Peripheral Vascularization Research Articles

Successful pregnancy outcome following selective uterine artery embolization in a case of perforating gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) includes a range of premalignant and malignant disorders of trophoblastic tissue. Invasive mole can present as a surgical emergency with rapidly progressive and highly vascular trophoblasts causing uterine perforation. Often hysterectomy is resorted to as a life-saving measure but in women desirous of future fertility, other options should be considered. We present the case of a nulliparous woman who presented with hemoperitoneum following perforating GTN. She was pale with stable vitals. Serum beta hCG at presentation was 98,156IU/L. Ultrasound pelvis revealed a highly vascular heterogenous hypoechoic mass of 5.8cm×5.5cm×6.5cm in the region of fundus and anterior myometrium showing significant internal and peripheral vascularity and displacing endometrium posteriorly. Ultrasound guided tap revealed hemoperitoneum. We decided for uterine artery embolization following clinical stabilization of the patient followed by chemotherapy. Figure 1 shows CT angiography done prior to uterine artery embolization. She conceived spontaneously two years later and was followed up closely in antenatal period. She was induced at 38 completed weeks due to oligohydramnios and decreased fetal movements and vaginally delivered a healthy baby with no postnatal complications. Fertility sparing procedures should be considered as a first possible option in selective cases. Multidisciplinary approach in high-risk cases is a key to optimal outcome.

A Study of Fibroid Vascularization and Vascular Indices With Three-Dimensional Power Doppler and Superb Microvascular Imaging and the Correlation With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate fibroid vascularization and vascular indices with three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and its correlation with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Material and methods A total of 75 women with intramural uterine fibroid: 50 with HMB (Group A) and 25 without HMB (Group B)were recruited for the study. All participants were subjected to transabdominal and transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound. A 3D Power Doppler was used to measure Doppler Indices and flow rate in uterine arteries and the dominant vessel of fibroid. SMI was also used to determine vascularity in the dominant fibroid and to grade the vascularity. Results A significant association was observed between Doppler indices in the dominant feeding vessel of fibroid and HMB. Flow rates, namely peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were significantly higher. Contrarily, resistance measured as Resistive Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index (PI) was lower in Group A than in Group B. The mean PSV of the dominant feeding vessel in group A was 26.42 ± 4.57and in group B was 14.56 ± 3.17, with p-value < 0.0001. For EDV, the median value (25th-75th percentile) in women with HMB was 6.76 (6.152-8.74) vs 3.99 (3.2-5.95)in womenwithout HMB (p < 0.0001). A significant association was observed between uterine artery Doppler indices (specifically, PSVand EDV) and HMB. However, no significant association was found between RI and PI of the uterine artery and HMB. In the study of the vascular pattern on SMI, the percentage of women exhibiting both central and peripheral vascularity in Group A and Group B were 72% and 4%, respectively (p< 0.0001). Women in Group A showed a significantly higher proportion of grade 2 and grade 3 vascularity (76% and 20%, respectively), whereas only 4% showed grade 1 vascularity. Conversely, in Group B, all the women showed grade 1 vascularity (p <0.001). Conclusion Doppler indices in the dominant feeding vessel of fibroid show a positive correlation with HMB. In the study of the vascular pattern on SMI, a significant proportion of women with HMB exhibited both peripheral and central vascularity and a higher grade. Most women with symptomatic fibroids are of childbearing age and fertility preservation is at times their prime concern. Fibroid vascularization assessed with 3D power Doppler ultrasound and the new advanced SMU tool may prove to be useful in the prediction of response to various non-surgical management options of uterine leiomyoma and thus aid in counseling and appropriate patient selection.

Vitreoretinal Surgery in Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy

Familial exudative retinopathy(FEVR) is a hereditary vitreoretinal disorder characterized by anomalous retinal angiogenesis. Incomplete peripheral retinal vascularization and subsequent retinal ischemia are the hallmark features of FEVR, which can cause various types of retinal detachment. The development of retinal detachment is %21-64 of the cases. The aim of this study is to summarize the treatment methods applied to different types of detachments occuring in FEVR.

Telomere Biology Disorders: Report on Clinical and Angiographic Findings

PurposeTo evaluate the retinal vasculature in pediatric patients with telomere biology disorders (TBD). DesignRetrospective consecutive case series. SubjectsPediatric patients with a diagnosis of TBD who underwent widefield fluorescein angiography (FA). MethodsElectronic medical records of pediatric patients with TBD at a tertiary referral eye center were reviewed from January 2019 to July 2023. Vascular phenotype was assessed by reviewing FA images. Main outcomes measuresIncomplete peripheral vascularization, aneurysmal dilatation, terminal arborization, anastomotic loops, capillary dropout, neovascularization, tortuosity, leakage from tractional membranes, and blockage from hemorrhage. ResultsFourteen eyes from 7 patients were included. All patients were genetically confirmed for TBD. The most common genetic variants were in CTC1 (5 patients; 71.4%), ACD (1 patient; 14.3%), and RTEL1 (1 patient; 14.3%). On FA, the most common findings were incomplete peripheral vascularization (14 eyes, 100%), aneurysmal dilatation (12 eyes, 85.7%), terminal arborization (12 eyes, 85.7%), anastomotic loops (12 eyes, 85.7%), capillary dropout (10 eyes, 71.4%), and neovascularization (9 eyes, 64.3%). Regarding treatment, laser photocoagulation (14 eyes, 100%), intravitreal bevacizumab injection (13 eyes, 92.6%), and sub-tenon’s Kenalog (11 eyes, 78.6%) were utilized. All patients managed with laser photocoagulation and/or bevacizumab required multiple treatments. ConclusionOur study describes a spectrum of vascular changes evidenced by widefield FA in pediatric patients with genetically confirmed TBD. Although further research is warranted to fully understand the etiology of these subtle vascular anomalies, widefield FA should be conducted in patients with genetically confirmed or suspected TBD.

Correlation of Grayscale Ultrasound and Doppler Evaluation with Histopathological Diagnosis in Cases of Tubercular Cervical Lymphadenitis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cervical lymphadenopathy is a relatively common clinical presentation that can have varied causes including reactive, inflammatory, tubercular, or neoplastic etiologies. Sonography is most often the first line of investigation used in clinical practice to characterize the enlarged nodes with respect to their location, number, size, and morphological imaging characteristics and determine the differential etiological possibilities. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted involving 434 patients who presented over a period of 3 years to radiology departments of three multispecialty hospitals for the evaluation of cervical swellings. The study aimed to establish the correlation between the ultrasound and Doppler parameters used in clinical practice and the final histological diagnosis in cases of tubercular cervical lymphadenitis. Results: Overall, a female predisposition was observed in the proportion of patients who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. A similar increased female percentage was also observed in cases finally detected to have tubercular pathology. The highest diagnostic indices were obtained for two ultrasound parameters of “matted nodes” and “caseous necrosis with posterior acoustic enhancement.” Although other features such as hypoechoic nodes, Doppler findings of peripheral vascularity, and high resistive index (RI)/pulsatility index (PI) values demonstrated high sensitivity, they showed poor specificity, positive predictive values, and low accuracy. Conclusion: In ultrasound scans for suspected cases of tubercular cervical lymphadenitis, the maximum weightage should be given to “matted nodes” and “caseous necrosis with posterior acoustic enhancement” parameters to differentiate the tubercular etiology from other potential causes. These parameters demonstrate high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy. Hence, they can be relied upon to start timely anti-tubercular treatment and follow-up with patients on a clinical-radiological basis. This can supplement waiting for suboptimal cytology reports that are difficult to arrive at, specifically in tubercular cervical lymphadenitis cases. The same applies as well to biopsy specimens that are hard to obtain from cervical nodes with associated potential grave complications.

Ultrasound Sonography Features of the Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran

Objectives: The most frequent form of thyroid cancer (TC) is papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), which has been significantly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to determine the relative frequency of various sonographic PTC findings in the West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Methods: In this retrospective study, the ultrasonic features of 67 patients with proven PTC, confirmed by pathology, were analyzed. The sonographic features were categorized into low-risk (hyperechoic echogenicity, macrocalcification, peripheral vascularity, puff appearance, spongy form nodule, comet tail shadowing) and high-risk (irregular margin, hypoechoic echogenicity, microcalcification, central vascularity, taller-than-wide shape, twinkling, two-lobe nodule, neck lymphadenopathy) PTC features. Results: The frequency of hypoechoic echogenicity was higher in both genders (81.8% in males and 72.5% in females) and among three groups of ages (P=0.55). Microcalcification had a higher frequency in both genders (65.4 in males and 65.5 in females) and in two age groups of 20-45 and more than 45 years (68.3% and 66.7%, respectively) (P=0.4 and P=0.99, respectively). Central vascularity was more frequent in men (61.5%), and peripheral vascularity was more frequent among females (57.1%) and in two age groups of 20-45 and more than 45 years (68.3% and 66.7%, respectively) (P=0.41). Also, taller-than-wide shape had a high frequency in males (20%). Sponginess, puff appearance, and comet tail had the same frequency among the three age groups. In the age group under 20 years, peripheral incomplete halo had a high frequency (17.8%). Discussion: The appearance of high-risk papillary carcinoma sonographic features is typical in PTC patients. Moreover, low-risk sonographic PTC features occur more often than expected in our patients. We can infer that the frequency of PTC ultrasonography features in the West Azerbaijan Province of Iran can be due to iodine deficiency due to being far from the sea and the lack of easy access to seafood.

The Importance of Maintaining and Improving a Healthy Gut Microbiota in Athletes as a Preventive Strategy to Improve Heat Tolerance and Acclimatization.

Exposure to passive heat (acclimation) and exercise under hot conditions (acclimatization), known as heat acclimation (HA), are methods that athletes include in their routines to promote faster recovery and enhance physiological adaptations and performance under hot conditions. Despite the potential positive effects of HA on health and physical performance in the heat, these stimuli can negatively affect gut health, impairing its functionality and contributing to gut dysbiosis. Blood redistribution to active muscles and peripheral vascularization exist during exercise and HA stimulus, promoting intestinal ischemia. Gastrointestinal ischemia can impair intestinal permeability and aggravate systemic endotoxemia in athletes during exercise. Systemic endotoxemia elevates the immune system as an inflammatory responses in athletes, impairing their adaptive capacity to exercise and their HA tolerance. Better gut microbiota health could benefit exercise performance and heat tolerance in athletes. This article suggests that: (1) the intestinal modifications induced by heat stress (HS), leading to dysbiosis and altered intestinal permeability in athletes, can decrease health, and (2) a previously acquired microbial dysbiosis and/or leaky gut condition in the athlete can negatively exacerbate the systemic effects of HA. Maintaining or improving the healthy gut microbiota in athletes can positively regulate the intestinal permeability, reduce endotoxemic levels, and control the systemic inflammatory response. In conclusion, strategies based on positive daily habits (nutrition, probiotics, hydration, chronoregulation, etc.) and preventing microbial dysbiosis can minimize the potentially undesired effects of applying HA, favoring thermotolerance and performance enhancement in athletes.

Operative Treatment of Discoid Meniscus

The discoid meniscus (DM) is a congenital variant of the normal crescent-shaped meniscus, resulting in hypertrophic meniscal tissue, altered collagen structure, decreased peripheral vascularity, and an atypical shape. Although significant advances have been made in the operative treatment of DM, there still needs to be more clarity regarding best practices. The following review aims to summarize current knowledge to help practitioners improve their approach when dealing with patients with DM.

A Rare Tumor of Scalp - Giant Multiple Cellular Histiocytofibroma

Histiocytofibroma or dermatofibroma is a rare benign cutaneous tumor present preferentially in the dermis. Histiocytofibroma is most frequent benign tumor, but some specific morphological forms may present local recurrences and can cause lymph node and visceral metastases. The trunk and limbs represent the most classically described topography, other locations are known like face and scalp. Histiocytofibroma is most often present as a unique lesion: papule or nodule, giant form is not common and it is characterized by a large tumor volume (5 cm or more). The cellular histological variant is a rare subtype. We report a case of a 56-year-old male patient with no particular past medical history, who presented with a fronto-parietal cutaneous large tumor evolved for 2 years, gradually increasing in volume, measuring 7 cm in diameter, with regular contours, flesh colored, and peripheral vascularization on the surface of the lesion, it was firm and adherent to bone plane at palpation, along with seven other small lesions, the largest of which was 2 cm. The CT scan did not show any bone invasion. Surgical management consisted of large excision with 1 cm free margins. histological and immunohistochemical findings were in favor of cellular histiocytofibroma. The substance loss was covered by skin graft after complete budding. A 26 months follow up results were good without recurrence.

Buerger-Allen exercises' effectiveness for improving lower limb circulation

Impaired peripheral perfusion in the legs is the most common complaint experienced by patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). One nursing intervention in the form of physical exercise that can be administered to DM patients to prevent peripheral perfusion disorders and increase vascularization of the lower extremities is the Buerger-Allen Exercise (BAE). The goal of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of BAE in improving lower extremity circulation. The population consisted of patients with type 2 DM. The research design employed a quasi-experiment with pre-test and post-test, including a control group. A sample of 24 respondents was divided into an intervention group and a control group. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Data were obtained through direct Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement using a Doppler ultrasound and an aneroid sphygmomanometer, temporary blood sugar level measurements using a glucometer, and leg sensitivity measurements using a monofilament tool. Paired T-tests and independent T-tests were used as statistical tests. The results of the Paired T-test for lower limb circulation in the intervention group yielded a p-value of 0.000, indicating a significant difference in the circulation of the lower extremities before and after the intervention. The results of the independent T-test also showed a p-value of 0.000, indicating significance. Thus, BAE can improve lower limb circulation in patients with type 2 DM.

Solanum nigrum Toxicity and Its Neuroprotective Effect Against Retinal Ganglion Cell Death Through Modulation of Extracellular Matrix in a Glaucoma Rat Model.

Purpose: Glaucoma is a complex degenerative optic neuropathy characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Solanum nigrum has been used for decades in traditional medicine system. However, no extensive studies were reported on its antiglaucoma properties. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of S. nigrum extract on RGC against glaucoma rat model. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the phytochemical profile of aqueous extract of S. nigrum (AESN). In vitro, {3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide} (MTT) and H2DCFDA assays were used to determine cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea cells. In vivo, AESN was orally administered to carbomer-induced rats for 4 weeks. Intraocular pressure, antioxidant levels, and electrolytes were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to evaluate the neurodegeneration of RGC. Results: MTT assay showed AESN exhibited greater cell viability and minimal ROS production at 10 μg/mL. Slit lamp and funduscopy confirmed glaucomatous changes in carbomer-induced rats. Administration of AESN showed minimal peripheral corneal vascularization and restored histopathological alterations such as minimal loss of corneal epithelium and moderate narrowing of the iridocorneal angle. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed increased expression of positive BRN3A cells and decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activation in retina and cornea, whereas western blot analysis revealed downregulation of extracellular matrix proteins (COL-1 and MMP-9) in AESN-treated rats compared with the diseased group rats. Conclusions: AESN protects RGC loss through remodeling of MMPs and, therefore, can be used for the development of novel neurotherapeutics for the treatment of glaucoma.

Diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasonographic techniques in evaluation of lymphadenopathy in the neck

Background Recent ultrasound (US) imaging techniques, including high-resolution gray-scale, color, power, pulsed Doppler, and strain sono-elastography, are recent modes for US evaluation. Aim This prospective study aimed to review the value of the recent US modes in differentiating causes of lymph node enlargement in benign and malignant conditions. Patients and methods The study included 30 patients with enlarged cervical lymph nodes throughout the period from August 2022 to September 2023. Multimodal US techniques were used for all cases. Results In benign lesions, the lymph node size was taken. The shape index range was 0.31–0.66 with a mean=0.48 ± 0.9. Using Doppler US, they showed elevated hilar flow without peripheral vascularity. Using elastography, these nodes gave soft strain values range=0.60–1.00 with a mean=0.80 ± 0.2. In malignant lesions, the lymph node shape index range=0.55–0.81 with a mean=0.68 ± 0.4. Using Doppler, the nodes showed increased vascularity in most patients and avascular nodes in others. Using elastography, these nodes gave hard strain values with a range=1.70–11.75 and a mean=4.70 ± 5.0. Conclusion The use of multimodal US imaging (gray scale, color Doppler, pulsed Doppler, power Doppler, and elastography), in addition to the clinical history of the disease, differentiates benign from malignant causes of lymph nodes enlargement and are useful in selecting the lymph node for fine-needle aspiration cytology or biopsy.

Clinical, Histopathological, and Radiological Profile of Patients Presenting With Thyroid Malignancies Among the Kerala Population.

Thyroid cancer, though relatively uncommon among all cancer types, stands as the primary form of endocrine tumor. Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant uptick in its occurrence. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), which is well-differentiated, emerges as the dominant subtype,in regions where iodine levels are deemed adequate. The study aimed to study the clinicopathological profile of patients diagnosed with thyroid malignancies at the Muslim Educational Society (MES) Medical CollegePerinthalmanna. This is a retrospective study undertaken at the MES Medical College by the Department of General Surgery and Endocrine Surgery. The study focuses on patients who have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer through a biopsy. Case sheets of all those patients diagnosed with thyroid malignancy were referred from the Medical Records Library to collect the relevant medical and sociodemographic data. This data was entered in the proforma, which was transferred to the Excel sheet and processed inIBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (Released 2011; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The study included predominantly middle-aged individuals (40-60 years), with 22 (55%) falling within this age range, followed by 14 (35%) aged between 20 and 40 years, and only four (10%) above 60 years. Female patients constituted 82.5% of the study group. Most cases presented with swelling lasting less than six months 23 (57.5%), while only four (10%) had swelling lasting more than five years. Compression symptoms were rare, with only three (7.5%) experiencing dysphagia or dyspnea. Pain was reported in two (5%) of the cases. Hypothyroidism, toxic manifestations, or hoarseness were observed in one (2.5%) of the patients. Regarding swelling characteristics, most were greater than 4 cm in size (29, 72%) and firm in consistency (25, 62.5%). Nodular surfaces were present in 19 (47.5%) of the cases, while 38 (95%) of the swellings were mobile. Palpable lymph nodes were noted in 13 (32.5%) of cases. Radiologically, hypoechoic lesions were observed in 26 (65%) of cases, with microcalcification in 29 (72.5%) and peripheral vascularity in 31 (77.5%). Papillary carcinoma was the most common histological type (34, 85%), with medullary and follicular carcinomas accounting for five (12.5%) and one (2.5%), respectively. An association was found between the duration of swelling and histological type (p = 0.05) and between the mobility of swelling and histological type (p < 0.05). However, no significant associations were observed between imaging findings and histological type (p > 0.05). The gender distribution did not show a statistically significant association with histological type. The findings of the study revealed a statistically insignificant association between age, gender, clinical features, and the histological type of thyroid malignancy. Additionally, there was no statistically significant association between the histological type of thyroid malignancy and the size or type of surface or consistency of thyroid swelling or ultrasonographic findings of the swelling like echogenicity, microcalcification, increased peripheral vascularity, or loss of peripheral halo.

Diagnostic value of colour Doppler ultrasound in differentiating malignant and benign nodules in thyroiditis background.

Differentiating malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones is challenging. Sonography is a non-invasive modality that can be helpful in this regard and is far better than invasive methods like fine needle aspiration (FNA). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of colour Doppler ultrasonography in distinguishing malignant and benign nodules of thyroid gland. The study involved patients with thyroiditis and thyroid nodules, who underwent sonography. Ultrasound findings were assessed. All the nodules were classified according to the FNA into malignant, follicular nodules and lymphatic. Then, sonography findings were compared between these three groups. There were 216 nodules, including 108 (50%) malignant nodules, 80 (37%) benign and 28 (13%) lymphatic follicles, were evaluated. Micro-calcification was present in 50 (46.3%) malignant cases, 11 (13.7%) benign cases and 2 (2.1%) lymphatic follicles. Decreased or mixed vascularity was reported in 43 (69%) malignant nodules, 4 (5%) benign cases and 7 (25%) lymphatic follicles. Also, 9.7% and 42% of malignant and benign nodules had peripheral circular vascularity, respectively; however, none of the lymphatic follicles had this finding. With 89% specificity, 49% sensitivity and 73.5% accuracy, calcification with or without decreased or mixed vascularity could differentiate benign and malignant nodules. Decreased or mixed vascularity with or without calcification shows high sensitivity in differentiating malignant and benign nodules.

The Effects of Bevacizumab in Augmenting Trabeculectomy for Glaucoma : Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction &amp; Objectives : Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents have been used to slow the healing response and postoperative scar tissue formation. To determine the effectiveness of adding Anti VEGF bevacizumab to the results of trabeculectomy in glaucoma.&#x0D; Methods : Searches were conducted in a structured way using keywords across several data sources, including Pubmed, Proquest and Cochrane library. The keywords used for searching were “Bevacizumab”, “Trabeculectomy” and “Glaucoma”. The reviewed articles are Randomized Control Trial in english, conducted on humans in the last 15 years. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.&#x0D; Results : From a total of 353 articles, there were 6 studies with 362 eyes of 352 patients been evaluated for the effectiveness of bevacizumab addition to trabeculectomy. The primary outcome of all articles was the assessment of Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP). No significant difference in IOP was found between the subconjunctival bevacizumab + Mytomycin-c group and mytomycin-c alone group (MD 0.11 ; 95% CI -0.10 to 0.33), as well as subconjunctival comparison with mytomycin-c (MD 0.11 ; 95% CI -0.29 to 0.50). Similar results were also found in the intracameral and placebo groups (MD 0.08 ; -0.22 to 0.38). However, 3 articles reported significant differences in peripheral vascularity of the bleb both by the Moorfields Bleb Grading System and by the Indiana Bleb Appearance System.&#x0D; Conclusion : The addition of bevacizumab to trabeculectomy did not show any benefit in reducing IOP when compared with MMC. But it gives better peripheral vascularity of the bleb.

Vascular development analysis: a study for tertiary anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy after second reactivation of retinopathy of prematurity.

To observe the vascular development results of tertiary anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy following spontaneous second reactivation of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This retrospective study included 22 infants (42 eyes) with Type 1 or aggressive ROP (A-ROP) who received three anti-VEGF drug treatments for ROP from January 2018 to December 2022. The vascular growth, possible associated risk factors, and the retinal vascularization (DB/DF ratio) were assessed. The mean follow-up was 17.6 months. After the 3rd intravitreal injection, seven eyes showed complete vascularization (Group 1), while the remaining 35 eyes demonstrated persistent avascular retina (PAR) (Group 2). In Group 2, 17 eyes maintained a stable state and were classified in the regression subgroup. The other 18 eyes developed a 3rd reactivation (reactivation subgroup) and were treated with laser photocoagulation (LPC).Birth weight (BW) was significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.001). The decision tree analysis shows that only infants weighing more than 1,250 g (17.50%) had a chance to achieve complete retinal vascularization. The possibility of PAR was higher in patients with BW <1,250 g than ≥1,250 g (70.00% vs. 12.50%). In addition, most infants with BW ≥ 1,290 g and initial ROP disease in Zone I or posterior Zone II developed PAR. Tertiary IVR can successfully treat a second ROP reactivation and improve peripheral retinal vascularization. BW is the most significant factor related to complete retinal vascularization. Our decision tree model may be helpful in predicting the prognosis of anti-VEGF drugs in the event of a second ROP reactivation.

Fertility Preservation Approach in a Case of Perforating Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia

Background: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia following spontaneous abortion is rare and in majority cases the approach is hysterectomy followed by chemotherapy. Case: We present case of a 22-year-old woman who presented with complaints of vaginal bleeding for 2 months; pain abdomen for 3-4 days. On reviewing history, patient was one and a half months pregnant and had spontaneous abortion for which she underwent twice dilatation and curettage and once laparotomy in outside hospital. Patient continued to bleed &amp; MRI pelvis was done which revealed arteriovenous malformation and was thereafter referred to our hospital. On presentation her vitals were stable with pallor positive. On per-abdominal examination there was generalized tenderness and mild bleeding on per speculum examination. Her serum beta hCG at the time of admission was 98,156IU/L. Ultrasound pelvis revealed a highly vascular heterogenous hypoechoic mass showing significant internal and peripheral vascularity. We decided for uterine artery embolization owing to highly vascular GTN, young age and no live issues with the aim of uterine preservation. This was followed by chemotherapy with serial beta hcg monitoring. She is in her 14th month of follow up with resolution of her complaints. Conclusion: The aim behind presenting this case is its rarity of presentation as well as management to increase awareness among treating gynecologists. Importance of multi-disciplinary approach should not be undermined in challenging cases.

Extending Peripheral Retinal Vascularization in Retinopathy of Prematurity Through Regulation of VEGF Signaling

Experimental studies provide evidence that regulation of VEGF receptor-2 signaling in endothelial cells orders cell divisions and extends developmental angiogenesis while inhibiting pathologic intravitreal angiogenesis and has relevance to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We tested the hypothesis that intravitreal anti-VEGF would extend vascularization into peripheral avascular retina in human type 1 ROP compared with controls. Retrospective, nonrandomized treatment comparison. The study was conducted at an academic institution, with the study population comprising all premature infants screened for ROP from January 2019 through December 2022. The experimental group included type 1 ROP treated with bilateral bevacizumab (0.25 mg) and had adequate fundus imaging by a certified ophthalmic photographer at 2 examinations: within 2 weeks of treatment and 1-3 weeks later. A control group included gestational age- and birthweight-matched infants with ROP less severe than type 1 ROP. The main outcome measure was extent of temporal retinal vasculature measured by a masked analyst between treated and control eyes. Paired and nonpaired t tests were used. Of 382 screened infants, 34 developed type 1 ROP; 11 comprised the experimental group and 11 the control group. At baseline, there was a trend toward shorter temporal vascular extent in treatment compared with control groups (3667±547 vs 4262±937 pixels, 95% CI -1277, 88; P = .084) but no difference between groups at follow-up (P = .945). Vascular extension was significantly greater in the treatment than control (872±521 vs 253±151 pixels, 95% CI 262, 977; P = .003), showing catch-up growth. This clinical evidence supports laboratory-based studies that regulation of VEGF using an intravitreal anti-VEGF agent increases developmental angiogenesis into the peripheral avascular retina while inhibiting pathologic intravitreal angiogenesis in ROP.

Life-threatening Haemoperitoneum from a Simple Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian enlargement of non-neoplastic origin is due to the accumulation of fluid in the functional unit. Follicular cysts are the most common physiological functional ovarian cysts. Definitive diagnosis is often difficult to establish as the clinical symptoms may be similar to acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, ovarian torsion or ectopic pregnancy. Spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to follicular cysts are rare but may be life-threatening. The case: The following case study is of a 20 year old female who presented to the emergency ward with severe right lower abdominal pain. On pelvic ultrasound a thick-walled cystic space occupying lesion (SOL) of size 70mm x 56mm was noted in the right side with peripheral vascularity and peripheral tiny follicles. Mild to moderate ascites was also seen. An emergency laparotomy was performed. The histopathology of the ovarian cyst was reported as follicular cyst with no evidence of malignancy. Conclusion: This case study emphasizes the optimal management of ruptured ovarian cyst and the elimination of differential diagnoses.

Efficacy of four anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents and laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity: A network meta-analysis.

This study undertakes a comprehensive comparison of five different interventions for the treatment of type-1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and aggressive posterior ROP (APROP), offering insights into their relative efficacies and contributing to better clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA), intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), intravitreal conbercept (IVC), intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR), and laser therapy in treating these conditions. We conducted a search for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in databases, namely, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Ovid, focusing on these five treatment modalities for ROP. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool, and data analysis was performed using STATA software. The results from our network meta-analysis (NMA) indicated that IVA significantly prolonged the interval between initial treatment and relapse in patients, with a surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value of 99.1%. Additionally, patients in the IVB group had a significantly higher spherical equivalent refraction (SER) after surgery, with a SUCRA value of 84.4%. Furthermore, IVR was the most effective in reducing the duration of peripheral retinal vascularization, with a SUCRA value of 95.6%. However, no statistically significant differences were found in relapse rates among the five treatment options. Our analysis concludes that intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug monotherapy generally offer better outcomes than laser treatment for ROP. Nonetheless, additional RCTs are necessary to further evaluate the safety of anti-VEGF agents.