Echocardiographic features and outcome of restrictive foramen ovale in fetuses with and without cardiac malformations: Literature review

Foramen ovale is a small communication between the left and the right atrium and its restriction is a rare congenital heart anomaly. There is no consensus on diagnosis and management of fetal restrictive foramen ovale (RFO). In our paper we included 11 studies about fetuses affected by isolated RFO, RFO with D-Transposition of the Great Arteries (dTGA) and RFO with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). While fetuses affected from HLHS and dTGA with RFO have a poor prognosis, premature RFO in an otherwise structurally normal heart, if found in later gestation, have an overall good outcome.

Risk of colorectal polyps and of malignancies in asymptomatic carriers of mutations in the main DNA mismatch repair genes

OBJECTIVE

Mutation carriers (Mut+) in DNA mismatch repair genes are predisposed to cancer of various organs and to adenomatous polyps; however, they may remain asymptomatic and cancer or polyp-free for several years. We purposed to analyse the clinical follow-up of individuals carrying constitutional mutations in the MLH1, MSH2 or MSH6 genes who were unaffected by benign polyps or malignant tumours at diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mut + subjects (n.81) were members of Lynch syndromes in whom mutations were detected between 1993 and 2015; all were asymptomatic at diagnosis. They were informed of the cancer risk and surveillance was suggested. As controls, 113 nongene carriers (Mut-) in the same Lynch families were identified.

RESULTS

About one-fourth of the mutation carriers developed polyps, mostly adenomas; polyps were less (12%, p < .05) in Mut - subjects, and hyperplastic lesions were the prevalent histology. More polyps were detected in MLH1 vs. MSH2 mutation carriers. In Mut+, 21 malignant tumours developed in 14 carriers vs. 4 tumours in 3 patients among Mut- (p < .001). Tumours were mostly of the Lynch spectrum; however, three glioblastomas were developed, together with neoplasms of various organs (duodenum, thyroid, skin, lung and cervix). Mean age of tumour occurrence was 43.0 years in Mut + vs. 53.0 among Mut-.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer developed more often in Mut+, with no consistent difference between MLH1 and MSH2 carriers. More polyps (mostly adenomas) were detected in MLH1 carriers. The majority (13 of 21) of malignant tumours occurred in organs for which there is no recommended surveillance, and were lethal in three patients.