Preeclampsia is a systemic endothelial disorder triggered by many factors originated by the human placenta. The presence of massive ascites (more than 2 L of serous liquid in peritoneal cavity) signifies rare and severe complication of preeclampsia. We present a case of 25-year-old primigravida admitted to hospital due to preeclampsia who immediately after delivery developed a clinical condition similar to hemorrhagic shock, but the explorative laparotomy revealed only massive ascites of 4.5 L serous liquid. We suggest that appearance of massive ascites in women with preeclampsia is the underestimated fact that surprises us frequently. Sometimes, its sudden onset can mimic life-threatening conditions, as happened with our patient. Cautious evaluation of peritoneal fluid quantity in women with preeclampsia could warn the obstetrician about the potential risks that demand more intensive and more frequent maternal and fetal surveillance.

The obesity pandemic has brought forth a scientific interest in food intake and sensory perception interactions. Olfactory perception and gustatory perception are very complex and under the influence of many factors, including the menstrual cycle. This study aims to clarify conflicting findings on the influence of the menstrual cycle on olfactory and gustatory perception. Women were assessed during four consecutive phases of one complete cycle (mid-follicular, ovulatory, mid-luteal, and late luteal phases (N = 21)), in contrast to women measured across the same phases belonging to two menstrual cycles (N = 29). Additional control groups were men (N = 17), postmenopausal women (N = 14), oral contraceptive users (N = 10), and women with an anovulatory cycle (N = 8). Olfactory threshold, odor discrimination, and identification were tested using the “Sniffin Sticks“ test kit. Suprathreshold intensity and hedonic ratings for sweet, salty, sour, and bitter solutions were assessed. One-way ANOVA and ANOVA for repeated measurements was applied in the analysis, along with linear and trigonometric data fitting and linear mixed models. Linear increases in olfactory discrimination, identification, and overall olfactory performance were observed only in women followed across a complete menstrual cycle. Compared to other groups, these women displayed a cyclic pattern characterized by a predilection for sweet solution; reduced distaste for salty and sour solutions; and increased intensity perception of salty, sour, and bitter solutions towards the end of the cycle. These results suggest that a distinct hormonal milieu of a complete menstrual cycle may be affecting both olfactory and gustatory perception.

Background Heterotopic pregnancy refers to the simultaneous coexistence of an intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancy. In natural conception it is very rare, with a rising incidence in patients undergoing assisted reproduction technologies. It presents a serious diagnostic problem which is often misdiagnosed. Currently, there are no standard protocols for the treatment and diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy. Methods Two rare cases of spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy are presented. Result The first patient had a complete abortion upon which an extrauterine pregnancy was detected. The second patient, after an extrauterine pregnancy removal, progressed with an intrauterine pregnancy until full term and it ended with the delivery of a healthy infant. Conclusion Two demonstrated cases underscore that whenever abnormal adnexal findings are presented and the beta-hCG blood test is positive, the possibility of a heterotopic pregnancy should be suspected.

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is usually detected by either the Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test or by 2 cytometry, the latter of which represents the gold standard of FMH diagnosis today. But what do we do when neither method is available? We present two cases of suspected FMH due to their characteristic signs and symptoms that were ultimately confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis (HE).

Post-traumatic osteomyelitis (OM) is an uncommon event in cats, usually affecting distal phalanges of extremities. Tail injuries seldom cause bone infection, but often result in neural damage with subsequent tail paralysis, and occasionally in urinary/fecal incontinence. We present a case of old stray cat which developed post-traumatic tail OM, and endured it for years. It was an immuno-compromised, neglected, animal strongly infested with larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and oocistae of Isospora felis. Ultimately, it was treated by tail amputation, with without any health consequences. Relevance and novel information: This report describes the management and outcome of a rare and a life-threatening case of feline posttraumatic tail OM which was previously not reported in literature.