Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

PLoS One 2020 5;15(2):e0226741. Epub 2020 Feb 5.

Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, England, United Kingdom.

Aims: Fetuses affected by congenital heart defects (CHD) are considered to be at increased risk of fetal growth restriction and intrauterine demise. Whether these risks are a direct consequence of fetal CHD or a result of associated uteroplacental dysfunction is not evident from the data of recent studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of uteroplacental dysfunction reflected by abnormal uterine artery Doppler indices and reduced fetal growth in CHD pregnancies. Read More

PLoS One 2020 27;15(1):e0221544. Epub 2020 Jan 27.

Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) images of livers may show a hypo-attenuated structure alongside the falciform ligament, which can be a focal fatty pseudolesion and can mimic a malignancy. The preferred location is on the right parafissural site, ventral in segment IVa/b. The etiology is not clear, nor is it known how the histology of this location develops. Read More

J Med Case Rep 2019 Nov 12;13(1):330. Epub 2019 Nov 12.

Department of Radiology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Lithopedion is a word derived from the Greek words lithos, meaning stone, and paidion, meaning child, to describe a fetus that has become stony or petrified. Lithopedion is a rare complication of pregnancy which occurs when a fetus dies and becomes too large to be reabsorbed by the body. This entity in rare circumstances can be challenging for physicians to diagnose since it has a range of clinical manifestations. Read More

Obstet Gynecol Surv 2019 Oct;74(10):611-622

Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.

Objective: To review what is currently known about placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) including imaging techniques for diagnosis and differentiation from a molar pregnancy, genetics, maternal/fetal effects, and management.

Evidence Acquisition: A literature search by research librarians at 2 universities was undertaken using the search engines PubMed and Web of Science. The search terms used were "etiology" OR "cause" OR "risk" OR "risks" OR "epidemiology" OR "diagnosis" OR "therapy" OR "prognosis" OR "management" AND "placental mesenchymal dysplasia" OR "placenta" AND "mesenchymal dysplasia. Read More

Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2019 Sep 23;41(9):525-530. Epub 2019 Sep 23.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Objective:  The etiology of embryonic demise is multifactorial, with chromosomal abnormalities being the most common (40%). The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the correlation between a serum biomarker, progesterone, and an ultrasonographic parameter, the distance between yolk sac and embryo (DYSE) in assessing the prognosis of pregnancy outcome in the 1 trimester.

Methods:  The present study is a prospective case-control analysis that includes 2 groups of patients: 81 patients with first-trimester normal evolutive pregnancy and 89 patients with embryonic demise, all of the patients having between 6 and 11 weeks of amenorrhea. Read More

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019 Nov 8;242:17-28. Epub 2019 Aug 8.

Perinatal Ultrasound Department, Nepean Hospital, Australia; Nepean Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Australia.

Aim: This meta-analysis evaluates the use of cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting adverse perinatal outcome.

Methods: An electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Google scholar, Cochrane Library and Up-to-Date was done using variations of 'cerebroplacental ratio' and 'cerebroumbilical ratio'. We included studies where CPR was measured and postpartum outcomes were available. Read More

Placenta 2019 09 26;84:32-36. Epub 2019 Jun 26.

Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, UK; Fetal Medicine Unit, The Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. Electronic address:

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Identifying which pregnancies are at risk of FGR facilitates enhanced surveillance and early delivery before fetal demise can ensue. However, existing risk stratification strategies yield an unacceptably low detection rate. Read More

Twin Res Hum Genet 2019 04 26;22(2):120-123. Epub 2019 Apr 26.

Multiple Pregnancy Clinic,The Royal Women's Hospital,Melbourne, Victoria,Australia.

Planning for the preterm birth of a fetus with known anomalies can raise complex ethical issues. This is particularly true of multiple pregnancies, where the interests of each fetus and of the expectant parent(s) can conflict. In these complex situations, parental wishes and values can also conflict with the recommendations of treating clinicians. Read More

Prenat Diagn 2019 06 29;39(7):536-543. Epub 2019 May 29.

Hospices Civils de Lyon, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, Bron-, Lyon, 69500, France.

Objective: To examine the outcome of pregnancy with fetal transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) below the fifth percentile based on routine second- or third-trimester ultrasonography.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 12 344 women according to TCD Z scores based on systematic second- or third-trimester ultrasound examination between 2007 and 2015. Information on major malformations, chromosomal anomalies, intrauterine or neonatal demise, and other abnormal findings were collected. Read More

Prenat Diagn 2019 05 9;39(6):484-488. Epub 2019 May 9.

Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.

Background: We aimed to present the natural history and outcomes of fetal primary pleural effusions (PPE).

Methods: Fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of PPE delivered between January 2011 and June 2018 were included. Fetal PPE were separated into groups: resolved, stable, or progressive. Read More

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019 Dec 4;54(6):780-785. Epub 2019 Nov 4.

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.

Objectives: To describe fetal echocardiographic findings associated with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) and to compare anatomic and hemodynamic measurements between fetuses with LUTO and gestational age (GA)-matched controls, with an emphasis on quantitative indices of diastolic function and cardiac output.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of fetuses diagnosed with severe LUTO with giant bladder, which underwent at least one fetal echocardiogram at our center between January 2005 and June 2018. Fetuses with major congenital heart disease were excluded. Read More

Med Ultrason 2018 Dec;20(4):487-492

II ND Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj Napoca, Romania.

Aims: Embryonic demise is a frequent complication of the first trimester pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between a serum biomarker, the soluble form of the vasculo-endothelial growth factor (sFlt-1) and the distance between the yolk sac (YS) and embryo (DYSE), determined by ultrasonography.

Material And Methods: The study was a prospective case-control study that included 2 groups of patients - the control group with 81 first-trimester pregnancies in evolution and the case group with 89 first-trimester pregnancies with a potentially reserved evolutivity. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2019 Feb 8;45(2):352-357. Epub 2018 Nov 8.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Aim: Fetal membranes are composed of the amnion and chorion, which fuse during the early second trimester. Persistent separation confers increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. This study characterizes sonographic and placental findings associated with persistent amnion-chorion (AC) membrane separation. Read More

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2018 11 16;143(2):246-247. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

Prenat Diagn 2018 06 6;38(7):523-530. Epub 2018 Jun 6.

Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.

Objective: To determine the prognostic value of fetal Doppler and echocardiographic parameters for intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) within 24 hours and within 1 week after laser coagulation in monochorionic pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Method: This retrospective study correlated the preoperative hemodynamic and echocardiography parameters to the outcome in fetuses with twin-twin transfusion syndrome undergoing laser therapy.

Results: One hundred and twelve laser coagulations were performed between February 2006 and June 2015. Read More

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019 02;53(2):200-207

Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK.

Objective: To identify key factors associated with adverse perinatal outcome in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR).

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies diagnosed with sFGR at ≥ 16 weeks' gestation, in a single tertiary referral center between March 2000 and May 2015. The presence of coexisting twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) was noted. Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2018 Dec 17;37(12):2841-2847. Epub 2018 Apr 17.

Division of Prenatal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of sonographic assessment of the embryonic/fetal neural tube in nonviable pregnancies and to determine the defect incidence.

Methods: Prospective analysis of transvaginally acquired 3-dimensional (3D) multiplanar and 3D surface-rendered volume sets of 340 cases of missed abortion between March 2010 and September 2015 was performed. Data regarding karyotype and postmortem examination as well as demographic features and the outcomes of subsequent pregnancies were evaluated. Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2018 Jul 17;37(7):1725-1732. Epub 2018 Jan 17.

Departments of Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology , Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare grading systems of subchorionic hematoma (SCH) on first-trimester ultrasound examinations with live embryos to assess which best correlates with early pregnancy outcome and to assess the effect of gestational age at the time of diagnosis on outcome.

Methods: First-trimester live singleton pregnancies between 6 and 11 weeks' gestational age with SCH were identified by an institutional database search. First-trimester outcome was categorized as "live" or "demise" based on ultrasound or medical record documentation. Read More

Echocardiography 2017 12;34(12):1776-1787

Fetal & Neonatal Cardiology Program, Echocardiography Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Departments of Pediatrics, Women & Children's Health Research, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institutes, and Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Evaluation of fetal cardiac function is one of the most important components of fetal echocardiography. Fetal cardiac dysfunction is closely linked to risk of intrauterine fetal demise, in many, but not all cases is indicative of worse postnatal prognosis and may prompt the use of medications or interventions to optimize outcomes. There may be implications for termination versus continuation of pregnancy, an indication for early delivery, a change in location and even mode of delivery. Read More

J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019 06 22;39(6):1172-1184. Epub 2017 Dec 22.

1 Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Hypoxic stress is a common occurrence during human pregnancy, yet little is known about its effects on the fetal brain. This study examined the fetal hemodynamic responses to chronic hypoxia in an experimental mouse model of chronic maternal hypoxia (11% O from E14.5 to E17. Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019 Apr 27;32(8):1332-1336. Epub 2017 Nov 27.

a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Charlotte Fetal Care Center , Charlotte , NC , USA.

Objective: To investigate the natural course of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (UAD) findings in donor fetuses after laser surgery and the prognostic significance of resolution, persistence, or new onset UAD abnormalities with and without the presence of preoperative growth discordance.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study of all monochorionic-diamniotic multi-fetal gestations diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) undergoing laser surgery at a single large metropolitan referral center from 2010-2016. The estimated fetal weight was measured preoperatively and the UAD were measured both pre- and postoperatively (median = 8 days). Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2018 May 27;37(5):1185-1191. Epub 2017 Oct 27.

Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.

Objectives: Polyhydramnios and placentomegaly are commonly observed in nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF); however, whether their ultrasonographic identification is relevant for prognosis is controversial. We evaluated outcomes of fetal or neonatal death and preterm birth (PTB) in cases of NIHF alone and in those with polyhydramnios and/or placentomegaly (P/PM).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort of singletons with NIHF evaluated between 1994 and 2013. Read More

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018 May;51(5):580-585

Maternité Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.

Objective: To investigate the ultrasound characteristics and outcome of pregnancies with fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (FIUVV).

Methods: Cases of FIUVV managed at our tertiary university hospital over an 8-year period were reviewed. Information retrieved included gestational age and diameter of the umbilical varix at diagnosis, increase in varix diameter, associated ultrasound or chromosomal anomalies and pregnancy outcome. Read More

Fetal Diagn Ther 2017 27;42(2):158-160. Epub 2017 Jul 27.

Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Mansoura University Children Hospital, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

Ductus arteriosus (DA) is a crucial element in the fetal circulation. Therefore, premature constriction of DA during the third trimester can have hazardous complications such as right ventricular dysfunction, fetal heart failure, hydrops, and even in utero demise. Normally, premature constriction is prevented by a balance between prostaglandin E2 and fetal oxygenation. Read More

Pediatr Dev Pathol 2017 Jul-Aug;20(4):348-353. Epub 2017 Jan 25.

2 Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Two cases of devastating fetal malformations associated with vanished monochorionic twins were identified upon review of pathology files. A 35-year-old G1P0 woman and 36-year-old G3P1 woman were both diagnosed with an intrauterine twin gestation via transvaginal ultrasound at 10 weeks. The spectrum of fetal anomalies ranged from omphalocele, bilateral upper extremity, and unilateral lower extremity hypoplasia, to craniofacial malformation with diaphragmatic hernia. Read More

Genet Med 2017 10 20;19(10):1171-1178. Epub 2017 Apr 20.

GeneDx, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in fetuses with ultrasound anomalies that resulted in fetal demise or pregnancy termination. The results were also utilized to aid in the identification of candidate genes for fetal development and to expand the clinical phenotype of known genetic conditions.MethodsWES was performed on specimens from 84 deceased fetuses. Read More

Pediatr Infect Dis J 2017 May;36(5):500-501

From the *Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; †Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and ‡Hospital Maternidade Maria Amelia Buarque de Hollanda, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We describe a case of Zika virus infection acquired during the first trimester in a HIV-infected pregnant woman that led to multiple fetal malformations and fetal demise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Read More

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018 02;51(2):236-245

Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Objective: To compare virtual autopsy using postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with conventional autopsy with respect to phenotypic characterization of stillbirths and malformed fetuses, and acceptability to parents.

Methods: This was a prospective diagnostic evaluation study, conducted from June 2013 to June 2015, including stillbirths and pregnancies terminated owing to fetal malformation at ≥ 20 weeks' gestation, for which parental consent to both conventional autopsy and postmortem MRI was obtained. Cases of maternal and obstetric cause of fetal demise were excluded. Read More

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017 Dec;50(6):723-727

Fetal Medicine Unit, Division of Developmental Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK.

Objective: Single intrauterine death (sIUD) in twin pregnancy is associated with a significant risk of cotwin demise and preterm birth (PTB), especially in monochorionic (MC) twins. However, it is yet to be established whether the gestational age at loss may influence the pregnancy outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the risk of PTB according to the gestational age at diagnosis of sIUD. Read More

Circulation 2017 Mar 31;135(11):1045-1055. Epub 2017 Jan 31.

From Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Czech Republic (H.J.); Fetal Medicine Center, Brno, Czech Republic (H.J., P.V., I.G.); Children's Heart Center, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (M.J., V.T., J.S., J.M.); University Hospital Sv. Anny, Brno, Czech Republic (I.G.); Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans, School of Public Health (J.V.); and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences UCL, London, UK (J.M.).

Background: The study analyzed the impact of first-trimester screening on the spectrum of congenital heart defects (CHDs) later in pregnancy and on the outcome of fetuses and children born alive with a CHD.

Methods: The spectrum of CHDs, associated comorbidities, and outcome of fetuses, either diagnosed with a CHD in the first trimester (Group I, 127 fetuses) or only in the second-trimester screening (Group II, 344 fetuses), were analyzed retrospectively between 2007 and 2013. Second-trimester fetuses diagnosed with a CHD between 2007 and 2013 were also compared with Group III (532 fetuses diagnosed with a CHD in the second trimester from 1996 to 2001, the period before first-trimester screening was introduced). Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol 2017 Apr 31;37(3):355-357. Epub 2017 Jan 31.

a Early Pregnancy and Acute Gynaecology Assessment Unit , King's College Hospital , London , UK.

Ultrasound evaluation is usually requested for women presenting with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in early pregnancy. This is to check viability as well as to diagnose multiple pregnancies and exclude gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). The aim of this retrospective case control study was to evaluate the early pregnancy outcomes in women with HG and to compare them with an asymptomatic control group. Read More

Pediatr Cardiol 2017 Mar 19;38(3):531-538. Epub 2016 Dec 19.

Fetal Treatment Center, University of California, San Francisco Benoiff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Ectopia cordis (EC) is a rare congenital anomaly often associated with congenital heart disease (CHD). There is a lack of contemporary information on EC diagnosed prenatally. We sought to combine the experiences of two regional referral centers in order to evaluate current outcomes for EC. Read More

Niger J Clin Pract 2017 Jan;20(1):111-114

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

We report a case of rudimentary horn pregnancy at 12 weeks gestation with fetal demise misdiagnosed ultrasonographically as an intrauterine pregnancy in a private clinic. The patient was referred to a tertiary care hospital after failed attempts at terminating her pregnancy. A definitive diagnosis was made with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before uterine rupture ensued. Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2016 Oct 31;35(10):2237-41. Epub 2016 Aug 31.

Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Ultrasound, Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA.

Objectives: A fetal persistent intrahepatic right umbilical vein has been linked to anomalies and genetic disorders but can be a normal variant. We conducted a retrospective review to determine other sonographic findings that can stratify fetuses for further evaluation.

Methods: A total of 313 fetuses had a persistent intrahepatic right umbilical vein identified on 17- to 24-week sonography. Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2016 Sep 27;35(9):1949-55. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas USA.

Objectives: Primary fetal cardiomyopathy is a rare entity, with a poor prognosis. We sought to describe its echocardiographic characteristics and outcomes.

Methods: We performed a 12-year retrospective review of fetuses with primary cardiomyopathy. Read More

Fetal Diagn Ther 2017 3;41(2):108-114. Epub 2016 Jun 3.

Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston Mass., USA.

Objectives: To assess cardiac sequelae of fetal cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) and evaluate any association with outcomes.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed cardiac structure and function in fetuses with CAVMs who underwent fetal echocardiography (October 1999 to August 2015, n = 11), and compared them with normal controls.

Results: The median gestational age was 36 weeks (range 18-38). Read More

Ultraschall Med 2017 Aug 1;38(4):427-436. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Division of Prenatal Medicine and Gynecologic Sonography, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Köln, Germany.

 To assess the spectrum of associated anomalies, the intrauterine course, the outcome and possible prognostic markers in prenatally diagnosed Ebstein's anomaly (EA).  All cases of EA diagnosed over a period of 13 years with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were retrospectively collected in 4 tertiary referral centers in Germany.  In the study period 76 cases of EA were prenatally diagnosed. Read More

Akush Ginekol (Sofiia) 2016;55(6):19-25

Twin pregnancies are found in about 3 % of all pregnancies and 2/3 are dizygotic and 1/3 are monozygotic. In the last 30 years after the introduction of assisted conception and increasing maternal age the rate of twin pregnancies dramatically increased. Compared to singletons, twins have more complications such as intrauterine demise, intrauterine selective fetal growth reStriction, congenital anomalies, miscarriage and preterm labour. Read More

Fetal Diagn Ther 2016 23;40(2):128-34. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Juan de Dios Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Clinica Santa Maria, Santiago, Chile.

Objective: To study the umbilical artery (UA) half-peak systolic velocity deceleration time (hPSV-DT) in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods: The study included 266 singleton, high-risk pregnancies with an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile, which were examined between 24 and 40 weeks' gestation and delivered within a week from the last ultrasound evaluation. UA hPSV-DT was measured with Doppler ultrasound in the same wave used to measure the pulsatility index. Read More

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015 Oct 5;112(42):E5689-98. Epub 2015 Oct 5.

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL 33136;

Considerable evidence supports mutations in mitochondrial genes as the cause of maternally inherited diseases affecting tissues that rely primarily on oxidative energy metabolism, usually the nervous system, the heart, and skeletal muscles. Mitochondrial diseases are diverse, and animal models currently are limited. Here we introduced a mutant human mitochondrial gene responsible for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) into the mouse germ line using fluorescence imaging for tissue-specific enrichment in the target retinal ganglion cells. Read More

J Equine Sci 2015 30;26(3):89-94. Epub 2015 Sep 30.

Department of Dairy Science, California Polytechnic State University, CA 93407, U.S.A.

An equine embryo produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was trans-cervically transferred to a recipient mare and pregnancy was confirmed via ultrasound examination on days 11, 12 and 15. On days 20 and 22, a single embryonic proper with a heartbeat was observed. On day 29, two embryos proper appeared during ultrasound examination, each possessing a heartbeat. Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016 15;29(14):2293-6. Epub 2015 Sep 15.

a Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon .

Objective: The association between echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) and trisomy 21 is well established, with a recognized ethnic variation. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of EIF in a Middle Eastern population and to examine its association with trisomy 21 and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective case-control study of second-trimester obstetric sonograms (16-28 weeks) performed at a tertiary care center over a 5-year period. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 2015 Nov-Dec;32(6):858-61. Epub 2015 Jul 27.

Department of Dermatology, Hospital del Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain.

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC), or congenital absence of skin, is a heterogeneous condition that may be due to varied mechanisms. ACC has rarely been reported in association with fetus papyraceus, representing a peculiar phenotype of ACC. We present six new cases of neonates born with symmetric ACC associated with intrauterine fetal demise of co-twins during the late first or early second trimester. Read More

Ginekol Pol 2015 Apr;86(4):280-6

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze types and methods of intrauterine fetal cardiac interventions performed between June 2011 and December 2013, and to assess the perinatal management of the neonates.

Methods: The program was developed after analysis of the available literature, practical individual training in Linz, Austria, and simulation of the procedure in a dissecting-room. The rules for anesthesia in pregnant women and their fetuses were developed. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2015 Sep 21;41(9):1473-7. Epub 2015 Jun 21.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maimonides Medical Center.

Pre-eclampsia has a progressive clinical course, and is only cured by delivery of the placenta. We report a 30-year-old G1P0 with dichorionic twins, discordant growth and chronic hypertension who developed superimposed pre-eclampsia in her 21st week of gestation. After intrauterine demise of the severely growth-restricted twin, the superimposed pre-eclampsia resolved. Read More

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2015 Jun 9;42(2):225-39. Epub 2015 Mar 9.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, PH-16, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address:

Twin pregnancies can be complicated. Early diagnosis with accurate dating, determination of chorionicity, screening for chromosomal and structural abnormalities, placental evaluation, and cervical length assessment should be completed in the first half of gestation. Routine fetal growth is recommended for all twins with serial surveillance for those complicated by anomalies, cervical shortening, growth disturbances, and amniotic fluid abnormalities. Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2015 May;34(5):843-6

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California USA (S.P., L.M.K., A.L., R.H.C.); and Jackson Fetal Therapy Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida USA (R.A.Q., E.V.K.)

Objectives: In twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), persistent absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery is a rare finding in the recipient twin, and the clinical implications of this finding are not well characterized. We sought to study the clinical importance of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms in recipient twins and determine the perinatal survival of these twins after laser surgery.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients with TTTS treated with laser surgery between 2006 and 2012 was conducted. Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2015 Apr;34(4):595-9

Departments of Radiology (A.Y.M., C.B.B., D.A.C.) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (E.E.W., K.D.P., P.M.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts USA.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of cesarean scar pregnancies diagnosed during the first trimester.

Methods: We retrospectively identified all cesarean scar implantation pregnancies diagnosed by sonography before 14 weeks' gestation between 2000 and 2012 at our institution. We reviewed the patients' sonograms and medical records and recorded sonographic findings and pregnancy outcomes. Read More

Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015 Aug 28;213(2):222.e1-222.e10. Epub 2015 Feb 28.

Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, England, UK.

Objective: Impaired fetal growth might be better evaluated in twin pregnancies by assessing the intertwin discordance rather than the individual fetal size. The aim of this study was to investigate the prediction of perinatal loss in twin pregnancy using discordance in fetal biometry and Doppler.

Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral center. Read More

Prenat Diagn 2015 Jun 18;35(6):583-91. Epub 2015 Mar 18.

Birmingham Centre of Women's and Children's Health, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the risk of brain abnormalities in single-twin demise of monochorionic pregnancies and to describe the type of brain injuries using ultrasound and in utero magnetic resonance (iuMR) imaging.

Methods: Monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated by the demise of one twin referred between 2004 and 2013 were reviewed. Ultrasound was performed in a tertiary centre prior to iuMR. Read More