Gestational Sac Research Articles

SARS-CoV-2 infection in IVF-conceived early pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage: a matched retrospective cohort study

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is SARS-CoV-2 infection in IVF-conceived early pregnancy associated with a higher risk of miscarriage? SUMMARY ANSWER Infection with SARS-CoV-2 during early pregnancy in women conceiving by IVF may not associated with an increased rate of miscarriage. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In naturally conceived pregnancies, most findings have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection does not increase the risk of miscarriage, while some studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A matched retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital-based reproductive medicine centre. The infection group included women who contracted COVID-19 before 20 weeks gestation from December 6, 2022 to January 10, 2023. Each infected woman was matched with three historical control subjects from January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The infection group was matched with historical control subjects based on female age (±1 year), number of gestational sacs, number of previous miscarriages, BMI (±2 kg/cm2), main causes of infertility, gestational week, and fresh versus frozen embryo transfer. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 150 pregnant women infected with COVID-19 before 20 weeks of gestation were included in the infection group, which was matched at a 3:1 ratio with 450 historically pregnant controls. There were no significant differences in age, BMI and endometrial thickness between the two groups. The overall incidence of miscarriage was not significantly different between the infection group and the control group (4.7% versus 5.8%, p = 0.68). When the infection group was stratified into three subgroups based on the gestational age at the onset of infection (0-7 + 6 weeks, 8-11 + 6 weeks and 12-19 + 6 weeks), no significant differences were observed in the incidence of miscarriage between the infection group and the matched control group in any of the subgroups (9.8% versus 13.8%, p = 0.60; 5.4% versus 4.5%, p = 1.00; and 1.4% versus 1.9%, p = 1.00, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The major limitation of this study is the relatively small sample size; therefore, caution is suggested when drawing any definitive conclusions. Nonetheless, our study is the largest sample study of the influence of COVID-19 infection on the miscarriage rate in early pregnancy after IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings may provide important insights for reproductive physicians and obstetricians during preconception and early pregnancy counselling. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2023A1515010250). The authors report no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER None.

Commentary: Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound diagnosis of interstitial ectopic pregnancy in a unicornuate uterus: A case report

A rare case of unicornuate uterus with interstitial ectopic pregnancy (IEP) was diagnosed using three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVUS). The ultrasound revealed a "lancet-shaped" endometrial corona, a gestational sac near the uterus base extending towards the uterine serosa, and visible interstitial lines. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery for a lesion in the right fallopian tube. 3D-TVUS was crucial in precisely locating the gestational sac, aiding in effective treatment. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies risk severe hemorrhaging upon rupture. Rapid, accurate diagnosis is vital for lifesaving treatment and preventing critical complications.

Combined hysteroscopic Bigatti shaver (IBS®) and resectoscope removal of a heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy in the first trimester

To report a case of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy reduction by combined hysteroscopic Bigatti shaver (IBS®) and resectoscope with the preservation of a normal gestational sac in the uterine cavity under simultaneous transabdominal ultrasound guidance. Video article STATEMENT OF CONSENT: The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online including social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, etc.) and other applicable sites. University-affiliated hospital PATIENT(S): A 30-year-old woman, G5P2A2L2, with 2 previous cesarean deliveries and a history of fertility problems was admitted with a heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy at 7+2 gestational weeks. Ultrasound examination showed a dichorionic diamniotic pregnancy. The first gestational sac (1.7×1.7×0.6 cm) was located in the previous hysterotomy scars with a thin layer of myometrium measuring 0.2 cm in thickness and a rich blood supply. The second chorionic sac (2.8×2.4×1.8 cm) was observed at the uterine fundus. Normal cardiac activity and yolk sacs were observed in both gestational sacs. The couple strongly desired to preserve the intrauterine pregnancy. After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained, a hysteroscopic integrated Bigatti shaver combined with a bipolar resectoscope was used to remove the heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy while preserving the intrauterine gestational sac under simultaneous transabdominal ultrasound guidance. The heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy was completely resected by hysteroscopy, and the gestational sac in the uterine cavity was successfully preserved. Trophoblastic tissue was confirmed by histopathological examination. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative recovery. Subsequent serial ultrasonography confirmed a single ongoing pregnancy with normal growth parameters and a normal placental site. The inability of a Bigatti Shaver to perform coagulation can be offset by combination with the bipolar resectoscope. Hysteroscopic Bigatti shaver combined with resectoscope to remove a heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy offers a short operation time and minimum blood loss. It could be an optimized approach for the management of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy in the first trimester when an intrauterine pregnancy needs to be preserved.

Laparoscopic removal of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy

ObjectiveTo present the laparoscopic management of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy and discuss other treatment options. DesignSurgical video article. The Institutional Ethics Committee approved the video reproduction. SettingTertiary referral university hospital PatientA 29-year-old woman with spontaneous heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy presented for vaginal spotting. Ultrasound revealed two gestational sacs at 7 weeks and 6 days of gestation with fetal cardiac activity. One sac was in a normal intrauterine location and the other in a previous cesarean section scar. InterventionsScar pregnancy was excised laparoscopically while preserving intrauterine pregnancy. No additional measures were taken to reduce bleeding. The bladder was filled with 150 cc isotonic to determine its boundaries. The peritoneum was dissected away from the cervix. After removing the ectopic pregnancy material, the myometrial defect was excised. The uterine wall was closed in three layers using 2-0 V-LocTM sutures. Main outcome measuresOngoing intrauterine pregnancy after laparoscopic removal of cesarean scar pregnancy and term delivery. ResultsThe procedure was completed in 67 min. Total blood loss was <100 cc. Ongoing pregnancy follow-up was uneventful. Delivery was planned for the 37th-38th weeks. Although instructed to visit immediately after experiencing pain, the patient arrived after the 38th week and reported having pain for 2 days. During cesarean section, a rupture was observed at the previous incision site, which was fortunately incomplete. A healthy male baby (weight, 3210 g; Apgar score, 9/10) was delivered. ConclusionsThe most common approach for heterotopic scar pregnancy is embryo reduction with potassium chloride injection. However, the mass persists in the scar area, resulting in complications associated with excessive bleeding during cesarean section in approximately half cases. Moreover, almost all published cases of embryo reduction resulted in premature births before week 36. Considering the present case, laparoscopic surgery may be appropriate for managing heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy by preserving intrauterine pregnancy.

Hysteroscopic Subchorionic Injection of Methotrexate Followed by Laparoscopic Excision of the Gestational Sac for the Management of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy: An Innovative Dual Approach of a Challenging Pathology.

This innovative two-step therapeutic approach should be considered a compelling option for managing cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Gestational Sac, Yolk Sac, Embryonic Heart Rate and Crown Rump Length as Prognostic Factors for First Trimester Pregnancy Outcomes

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Gestational Sac, Yolk Sac, Embryonic Heart Rate and Crown Rump Length as Prognostic Factors for First Trimester Pregnancy Outcomes

Ultrasound markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes in embryonal period: literature review and own clinical cases

A goal of the review was to search and describe all currently known prenatal ultrasound markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The review is instantiated by multiple ultrasound images of own clinical cases. Taking into account the authors wide experience, it is possible to use all of presented ultrasound signs as predictors (markers) of an adverse pregnancy outcome in the early stages. From our point of view, it is reasonable to divide the markers into two groups, “primary markers” and “dynamic markers”. In the case of “Primary markers” revealing on initial ultrasound, it is reasonable to perform control ultrasound in 7–10 days to confirm the viable pregnancy or missed miscarriage.  The “Dynamic markers” can be used on control ultrasound, and some of them may be used in shorter dynamic period when there is a need to predict the outcome earlier than 7-10 days. Generally, the review describes 22 early pregnancy ultrasound markers of adverse pregnancy outcome. These are imaging features of the gestational sac, yolk sac, embryo size, embryo heartbeat, and amnion. Early pregnancy ultrasound is not mandatory, but in a real-case scenario, almost all women undergoes ultrasound on early stage of pregnancy in objective or subjective causes. Therefore, in the first days of pregnancy, women should receive a highly professional diagnostic by a physician, able to assess the risks and prognosis of pregnancy outcome. The authors of the review particularly notes that the assessment of ultrasound markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes must be carried out with the strictest adherence to the medical ethics, deontology, and medical privacy.

The value of ultrasound parameters in predicting the efficacy of transabdominal ultrasound-guided suction curettage alone in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy.

To investigate the value of ultrasound parameters in assessing the efficacy of transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS)-guided suction curettage alone for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Secondary retrospective analysis of a prospective study consisted of 137 women diagnosed with CSP who were performed TAUS-guided suction curettage alone for the first time at Maternity and Child Health Care of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China. Prior to surgery, an ultrasound examination was conducted. Based on the need for secondary intervention, the patients were categorized into failure group and success group, and the predictive factors for failure of TAUS-guided suction curettage alone were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression showed that maximum diameter of the gestational sac>29 mm (odds ratio [OR] = 4.043, 95% CI: 1.100-14.862), residual myometrium thickness ≤1.8 mm (OR = 3.719, 95% CI: 1.148-12.048) and chorionic villi thickness at the scar >4.7 mm (OR = 15.327, 95% CI: 4.617-50.881) were independent predictors of failure in TAUS-guided suction curettage alone for CSP. Furthermore, the logistic regression model that was jointly constructed by these three predictors demonstrated an area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index of 0.913, 0.912, 0.864, and 0.776, respectively. The maximum diameter of the gestational sac, residual myometrium thickness, and chorionic villi thickness at the scar has certain predictive efficacy of TAUS-guided suction curettage alone for CSP. Nevertheless, it is more valuable to apply the model of this study, composed of the three ultrasound parameters, for this prediction purpose.

Lifestyle and fertility-specific quality of life affect reproductive outcomes in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization.

A Mediterranean dietary pattern, sleeping habits, physical activity, and lifestyle appear to affect reproductive health. There are few reports about whether fertility-specific quality of life (QOL) is linked to infertility treatment outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate when lifestyle factors and fertility-specific QOL are comprehensively considered, which factors influence assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. This prospective cohort includes 291 women undergoing a first ART treatment at multiple centers in Japan and was designed to evaluate the influence of diet, physical activity, sleeping pattern, computer use duration, and fertility-specific quality of life tool (FertiQoL) score on ART treatment outcomes using a questionnaire. The primary endpoint was the good-quality blastocyst rate per oocyte retrieval and the secondary endpoints were a positive pregnancy test and gestational sac (GS) detection. The good-quality blastocyst rate per oocyte retrieval tended to be negatively associated with frequent fish consumption. After all embryo transfer (ET) cycles, a positive pregnancy test tended to be positively associated with longer sleep and longer computer use (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.9-2.7 and OR = 1.7, CI = 1.0-2.8, respectively) and negatively associated with a smoking partner (OR= 0.6, CI = 0.3-1.0). GS detection was positively and significantly associated with frequent olive oil intake and longer computer use (OR = 1.7, CI = 1.0-3.0 and OR = 1.7, CI = 1.0-3.0, respectively). After ET cycles with a single blastocyst, a positive pregnancy test was positively and significantly associated with longer computer use (OR = 2.0, CI = 1.1-3.7), while GS detection was significantly more likely in women with longer computer use (OR = 2.1, CI = 1.1-3.8) and tended to be more likely in women with a higher FertiQoL Total scaled treatment score (OR= 1.8, CI = 1.0-3.3). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant and 0.05≤ p <0.01 as tendency. Olive oil may be an important factor in dietary habits. Fertility-specific QOL and smoking cessation guidance for partners are important for infertile couples.

Morphologic development of the first-trimester utero-placental vasculature is positively associated with embryonic and fetal growth: the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort.

Is morphologic development of the first-trimester utero-placental vasculature associated with embryonic growth and development, fetal growth, and birth weight percentiles? Using the utero-placental vascular skeleton (uPVS) as a new imaging marker, this study reveals morphologic development of the first-trimester utero-placental vasculature is positively associated with embryonic growth and development, fetal growth, and birth weight percentiles. First-trimester development of the utero-placental vasculature is associated with placental function, which subsequently impacts embryonic and fetal ability to reach their full growth potential. The attribution of morphologic variations in the utero-placental vascular development, including the vascular structure and branching density, on prenatal growth remains unknown. This study was conducted in the VIRTUAL Placental study, a subcohort of 214 ongoing pregnancies, embedded in the prospective observational Rotterdam Periconception Cohort (Predict study). Women were included before 10 weeks gestational age (GA) at a tertiary referral hospital in The Netherlands between January 2017 and March 2018. We obtained three-dimensional power Doppler volumes of the gestational sac including the embryo and the placenta at 7, 9, and 11 weeks of gestation. Virtual Reality-based segmentation and a recently developed skeletonization algorithm were applied to the power Doppler volumes to generate the uPVS and to measure utero-placental vascular volume (uPVV). Absolute vascular morphology was quantified by assigning a morphologic characteristic to each voxel in the uPVS (i.e. end-, bifurcation-crossing-, or vessel point). Additionally, total vascular length (mm) was calculated. The ratios of the uPVS characteristics to the uPVV were calculated to determine the density of vascular branching. Embryonic growth was estimated by crown-rump length and embryonic volume. Embryonic development was estimated by Carnegie stages. Fetal growth was measured by estimated fetal weight in the second and third trimester and birth weight percentiles. Linear mixed models were used to estimate trajectories of longitudinal measurements. Linear regression analysis with adjustments for confounders was used to evaluate associations between trajectories of the uPVS and prenatal growth. Groups were stratified for conception method (natural/IVF-ICSI conceptions), fetal sex (male/female), and the occurrence of placenta-related complications (yes/no). Increased absolute vascular morphologic development, estimated by positive random intercepts of the uPVS characteristics, is associated with increased embryonic growth, reflected by crown-rump length (endpoints β = 0.017, 95% CI [0.009; 0.025], bifurcation points β = 0.012, 95% CI [0.006; 0.018], crossing points β = 0.017, 95% CI [0.008; 0.025], vessel points β = 0.01, 95% CI [0.002; 0.008], and total vascular length β = 0.007, 95% CI [0.003; 0.010], and similarly with embryonic volume and Carnegie stage, all P-values ≤ 0.01. Density of vascular branching was negatively associated with estimated fetal weight in the third trimester (endpoints: uPVV β = -94.972, 95% CI [-185.245; -3.698], bifurcation points: uPVV β = -192.601 95% CI [-360.532; -24.670]) and birth weight percentiles (endpoints: uPVV β = -20.727, 95% CI [-32.771; -8.683], bifurcation points: uPVV β -51.097 95% CI [-72.257; -29.937], and crossing points: uPVV β = -48.604 95% CI [-74.246; -22.961])), all P-values < 0.05. After stratification, the associations were observed in natural conceptions specifically. Although the results of this prospective observational study clearly demonstrate associations between first-trimester utero-placental vascular morphologic development and prenatal growth, further research is required before we can draw firm conclusions about a causal relationship. Our findings support the hypothesis that morphologic variations in utero-placental vascular development play a role in the vascular mechanisms involved in embryonic and fetal growth and development. Application of the uPVS could benefit our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying placenta-related complications. Future research should focus on the clinical applicability of the uPVS as an imaging marker for the early detection of fetal growth restriction. This research was funded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. There are no conflicts of interest. Registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6854).

Medical treatment for early pregnancy loss following in vitro fertilization compared to spontaneous pregnancies.

Misoprostol is a well-studied medical treatment for early pregnancy loss (EPL), with success rates ranging between 70 and 90%. However, treatment failure is associated with major patient discomfort, including the need for surgical intervention to evacuate the uterus. It was previously reported that medical treatment was especially successful among women who conceived after in vitro fertilization (IVF). We aimed to study if there is a difference in rates of medical treatment failures for EPL between pregnancies conceived by IVF and spontaneous pregnancies. In this retrospective cohort study, we included all women who underwent medical treatment for EPL at our institute between 07/2015 and 12/2020. Treatment outcome was compared between IVF and spontaneous pregnancies. Treatment failure was defined as a need for surgical intervention, namely, dilation & curettage (D&C) and/or hysteroscopy, due to retained products of conception, which was defined as a gestational sac or endometrial thickness greater than 15 mm in a TVS scan. Overall, 775 patients were included, of which 195 (169/775 = 25.1%) ultimately required surgical intervention. There was no difference between the study groups in the rate of treatment failure. However, among IVF pregnancies, the rate of emergency D&C was lower (3.6% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.001), compared to spontaneous group. In cases of medical treatment for EPL, IVF pregnancies had no differences in rates of treatment failure compared to spontaneous pregnancies. That being said, IVF pregnancies have lower chances to undergo emergency D&C, compared to spontaneous pregnancies.

Are early pregnancies implanted close to the tubal ostia at increased risk of miscarriage? A prospective observational study

Introduction: The aim of this article is to assess any association between the risk of miscarriage and the distance of an early pregnancy from the closest tubal ostia. Methods: Early pregnancy was defined as a gestational sac ⩽ 15 mm mean diameter within the upper half of the endometrial cavity. The shortest distance from the gestational sac (chorionic membrane) to the closest tubal ostia and the interostial distance were measured. The outcomes for pregnancies at varying distances from a tubal ostia were compared using Fisher’s exact test. The receiver operating characteristic curve assessed the distance from the sac to the ostia as a predictor of miscarriage. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to assess any difference in the distance from the ostia between women who miscarried and those who did not. Results: Outcome data were available for 212/230 patients. The relative risk of miscarriage was 5/6 (83%) in the group with gestational sacs ⩽ 4 mm from the ostium versus 70/206 (34%) &gt; 4 mm ( p = 0.02). The proportion of miscarriages was 11/20 (55%) if the distance from the tubal ostium was ⩽5 mm versus 64/192 (33%) if &gt;5 mm ( p = 0.08). There was a good neonatal outcome for those with live births. Conclusion: The risk of first trimester miscarriage was high with early pregnancies implanted close to the tubal ostia, but this finding did not reach statistical significance. A larger study is needed to establish whether 4 or 5 mm could be used as a clinically useful criterion for defining early pregnancies that are at increased risk of miscarriage.

Prolonged abdominal pregnancy incidentally discovered during cesarean section: a case report

BackgroundAbdominal pregnancy is a rare medical condition that is still missed in developing countries due to inadequate medical facilities. The clinical indicators manifest in various forms and are nonspecific, making it challenging to diagnose and often leading to delayed detection. However, obstetric ultrasound serves as an essential tool in early detection. Our objective was to share our experience dealing with this condition and emphasise the importance of early ultrasound diagnosis through efficient pregnancy monitoring in our regions.Case presentation35-year-old Black African woman who had ten months of amenorrhea sought consultation due to an absence of active foetal movements. Her pregnancy was of 39 weeks with fetal demise which was confirmed following clinical examination and ultrasound. She underwent cesarean section in view of transverse position of fetus. During cesarean section, the fetus was found within the abdominal cavity with the placenta attached over the left iliac fossa including surface of left ovary. The uterus and right adnexa were within normal limits. A 2600 g macerated fetus with placenta and membranes were extracted without any complications. The maternal outcome was successful.ConclusionsAbdominal pregnancy remained an inadequately diagnosed condition in developing countries. It is imperative to increase awareness among pregnant women regarding high-quality prenatal care, including early obstetric ultrasound, from conception. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals should receive continuous training and the technical platform modernised. To ensure accurate diagnosis, the location of the gestational sac must be identified for every pregnant woman during their initial ultrasound appointment.

Effect of Uttar Basti in Management of Tubal Block

Infertility is a condition of reproductive system that causes people to be unable to get pregnant (conceive). It has been considered the second biggest reason for female infertility Infections, abdominal surgery, and diseases such as endometriosis can cause scarring at the inner linings of fallopian tubes. According to Acharya Susruta, four factors essential for conception are Ritu (season), Kshetra (reproductive system), Ambu (nourishing Substances) and Beeja (ovum and sperm). All these terms have broad are compared with the Artavavaha (Artava-bija-vaha) Srotas, blocking of fallopian tubes is compared with the Sanga Srotodushti of Aartavavaha Srotas.&#x0D; The goal of this study was to determine Uttar Bastis potential as a more affordable and safe solution for treating tubal obstruction. The present paper is based on a clinical success story of the treatment of primary infertility due to tubal blockage. After the 1-month of procedure improvement in general condition was reported. On completion of the second month patient reported amenorrhea in subsequent month and went for UPT which was positive. On USG (after 3 weeks) a single well-defined gestational sac with foetal cardiac activity was seen. The result obtained in this single case study was quite encouraging with minimum invasion and side effects as well as cost-effective. So, the treatment protocol can be followed for patients of infertility due to corneal end tubal block. Success was achieved with Uttar Basti and some supportive Ayurvedic formulations.

Ultrasound manifestations and clinical analysis of 50 cases of heterotopic pregnancy.

To investigate the value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy and the follow-up. A retrospective analysis of 50 cases of clinically diagnosed heterotopic pregnancy in our hospital was performed, the clinical characteristics and ultrasonographic manifestations of the patients were summarized, the reasons for initial ultrasound missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis were analyzed, and the pregnancy outcomes were followed up. Among the 50 cases, the initial ultrasound diagnoses of intrauterine pregnancy were all gestational sac type, 32 cases of ectopic pregnancy were located in the fallopian tube, and 10 cases were located in the uterine horn, 1 case at cervix, and 1 case at caesarean section scar. Forty-one cases were consistent with surgery and/or pathology, representing initial ultrasound diagnosis coincidence rate of about 82%. Six cases were missed in the initial ultrasound examination (12%), and three cases were misdiagnosed (6%). The maximum diameter of the intrauterine gestational sac was 9-48 mm, the average was about 24.90 ± 9.56 mm, the maximum diameter of the ectopic pregnancy gestational sac or mass was 11-63 mm, and the average was about 31.45 ± 13.82 mm (p < 0.05). Intrauterine pregnancy outcomes were followed up, 45 patients with complete data and 5 patients were lost to follow-up. The follow-up rate was about 90%. Combining the patient's medical history and clinical characteristics can reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy. Ultrasonography has important value in the assessment of intrauterine pregnancy growth and development, and the integrity of maternal uterus.

The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies and effects on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization

Introduction: The problem of infertility is common worldwide. IVF remains the most widely used technique of assisted reproductive technology. Embryo implantation failure is a common cause of unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriages, thus the relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies and embryo implantation failure after IVF and embryo transfer is an important problem in fertility medicine that must be studied. Patients and methods: A retrospective and prospective (bidirectional) cohort study were conducted at the Laboratory Department of the Faculty of Medicine, and Hospital from June 2017 to June 2021. The sample size was 1000 participants, 900 of them were retrospective (2017–2020), and 100 were prospective (2020–2021). Data was collected, including patients’ demographics, type and duration of fertility, and antiphospholipid antibody values. Inclusion criteria-Women &lt;40 years old, undergoing IVF, and in the retrospective study, patients who undergo IVF and who have antibody data, positivity of phospholipids, and/or anticardiolipin, and/or B2 glycoprotein I, and the presence of the gestational sac on ultrasound as a criterion for pregnancy. We performed a PTT LA for the control group in a cohort study (20 healthy women), then a PTT LA test, and the blending test were performed, and the values were considered positive if the correction was not made. The PTT LA test is a screening test. Results: The average age of the women was 31.91, the success rate of assisted fertilization in inducing pregnancy in the last trial was 52.8%, the prevalence was 4.4% of anticardiolipin IgG, 2.6% of anticardiolipin IgM, and 4% of Lupus anticoagulant. No relation was found between the antiphospholipid value and the age of the women, the number of times the experiment was conducted, the rate of success and failure, the type of infertility, and the number of oocytes induction, while the duration of sterility was affected by positive values of IgG and lupus coagulant antibodies. Conclusion: There is no need for a routine antiphospholipid assay for female candidates for IVF, and when it is confirmed, treatment is required by Anticoagulants.

Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy resulting in tubal rupture and complete spontaneous abortion: a case report in Tiko, Cameroon

Introduction and importance: A heterotopic pregnancy (HP) following spontaneous conception is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Its diagnosis can be overlooked, hence remaining one of the challenging gyneco-obstetrical emergencies, especially in the low-resource setting. Case presentation: A 24-year-old G2P0010 at 11 weeks of gestation with a history of one induced abortion and a family history of twin pregnancies presented with an acute abdomen, associated with vaginal spotting in an afebrile context. An abdominopelvic ultrasound showed retained products of conception, and the presence of a left adnexal mass suggestive of an extrauterine gestational sac at ~6 weeks of gestation. There was spontaneous expulsion of retained products of conception. The deterioration of the hemodynamic stability of the patient prompted an emergency laparotomy to be done. The patient was transfused, postsalpingectomy counseling done and was discharged on oral analgesics, blood tonics, and antibiotics on day 6 postoperation. Clinical discussion: HP following spontaneous conception is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. This case reports on the management of spontaneous HP resulting in a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (EP) and a complete spontaneous abortion managed in a low-resource setting. This case emphasizes the importance of a systematic ultrasound to be done for all patients with a clinically confirmed abortion to rule out an associated EP. Conclusion: A spontaneous abortion without signs of peritoneal irritation can be associated with an EP. Ultrasound can help in the early diagnosis, and laparotomy can be life-saving.

Evaluation of Cesarean section scar using saline contrast sonohysterography in women with previous Cesarean scar pregnancy.

To evaluate Cesarean scar defects using saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) in women with a history of Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). A cohort of 38 non-pregnant women with a history of CSP treated with combined local and systemic methotrexate was investigated prospectively by SCSH. For the purpose of analysis, they were classified, according to the modified Delphi consensus criteria for CSP in early gestation, into three subgroups based on the depth of the gestational sac herniation in the midsagittal plane. Subgroup A included eight (21.1%) cases, in which the largest part of the gestational sac protruded towards the uterine cavity; Subgroup B included 20 (52.6%) cases, in which the largest part of the gestational sac was embedded in the myometrium; and Subgroup C included 10 (26.3%) cases, in which the gestational sac was located partially outside the outer contour of the cervix or uterus. SCSH revealed that all women in Subgroup C had a uterine niche. The median niche length (P = 0.006) and depth (P = 0.015) were significantly greater in Subgroup C than in Subgroups A or B. The median residual myometrial thickness (RMT) was significantly lower in Subgroup C than in Subgroups A or B (P = 0.006). Women with prior CSP who had a gestational sac protruding beyond the serosal line had a significantly greater niche length and depth, and lower RMT. This knowledge may guide individualized risk counseling. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Predictive value of crossover sign for outcome of ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration in women with Cesarean scar pregnancy.

To examine the value of the crossover sign (COS) in predicting treatment outcome in women with a Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) who were treated with ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration. This was a retrospective cohort study of women with CSP who underwent ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration. Based on the relationship between the gestational sac, Cesarean scar and anterior wall of the uterus, CSPs were classified by COS type. Analysis was conducted to investigate the association between COS type (COS-1, COS-2) and treatment outcome. The incidence of treatment failure, retained pregnancy tissue, secondary therapy and bleeding ≥ 200 mL were analyzed. In total, 181 eligible patients with CSP, including 90 (49.7%) women with COS-1 and 91 (50.3%) women with COS-2, were analyzed. COS-1 patients had a higher incidence of treatment failure compared with COS-2 patients (25.6% vs 8.8%; P = 0.003), as well as higher rates of retained pregnancy tissue (18.9% vs 6.6%; P = 0.013), secondary therapy (20.0% vs 6.6%; P = 0.002) and bleeding of ≥ 200 mL (13.3% vs 4.4%; P = 0.034). COS-1 and a large gestational sac (30.1-50.0 mm or >50.0 mm in diameter) were associated independently with increased risk of treatment failure (odds ratio, 4.57 (95% CI, 1.66-12.56); P = 0.003, 4.34 (95% CI, 1.35-13.94); P = 0.014 and 10.50 (95% CI, 2.54-43.46); P = 0.001, respectively). Ultrasound evaluation of the relationship between the gestational sac and the endometrial line (COS classification) in women with CSP may help to predict treatment outcome among those undergoing vacuum aspiration. Among COS-1 patients, especially those with a gestational sac diameter of >30.0 mm, vacuum aspiration may be discouraged. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The effectiveness of hysteroscopy for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundCesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a long-term complication of cesarean section characterized by the localization of a subsequent gestational sac within the scar area or niche developed as a result of a previous cesarean section. Its incidence has increased substantially because of the high global cesarean section rate in recent decades. Several surgical and drug treatments exist for this condition; however, there is currently no optimal treatment. This study compared the effectiveness of direct hysteroscopic removal of the gestational tissue and hysteroscopy combined with vacuum suction for the treatment of CSP.MethodsFrom 2017 to 2023, 521 patients were diagnosed with CSP at our hospital. Of these patients, 45 underwent hysteroscopy. Among them, 28 underwent direct hysteroscopic removal (hysteroscopic removal group) and 17 underwent hysteroscopy combined with vacuum suction (hysteroscopic suction group). The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the hysteroscopic removal group and hysteroscopic suction group were analyzed.ResultsAmong the 45 patients, the amount of bleeding and hospitalization cost were significantly higher in the hysteroscopic removal group than in the hysteroscopic suction group (33.8 mL vs. 9.9 mL, P < 0.001; and 8744.0 yuan vs. 5473.8 yuan, P < 0.001; respectively). The operation time and duration of hospitalization were significantly longer in the hysteroscopic removal group than in the hysteroscopic suction group (61.4 min vs. 28.2 min, P < 0.001; and 3.8 days vs. 2.4 days, P = 0.026; respectively). Three patients in the hysteroscopic removal group had uterine perforation and received laparoscopic repair during operation. No complications occurred in the hysteroscopic suction group. One patient in the hysteroscopic removal group received ultrasound-guided suction curettage due to postoperative moderate vaginal bleeding, and one patient in the hysteroscopic suction group received ultrasound-guided suction curettage due to postoperative gestational residue and elevated serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels. Reproductive function was preserved in all patients.ConclusionsHysteroscopy is an effective method for treating CSP. Compared with direct hysteroscopic removal, hysteroscopy combined with vacuum suction is more suitable for CSP. However, multicenter prospective studies with large sample sizes are required for verification of these findings.