Comparison of Three Different Staging Systems Capable of Predicting the Severity of Congenital Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO) and Its Prognosis.

Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare but severe fetal condition associated with significant morbidity and long-term renal risk. Several prenatal staging systems have been proposed to guide management and predict outcomes, yet their comparative prognostic value remains uncertain. This review provides a structured evaluation of three staging systems currently used in clinical practice: those proposed by Ruano, Fontanella, and Nassr.

Serial Amnioinfusion Therapy for Treatment of Congenital Bilateral Renal Agenesis-A Systematic Review.

Serial amnioinfusion therapy (SAT) has emerged as a potential mitigatory intervention to adverse perinatal outcomes associated with congenital bilateral renal agenesis (BRA). However, its efficacy, safety, and ethical implications warrant thorough evaluation. This systematic review, developed according to PRISMA guidelines, analyzes the published data on outcomes of SAT for BRA and explores its implications.

Unilateral Renal Agenesis: Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Issues.

Unilateral renal agenesis (URA) is a urinary tract congenital anomaly characterized by a congenital absence or early developmental arrest of only one kidney. In the presence of a normal contralateral kidney, URA is typically considered a condition of minimal clinical significance as the solitary kidney often undergoes hypertrophy and can sufficiently perform the needed renal function after birth. However, postnatal studies suggest that URA has a significant association with other urinary and extra-urinary anomalies and may have implications for long-term health.

Chest Wall Lymphangiomas: Systematic Review of the Literature and Presentation of Two Prenatally Detected Cases in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins.

A systematic review of the literature on fetal chest wall lymphangioma with case presentations occurring in monochorionic pregnancies is reported. Potential complications during intrauterine life include the invasion or compression of adjacent structures or vital organs. The risk of dystocia during labor is also a cause for concern.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence Phenotypes: A Comprehensive Visual Analysis.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare and severe complication of monochorionic twins, occurring in approximately 1 in 35 000 pregnancies. It is characterized by the presence of a severely abnormal, nonviable acardiac twin and a structurally normal pump twin, which sustains the circulation of both fetuses through abnormal vascular placental anastomoses. This pictorial essay aims to illustrate the sonographic and Doppler findings associated with TRAP sequence, emphasizing the diagnostic prenatal features.

Placental Cysts and Atypical Sonolucencies at 11-13 Weeks' Gestation: Sonographic Features and Clinical Significance.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the sonographic features, antenatal course, and pregnancy outcome in pregnancies in which a placental cyst (PC) or a placental atypical sonolucency (PAS) was identified at the routine first-trimester scan.

Methods: Pregnancies in which a first-trimester PC/PAS was sonographically detected at 11-13 weeks' gestation were recruited. Relevant information was obtained by reviewing ultrasound reports and medical records.

Prenatal Diagnosis and Prognostic Factors in Fetuses With Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita-A Systematic Review.

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is characterized by the presence of multiple joint contractures in the fetus' body. The diagnosis of AMC is complex and often missed prenatally. This comprehensive review of the literature published over the last 20 years, with an emphasis on the role of prenatal ultrasound in predicting postnatal outcomes in a fetus with AMC, showed that ultrasound is a crucial tool to diagnose and prognosticate this rare disease.

Placental and Umbilical Cord Anomalies Detected by Ultrasound as Clinical Risk Factors of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes. Case Series Review of Selected Conditions. Part 3: Vascular Anomalies of the Umbilical Cord and Fetoplacental Vascular Malperfusion.

In the previous published reviews Part 1 and Part 2, we examined the association between placental and umbilical cord anomalies in relation to adverse perinatal outcomes. In this conclusive Part 3, only umbilical cord vascular anomalies are considered, together with the perinatal effects caused by maternal vascular malperfusion and the secondary fetal vascular malperfusion anomalies. Specifically, the review comprises the following umbilical cord pathologies: umbilical cord torsion/stricture, amniotic band syndrome and umbilical cord strictures/strangulation, umbilical cord hemorrhagic cyst, umbilical cord rupture/cord hemangioma, umbilical cord hematoma, and umbilical cord ulceration.

Placental and Umbilical Cord Anomalies Detected by Ultrasound as Clinical Risk Factors of Adverse Perinatal Outcome: Case Series Review of Selected Conditions. Part 2: Umbilical Cord Abnormalities.

The aim of this second extended review is to describe the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying umbilical cord (UC) anomalies and their relationship with adverse perinatal outcomes. Review of the literature with case presentations to illustrate the relationship between UC pathologies and adverse perinatal outcomes are also reported. Prenatal ultrasound findings and perinatal care in these cases are presented.

Primary Carcinomas of the Episiotomy Scar Site: A Systematic Literature Review.

Episiotomy is a perineal incision enlarging the vaginal opening during labor, preventing severe perineal/vaginal/ano-rectal lacerations. We performed a systematic literature review (PRISMA guidelines; Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases) of primary malignant tumors arising from the episiotomy site. Thirteen primary carcinomas were reported, mainly endometriosis-related histotypes (77%) (nine clear cell, CCC; one endometrioid, EC) with only two vulvar invasive squamous cell carcinomas and one adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland.

Artificial Intelligence in Fetal Growth Restriction Management: A Narrative Review.

This narrative review examines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in prenatal care, particularly in managing pregnancies complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR). AI provides a transformative approach to diagnosing and monitoring FGR by leveraging advanced machine-learning algorithms and extensive data analysis. Automated fetal biometry using AI has demonstrated significant precision in identifying fetal structures, while predictive models analyzing Doppler indices and maternal characteristics improve the reliability of adverse outcome predictions.

Outcomes of Intrauterine Interventions in Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence: A Systematic Review of the Literature Over the Past 35 Years.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is an uncommon disease affecting monochorionic twin pregnancies. The diagnosis can be made by ultrasound allowing to plan optimal antenatal management. An electronic search was conducted from inception to July 2024 to systematically evaluate and compare the outcomes of different intrauterine interventions in this condition.

Three-Dimensional Ultrasound for Physical and Virtual Fetal Heart Models: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital defect, occurring in approximately 1 in 100 live births and being a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Of note, approximately 25% of these defects are classified as critical, requiring immediate postnatal care by pediatric cardiology and neonatal cardiac surgery teams. Consequently, early and accurate diagnosis of CHD is key to proper prenatal and postnatal monitoring in a tertiary care setting.

Influence of pre-existing maternal diabetes mellitus on fetal myocardial performance index and systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of pre-existing maternal diabetes mellitus on fetal myocardial performance index and systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio.

Methods: Prospective cohort study included 179 pregnant women between 20 and 36w6d, divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (120, normal), Group 2 (31, type 1 diabetes mellitus), and Group 3 (28, type 2 diabetes mellitus). Systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio was calculated as the sum of isovolumic contraction time and ejection time divided by the sum of isovolumic relaxation time and ventricular filling time.

Intrauterine Testicular Torsion: Two Prenatally Diagnosed Cases and Review of the Literature.

The third-trimester ultrasound diagnosis in two fetuses with isolated testicular torsion is described. Pregnancy courses were uneventful and routine second-trimester scans had shown no structural anomalies. Antenatal ultrasound performed at 32 + 3 and 33 + 0 weeks' gestation showed signs consistent with the diagnosis of isolated left spermatic cord torsion in both cases (absent flow across the testicular artery, hyperechogenic small rounded mass in the hemiscrotum representing the twisted testes, and hydrocele).

The Use of 3D Printing in Fetal Surgery for Surgical Planning: A Scoping Review.

: We sought to identify in which clinical scenarios 3D printed models are used to plan for fetal surgeries as well as the main purpose and the imaging method utilized for the models. In addition, we describe benefits and shortcomings of the models, as well as potential future improvements. : In this scoping review, data were collected retrospectively from scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Web of Science platform) and screened by title, abstract, and full text against strict criteria.

Cesarean section incision along the posterior uterine wall - an obstetric and surgical complication of an obstructed pelvis due to previous endometriosis.

Pelvic endometriosis is a well-known clinical risk factor for pelvic inflammation and adhesions. We present a complex case of a woman undergoing a cesarean section where the traditional incision on the anterior lower uterine segment was not possible due to a congested pelvis. The newborn was delivered using a posterior uterine wall incision with rotation of the round ligament.

Placental and umbilical cord anomalies detected by ultrasound as clinical risk factors of adverse perinatal outcome: Case series review of selected conditions. Part 1: Placental abnormalities.

Background: The aim of this extended review of multicenter case series is to describe the prenatal ultrasound features and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying placental and umbilical cord anomalies and their relationship with adverse perinatal outcome. From an educational point of view, the case series has been divided in three parts; Part 1 is dedicated to placental abnormalities.

Methods: Multicenter case series of women undergoing routine and extended prenatal ultrasound and perinatal obstetric care.

Influence of Cesarean Section Scar on the Mean Pulsatility Index of the Uterine Artery Doppler between 20 and 34 Weeks of Gestation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the cesarean section scars on the mean pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine artery Doppler between 20 and 34 weeks of gestation. A secondary objective was to assess the association between previous cesarean section and adverse maternal/perinatal outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with pregnant women who had their deliveries between March 2014 and February 2023.

Fetoscopic Release of Amniotic Bands Based on the Evidence-A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the perinatal outcomes of fetuses who underwent fetal surgery for the management of Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS). A systematic review of studies reporting on the perinatal outcome of fetuses undergoing fetoscopic release of amniotic bands according to the (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. The MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) Mimicking Primary Ovarian Tumors or Metastasizing to the Ovaries: A Systematic Literature Review.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a rare neoplasm, sometimes mimicking primary ovarian tumors (OTs) and/or metastasizing to the ovaries (M-OT). We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) of OTs and M-OTs, investigating differences in recurrence-free and overall survival. Our SLR was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, searching in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception until 21 April 2024.