Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESSs) are rare tumors whose classification is still controversial. In this study, the authors studied 19 patients diagnosed with ESS at the Hospital S João, Porto, Portugal; reviewed their files and material; and performed immunohistochemical study for CD10, desmin, and smooth muscle actin markers, aiming to compare low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas (LG-ESSs) and undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas (UESs) using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Twelve cases (63%) were classified as LG-ESS and 7 (37%) as UES. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years, and women with LG-ESS tended to be younger than those with UES. Most cases (7/11) had a previous echographic diagnosis of leiomyoma. A biopsy or curettage was performed in 6 cases, providing a definitive diagnosis of malignancy in 4. Frozen section was performed in 4 patients. The majority (63%) of patients were FIGO stage I. Twelve (63%) cases showed diffuse or focal expression of CD10. Desmin and smooth muscle actin expression was focal in 4 (21%) tumors. Patients with LG-ESS had a significant better overall survival than those with UES (P = .026). Mitotic count had no prognostic significance. Our data emphasize the clinical importance of the WHO classification in ESS. It is of utmost importance to establish a proper classification to increase the consistency of data that may be useful for improving clinical and therapeutic management of patients with ESS.
Background: Cervico-isthmic pregnancy is a rare occurrence and until the use of current ultrasonographic techniques was associated with a disastrous outcome for women desiring to maintain their fertility. Case Report: A 39-year-old woman was diagnosed at 12 weeks of amenorrhoea with an intra-uterine non-viable pregnancy and a low implantation of the gestational sac. Medical management of this situation with a regimen of intravaginal misoprostol was unsuccessful. At introduction of a cervical expander severe vaginal bleeding ensued, leading to an emergency curettage followed by a life-saving hysterectomy. Pathologic examination confirmed the peroperative impression of an isthmic implantation of the gestational sac. Conclusion: Early ultrasonographic diagnosis is essential to make conservative management of cervico-isthmic pregnancy possible.
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