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Modified laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (LTAC) was developed as a safer approach for the treatment of cervical insufficiency in pregnancy, with the cerclage tape placed lateral to the uterine vessels. We describe and review the evolution of a woman who successfully underwent an LTAC at 12 weeks of gestation, whose fetus developed growth retardation after 32 weeks. Three-dimensional power Doppler reconstruction viewed both uterine arteries (UtAs) inside of the cerclage until the second trimester. Thereafter, the visualization of UtAs showed the development of a rich array of collateral vascularization, adaptation supported by the findings of low velocity and pulsatility of blood flow in the UtAs. The appearance of the UtAs varies throughout the gestation. There is a moderate variation of the shape and curvature that could result due to their elongation. Furthermore, the cervical length increased during gestation, from 20 to 30 mm. We speculate that this is a mechanical modeling during the late gestation. More studies are needed to understand the hemodynamic and mechanical effects as well as the impact on fetal growth and development of modified LTAC in women with a short cervix or cervical incompetence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal goitrous hypothyroidism is a rare condition associated with important obstetrical, neonatal complications, and neurodevelopmental impairments. Prenatal treatment remains controversial, and the risk to benefit ratio must be accurately assessed and considered for individualized management. The objective of this review was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of the conservative in utero treatment of fetal goitrous hypothyroidism. In total, 25 reports that met our inclusion criteria were selected and the management of 38 cases was analyzed. Prenatal diagnosis consisted mainly of ultrasonographic findings. Fetal thyroid status was assessed by cordocentesis. Prenatal treatment varied widely in terms of levothyroxine (LT4) route of administration, dosage, number of injections, and frequency. Although different regimens and routes of administration were proposed, they seem to have similar results regarding fetal goiter reduction and thyroid status at birth. At birth, most babies had hypothyroidism, but the long-term follow-up indicated a normal psycho-neuromotor development. Our data confirm the feasibility of conservative treatment with LT4 for fetal goitrous hypothyroidism. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal management of this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]