired in our patient cohort, there was only one myocardial scar. Our results show that myocardial scarring assessed by PSIR delayed-enhancement imaging is not the underlying pathology of systemic right ventricular failure.

Background— Patients with right ventricular injury (RVI) complicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have impaired prognosis, but it is unclear which patients are at risk of developing RVI. Cardiac magnetic resonance can identify these patients and might add important information on risk stratification, prognosis, and treatment. Aims were to determine the predictors and the prognostic significance of RVI assessed by wall motion abnormalities, edema, myocardial salvage index, and delayed enhancement in acute reperfused STEMI. Methods and Results— We studied 450 patients 1–4 days after primary angioplasty in STEMI. T2-weighted and delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance was used for visualizing edema and scar to calculate myocardial salvage index. Cine-imaging was performed to assess wall motion abnormalities, which, in combination with edema, were considered diagnostic for RVI. Patients with RVI were compared with matched patients with isolated left ventricular infarction. The primary end point was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event: a composite of death, reinfarction, and congestive heart failure after a median follow-up period of 20.9 months. RVI was present in 69 patients, and 41 of 69 showed myocardial necrosis. In a multivariable stepwise forward logistic regression analysis, a high RV myocardial mass (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–3.58; P =0.012) and a low Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow before angioplasty (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.76; P =0.011) were associated with RVI. Cox regression analysis revealed RVI as the most statistically significant predictor of time to major adverse cardiac events (hazard-ratio, 3.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.99–5.66; P Conclusions— RVI detected by cardiac magnetic resonance is a strong and independent predictor of clinical outcome after acute reperfused STEMI. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01359306.

To evaluate the influence of different heart rates and arrhythmias on scanner performance, image acquisition and applied radiation exposure in prospectively ECG triggered computed tomography (pCT).An ECG simulator (EKG Phantom 320, MüllerSebastiani Elektronik GmbH, Munich, Germany) was used to generate different heart rhythms and arrhythmias: sinus rhythm (SR) at 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120/min, supraventricular arrhythmias (e.g. sinus arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation) and ventricular arrhythmias (e.g. ventricular extrasystoles), pacemaker-ECGs, ST-changes and technical artifacts. The analysis of the image acquisition process was performed on a 64-row multidetector CT (Brilliance, Philips Medical Systems, Cleveland, USA). A prospectively triggered scan protocol as used for routine was applied (120 kV; 150 mAs; 0.4s rotation and exposure time per scan; image acquisition predominantly in end-diastole at 75% R-R-interval, in arrythmias with a mean heart rate above 80/min in systole at 45% of the R-R-interval; FOV 25 cm). The mean dose length product (DLP) and its percentage increase from baseline (SR at 60/min) were determined.Radiation exposure can increase significantly when the heart rhythm deviates from sinus rhythm. ECG-changes leading to a significant DLP increase (p0.05) were bifocal pacemaker (61%), pacemaker dysfunction (22%), SVES (20%), ventricular salvo (20%), and atrial fibrillation (14%). Significantly (p0.05) prolonged scan time (8 s) could be observed in bifocal pacemaker (12.8 s), pacemaker dysfunction (10.7 s), atrial fibrillation (10.3 s) and sinus arrhythmia (9.3 s).In prospectively ECG triggered CT, heart rate and rhythm can provoke different types of scanner performance, which can significantly alter radiation exposure and scan time. These results might have an important implication for indication, informed consent and contrast agent injection protocols.

Background Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac MRI (cMRI) has been described as a valid tool to discriminate between cardiac diseases. It has been postulated that MLE especially occurs in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and myocarditis with a prognostic impact in these patients. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to differentiate true MLE from common artifacts as motion blur, partial volume effects (PVE) or wrong inversion times (TI), especially for the IO.

Background LVNC is a rare disease characterized by numerous, excessively prominent ventricular trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses communicating with the ventricular cavity. Cardiac MRI (cMRI) has been reported as an ideal imaging modality to characterize patients with LVNC. Nevertheless, qualitative parameters to differentiate normal compaction of the myocardium in healthy subjects from LVNC or from other cardiomyopathies like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may fail due to highly variable left ventricular trabeculations. Therefore, absolute quantification should be performed.