Objective. To clarify the developmental activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of the normal fetus and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) cases using fetal magnetocardiography (FMCG). Subjects and Methods. Normal pregnancy (n = 35) and IUGR (n = 12) cases at 28–39 and 32–37 weeks of gestation, respectively, were included in this study. The R-R interval variability was used to calculate the coefficient of variance (CVRR) and low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio. Results. The value of CVRR in the normal pregnancy group displayed a slight increasing trend with gestational age. However, no such trend was observed in the IUGR group. In contrast, the LF/HF ratio in both the normal pregnancy group and the IUGR group clearly increased over the gestational period; the normal group showing statistical significance. Conclusion. The development of fetal ANS activity in IUGR cases might differ from that observed in the normal pregnancy group, and this may facilitate early detection of IUGR.

We report a rare case of a monochorionic twin gestation after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in which one of the fetuses had VACTERL association. A 27-year-old woman became pregnant by ICSI and was found to have monochorionic twin fetuses. One fetus was noted to have the following anomalies: a multicystic, dysplastic left kidney with a hydroureter, and a dilated colon. A normal-sized stomach and normal amount of amniotic fluid were observed during the prenatal period with no other anomalies. The postnatal examination revealed hypospadias, and anal, esophageal, and duodenal atresia; thus, a diagnosis of VACTERL association was established. Although the prenatal diagnosis of this disorder is a challenge, even in a singleton, some of the characteristic features observed during antepartum ultrasonography may be a clue to the diagnosis, especially in a twin pregnancy after ICSI.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disorder characterized by multiple recurrent vascular malformations. Herein we report the case of a patient with BRBNS and placenta previa. Sonography and MRI clearly identified several hemangiomas located adjacent to the uterus with none adjacent to the anterior lower uterine segment. This preoperative information helped us perform the uterine wall incision safely during the cesarean delivery. The presence and location of hemangiomas adjacent to the uterus should be carefully examined in a pregnant woman with BRBNS prior to elective or emergency cesarean delivery.

SummaryThere is no reliable method of screening for pregnant women at high risk of developing severe myocardial disorders. In this study, we used vector-projected 187 channel electrocardiography (DREAM-ECG) and serum biochemical markers to evaluate peripartum myocardial burden in pregnant women. Forty-one pregnant women were examined at 36-37 weeks gestation (GW36), 7 days postpartum (PPD7), and 1 month postpartum (PPM1). Ten non-pregnant control women were assessed at a single time point. Heart rate, sympathetic index, and repolarization index (RTc dispersion) were quantified using the DREAM-ECG system, and serum levels of NT-proBNP, cardiac troponin T, estrogen, and progesterone were determined. Heart rate and the sympathetic index decreased from GW36 to PPM1 (P = 0.0031). The repolarization index decreased over time and was greater than in non-pregnant controls (31 ± 13 ms). Estrogen and progesterone at PPD7 and PPM1 were significantly lower than those at GW36 (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001). NT-proBNP at PPD7 was greater than at GW36 (median 29 pg/mL at GW36, 86 pg/mL at PPD7), and decreased at PPM1 in comparison to PPD7 (median 18.5 pg/mL). Troponin T was in the normal range during the whole period (< 0.003 ng/mL). In conclusion, these results indicate that the peripartum myocardial burden in pregnant women does not return to normal nonpregnant levels by PPM1. We propose that both repolarization indexes such as RTc dispersion by DREAM-ECG and serum biochemical markers may identify pregnant women at high risk of developing severe myocardial damage in the peripartum period. (Int Heart J 2013; 54: 140-145)

Magnetocardiography (MCG) is a technique that enables the noncontact, noninvasive measurement of electrocardiographic phenomena, and fetal magnetocardiography (FMCG) is extremely useful for the analysis of fetal electrocardiographic phenomena. We have used FMCG for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of fetal arrhythmias, and to perform comparative studies of autonomic nervous system activity in fetuses with normal growth and those with fetal growth restriction by analyzing fetal heart rate variability. In terms of fetal arrhythmias, fatal long QT syndrome was accurately diagnosed prenatally using FMCG, and pregnancy was maintained until delivery at 37 weeks gestation. With regard to fetal autonomic nervous system activity, there was a pronounced increase in sympathetic nervous activity among fetuses with normal growth in the second half of pregnancy.