Quality of life after extended pelvic exenterations

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare health-related quality of life (QoL) and oncological outcome between gynaecological cancer patients undergoing pelvic exenteration (PE) and extended pelvic exenteration (EPE). EPEs were defined as extensive procedures including, in addition to standard PE extent, the resection of internal, external, or common iliac vessels; pelvic side-wall muscles; large pelvic nerves (sciatic or femoral); and/or pelvic bones.

METHODS

Data from 74 patients who underwent PE (42) or EPE (32) between 2004 and 2019 at a single tertiary gynae-oncology centre in Prague were analysed. QoL assessment was performed using EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC CX-24, and QOLPEX questionnaires specifically developed for patients after (E)PE.

RESULTS

No significant differences in survival were observed between the groups (P > 0.999), with median overall and disease-specific survival in the whole cohort of 45 and 49 months, respectively. Thirty-one survivors participated in the QoL surveys (20 PE, 11 EPE). No significant differences were observed in global health status (P = 0.951) or in any of the functional scales. The groups were not differing in therapy satisfaction (P = 0.502), and both expressed similar, high willingness to undergo treatment again if they were to decide again (P = 0.317).

CONCLUSIONS

EPEs had post-treatment QoL and oncological outcome comparable to traditional PE. These procedures offer a potentially curative treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent pelvic tumour invading into pelvic wall structures without further compromise of patients´ QoL.

Are we better off using multiple endometriosis classifications in imaging and surgery than settle for one universal less than perfect protocol? Review of staging systems in ultrasound, magnetic resonance and surgery

There are multiple classifications in imaging and surgery of endometriosis and in this article, we offer a review of the main evaluation systems. The International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group consensus is the leading document for ultrasound assessment, while magnetic resonance imaging is guided by the European Society for Urogenital Radiology recommendations on technical protocol. In surgery, the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification is the oldest system, ideally combined with newer classifications, such as Enzian or Endometriosis Fertility Index. Recently, The World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project introduced detailed proforma for clinical and intraoperative findings. There is still no universal consensus, so the initial emphasis should be on the uniform reporting of the disease extent until research clarifies more the correlations between extent, symptoms and progression in order to develop a reliable staging system.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? There have been several reviews of surgical classifications, comparing their scope and practical use, while in the imaging the attempts for literature review has been scarce.What do the results of this study add? This is the first up to date review offering detailed analysis of the main classification systems across the three main areas involved in endometriosis care - ultrasound, MRI and surgery. The mutual awareness of the radiological classifications for surgeons and vice versa is crucial in an efficient multidisciplinary communication and patient care. On these comparisons we were able to demonstrate the lack of consensus in description of the extent of the disease and even further lack of prognostic features (with the exemption of one surgical system).What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Future attempts of scientific societies should focus on defining uniform nomenclature for extent description. In the second step the staging classification should encompass prognostic value (risk of disease and symptoms recurrence).

Digitized Image Analysis of Insula Echogenicity Detected by TCS-MR Fusion Imaging in Wilson's and Early-Onset Parkinson's Diseases

Transcranial sonography (TCS) can reveal pathology in brain structures including insula. This study compared insula echogenicity among 22 patients with Wilson's disease (WD), 21 patients with early-onset Parkinson's disease (EO-PD) and 24 healthy patients. Echogenicity of predefined brain structures (insula, lentiform nucleus, caudate nucleus, substantia nigra and raphe nuclei) was evaluated using digitized analysis of TCS fusion imaging with magnetic resonance. Cortical, subcortical and cerebellar atrophy and ventricle diameters were determined from magnetic resonance images. The mean echogenicity index of insula did not differ between males and females (p = 0.92), but the echogenicity of insula was higher in patients with WD than in patients with EO-PD and healthy patients (p < 0.05). The substantia nigra echogenicity was higher in patients with EO-PD, and lentiform nucleus echogenicity was higher in patients with WD (p < 0.05). The echogenicity of insula correlated with lentiform nucleus echogenicity (r = 0.75) but not with age (r = -0.14), disease duration (r = -0.36), symptom severity (r = 0.28), cortical (r = 0.11) nor subcortical (r = 0.05) atrophy.

Diagnostic pitfalls in ovarian androgen-secreting (Leydig cell) tumours: case series

Leydig cell tumours of the ovary are rare and represent a diagnostic challenge not only due to their sporadic incidence but also due to the seemingly normal imaging. We present three cases of pre- and postmenopausal women who were presented with severe clinical signs of hyperandogenism where modern imaging modalities (including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT)) failed to identify the tumour. Two patients underwent non-expert ultrasound, CT and MRI examination with uniform conclusion that ovaries are of normal appearance. One of the two patients even had a PET-CT performed, which was inconclusive. Our case reports show the importance of examination by specialists with established skills in gynaecologic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of the Leydig cell tumours. The most useful diagnostic tool seems to be the combination of age (postmenopause), symptoms (onset of hirsutism and virilisation), high total testosterone plasma values and expert sonography. On ultrasound, these tumours are unilateral, usually small, solid intraovarian nodules of a slightly increased echogenicity in contrast to the surrounding ovarian tissue, delineated by abundant perfusion with an enhanced vascularity. The appropriate setting of the sensitive colour Doppler is crucial for the detection of intraovarian Leydig cell tumour. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? A diagnosis of Leydig cell tumours is based on ultrasound performed by a trained examiner or by MRI. CT or PET/CT are not among the primary methods of choice. According to the results of imaging investigations surgical treatment is planned. Because these tumours are usually benign and have a good prognosis the unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a standard procedure. What do the results of this study add? Our case series show how difficult it can be to establish the diagnosis of Leydig cell tumours by imaging, including transvaginal ultrasound, the most frequently recommended diagnostic tool. We demonstrate in three cases how easily a small hyperechogenic tumour can be overseen or interchanged for a different gynaecological pathology if transvaginal scan is not performed by an experienced examiner trained in sonographic features of gynaecologic neoplasms. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This case series demonstrate how important it is to see the patient in the whole complexity with their medical history, proper clinical symptoms evaluation, laboratory test and not to rely solely just on sophisticated high-end investigations, such as the PET-CT, a CT and an MRI. It also emphasises the importance of specialists with established skills in gynaecologic ultrasonography. Further effort should be made to define the resources for the appropriate training of such sonographers.

Endometriosis in pregnancy - diagnostics and management

OBJECTIVE

Endometriosis in pregnancy predominantly tends to regress or to stay stable but small part of endometriomas and nodules of deep infiltrating endometriosis may undergo the process of decidualization. Therefore, the foci of endometriosis enlarge their volume and change their structure due to cellular hypertrophy and stromal edema associated with higher vascularization caused by the hormonal changes in pregnant women. Consequently, these totally benign lesions may resemble malignant tumors in ultrasound examination.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague.

METHODS

A literature review of published data on decidualization of endometriosis.

RESULTS

Majority of decidualized ovarian endometriomas is asymptomatic so it is mostly accidentally found during the routine ultrasound check-ups within the frame of perinatologic screening. The rounded, smooth, highly vascularized solid papillary projections in internal wall of endometroid cysts are the most specific characteristics of decidualization. If ultrasound simple rules are not applicable or show probable malignancy, the pregnant patient should be referred to a tertiary center for expert ultrasound assessment. Magnetic resonance is indicated in cases of uncertain ultrasound findings, because it can clarify the diagnostics due to its high accuracy in detection of products of blood degradation and ability of diffusion-weighted imaging to recognize lower tissue cellularity of benign decidualized endometriomas in comparison to malignant ovarian tumors.

CONCLUSION

If the imaging methods confirm supposed decidualized endometriosis, watch and wait management based on regular ultrasound examinations during the whole pregnancy and after childbed is recommended. The regression of the tumor size and disappearance of the solid portions within endometriomas is expected after delivery. Decidualized endometriosis is rarely a source of gestational or obstetrical complications demanding acute surgical intervention. Elective surgical procedures in pregnant women are indicated only if expert ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging assess the masses as border-line or invasive tumors (carcinomas) and in cases of suspicious changes of the originally presumed benign cysts during the surveillance.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 3rd part - Ultrasound diagnosis of deep endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the current knowledge and trends in the diagnosis of deep endometriosis.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Centre for diagnostics and treatment of endometriosis and Gynecologic Oncology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, United Kingdom.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

Deep endometriosis (DE) in the pelvis is divided into lesions in the anterior and posterior compartment. In the anterior compartment DE infiltrates bladder and ureters, while in the posterior compartment it is mostly uterosacral ligaments, rectum, rectosigmoid and sigmoid colon and rarely rectovaginal septum and posterior fornix. Extrapelvic endometriosis is a rare disease typically located in the proximal bowel segments (jejunum/ileum/appendix), abdominal wall including umbilicus, scars after spontaneus delivery and/or after cesarian section, lungs and diaphragm.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound diagnosis of pelvic DE has a high accuracy in the hands of an experienced sonographer. Extrapelvic endometriosis is sporadic and imaging of choice depends on the location, such as use of magnetic resonance in retroperitoneal disease (sciatic nerve), computed tomography or endoscopy in thoracic lesions.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 1st part - Overview of diagnostic approaches

Cíl studie: Shrnutí sou&#269;asných poznatk&#367; a trend&#367; v oblasti diagnostiky endometriózy. Typ studie: Literární p&#345;ehled. Název a sídlo pracovi&#353;t&#283;: Centrum pro komplexní lé&#269;bu endometriózy a Onkogynekologické centrum, Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika, 1. léka&#345;ská fakulta, Univerzita Karlova a V&#353;eobecná fakultní nemocnice Praha; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, UK. Metodika: Systematický p&#345;ehledový &#269;lánek. Výsledky: Diagnóza endometriózy v primární pé&#269;i je stanovena na podklad&#283; anamnézy, fyzikálního vy&#353;et&#345;ení a základního ultrazvukového vy&#353;et&#345;ení, které zobrazí p&#345;ítomnost endometroidních cyst, adenomyózy a nep&#345;ímé známky sr&#367;st&#367;. Pou&#382;ití krevních &#269;i mo&#269;ových biomarker&#367; se nedoporu&#269;uje. Pacientky s podez&#345;ením na p&#345;ítomnost endometriózy by m&#283;ly být odeslány do specializovaného centra lé&#269;by endometriózy, kde jsou k dispozici zku&#353;ení sonografisté anebo radiologové v rámci expertního ultrazvuku anebo magnetické rezonance a specializovaný chirurgický tým. Vysoká diagnostická p&#345;esnost obou zobrazovacích metod nepodporuje rutinní vyu&#382;ití laparoskopie v diagnostice endometriózy, m&#367;&#382;e v&#353;ak být zva&#382;ována k vylou&#269;ení povrchové anebo extrapelvické endometriózy u symptomatických pacientek s negativním nálezem p&#345;i zobrazovacích metodách. Záv&#283;r: B&#283;hem základního ultrazvukového vy&#353;et&#345;ení by o&#353;et&#345;ující gynekolog m&#283;l být schopen zobrazit p&#345;ítomnost endometroidních cyst, adenomyózy a nep&#345;ímé známky adhezí a na základ&#283; ultrazvukového nálezu anebo typických symptom&#367; odeslat pacientku do centra pro lé&#269;bu endometriózy. Expertní ultrazvukové vy&#353;et&#345;ení pánevní endometriózy je obvykle dostupné ve specia-lizovaných centrech lé&#269;by endometriózy. Vzhledem k vysoké diagnostické p&#345;esnosti ultrazvuku, jeho b&#283;&#382;né dostupnosti v gynekologii, ni&#382;&#353;í cen&#283; a absenci kontraindikací ve srovnání s magnetickou rezonancí je ultrazvuk metodou volby v zobrazení rozsáhlé pánevní endometriózy, zatímco magnetická rezonance je vyu&#382;ívána jako metoda druhé volby v obtí&#382;ných p&#345;ípadech.

Diagnosis of endometriosis 2nd part - Ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis (adenomyosis, endometriomas, adhesions) in the community

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the current knowledge and trends in the basic ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis, endometroid cysts and pelvic adhesions.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Centre for diagnostics and treatment of endometriosis and Gynecologic Oncology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Burton Hospitals NHS, United Kingdom.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

Endometriosis is a relatively common disease, which often escapes timely diagnosis, although sonographic features of adenomyosis, endometriomas and pelvic adhesions can be easily assessed on the basic ultrasound examination. Endometriomas are ovarian cysts in a premenopausal patient with ground glass echogenicity of the cyst fluid, one to four locules and no papilary projections with detectable blood flow. Adenomyosis is characterised by an asymmetrical thickening of the myometrium due to an ill-defined myometrial lesion with fan-shaped shadowing, non-uniform echogenicity with myometrial cysts, hyperechogenic islands, hyperechogenic subendometrial lines and buds with an irregular or interrupted junctional zone, and translesional vascularity containing vessels crossing the leasion perpendicular to the endometrium. Pelvic adhesions can be detected using dynamic aspect of ultrasound examination demonstrating negative sliding sign of the uterus and/or ovaries against surrounding tissue planes and site-specific tenderness. Distorted pelvic anatomy (the presence of uterine &#8218;question mark sign and/or &#8218;kissing ovaries) is another sign of adhesions.

CONCLUSION

First step in basic transvaginal ultrasound is visualisation of the uterus and ovaries, assessment of their mobility and tenderness during examination. Knowledge of the characteristic ultrasound features of adenomyosis, endometriomas and adhesions enables timely diagnosis of endometriosis by the community gynecologist and prompt referral to the endometriosis centre.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare disease with an incidence of 0.1 to 10 per million inhabitants a year caused by impaired venous outflow from the liver mostly at the level of hepatic veins and inferior vena cava. Etiological factors include hypercoagulable conditions, myeloprolipherative diseases, anatomical variability of the inferior vena cava, and environmental conditions. Survival rates in treated patients range from 42 to 100% depending on the etiology and the presence of risk factors including parameters of Child-Pugh score, sodium and creatinine plasma levels, and the choice of treatment. Without treatment, 90% of patients die within 3 years, mostly due to complications of liver cirrhosis. BCS can be classified according to etiology (primary, secondary), clinical course (acute, chronic, acute or chronic lesion), and morphology (truncal, radicular, and venooclusive type). The diagnosis is established by demonstrating obstruction of the venous outflow and structural changes of the liver, portal venous system, or a secondary pathology by ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance. Laboratory and hematological tests are an integral part of the comprehensive workup and are invaluable in recognizing hematological and coagulation disorders that may be identified in up to 75% of patients with BCS. The recommended therapeutic approach to BCS is based on a stepwise algorithm beginning with medical treatment (a consensus of expert opinion recommends anticoagulation in all patients), endovascular treatment to restore vessel patency (angioplasty, stenting, and local thrombolysis), placement of transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and orthotopic liver transplantation as a last resort rescue treatment.

[The optimal imaging in gynecological oncology]

In this review we discuss in detail the advantages and the limitations of the modern imaging techniques to assess the tumour spread in pelvis, abdomen and extraabdominally in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent gynecological cancer. Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging yield similar levels of accuracy when utilised for the diagnosis of gynecological cancer and the detection of pelvic spread. Ultrasound is, however, a commonly available, non-invasive, and inexpensive imaging method that can be carried out without any risk or discomfort to the patient. Although increasing evidence shows that transabdominal ultrasound is an accurate technique for the detection of intra- and retroperitoneal tumour spread, it requires experience, adequate equipment and suitable acoustic conditions. Contrast-enhanced computed abdominopelvic tomography remains the most commonly used preoperative imaging modality to assess abdominal cavity and retroperitoneum for extrapelvic tumour spread. Alternatively magnetic resonance imaging can be used in cases of contra-indication of computed tomography. If there is suspicion of extraabdominal tumour spread, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of thorax or positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography is used. Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography detects more distant metastases than computed tomography alone. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography is, therefore, the optimal imaging technique for suspected recurrence, particularly if there is suspicion of recurrence but conventional imaging methods have yilded negative results or if salvage surgery is planned.

Ovarian metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A case report

We report on a 61-year-old woman with a history of right-sided nephrectomy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurring 21 years ago; she currently presented with a bilateral ovarian tumour. Histologically, the tumour of both ovaries was clear cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for vimentin, RCC marker, epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin AE1/3 and CD10. Cytokeratin 7, CA125, HMWCK, estrogen and progesterone receptors were all negative. Based on the morphology and immunophenotype of the tumour, we established a diagnosis of late metastasis of RCC in the ovaries. A postoperative abdominal computed tomography scan, however, revealed a tumour mass solely in the left kidney, which had not been visible in the preoperative ultrasound. The patient underwent nephron-sparing surgery and a biopsy showed the tumour to be clear cell RCC. Metastasis of RCC to the ovaries is rare, and to the best of our knowledge, only 24 cases have been reported to date. However, due to the different treatments and prognosis, the distinction between a primary ovarian tumour and metastasis of RCC is important.

[The rational preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors - imaging techniques and tumor biomarkers (review)]

The majority of patients who suffer from an early-stage or advanced-stage of ovarian cancer complain about symptoms, mainly gastrointestinal ones. The pelvic examination in ovarian cancer detection is limited by the adnexal position in the pelvis and frequent extraovarian spread of disease. Recently, any reliable tumor biomarker (CA 125 and/or HE4), which can be used in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ovarian tumors, does not exist. According the results of the largest multicenter International Ovarian Trial Analysis (IOTA), ultrasound if performed by an experienced sonologist is an ideal diagnostic method in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The experienced examiner is also able to detect extraovarian tumor spread and to assess tumor operability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used only to complement ultrasound in cases when high tissue resolution is needed. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful method for detection of extraovarian spread, especially in cases when an ultrasound examiner experienced in abdominal scanning is not available. Similarly, fusion of positron emission tomography with CT (PET/CT) is a highly accurate method for the detection of abdominal and extraabdominal tumor spread, but its use is limited by cost and the low availability of this method. On the other hand, PET/CT is not recommended for primary ovarian cancer detection because of its lower sensitivity in comparison to ultrasound and its high false positive rates as well.