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Biomedical subjects

Deborah Levine

Publications and source records attributed to Deborah Levine.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Fetuses with trisomy 21 having conflicting findings on antenatal testing for fetal well-being.

OBJECTIVE: This series reports 3 cases with conflicting antenatal sonographic findings: intrauterine growth restriction, absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in umbilical artery Doppler imaging, and reassuring biophysical test results. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records. RESULTS: Three fetuses had intrauterine growth restriction and absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in umbilical artery Doppler studies, but the biophysical test results and amniotic fluid volume assessment were normal. We found no other signs of fetal jeopardy from placental insufficiency. In these cases, trisomy 21 was established after birth by karyotyping. Ventricular septal defects and aortic regurgitation were noted in 2 of the 3 affected fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: When there is an unusual combination of antenatal sonographic findings such as presented here, fetal cardiac abnormalities and aneuploidy should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Magnetic resonance imaging of the kinked fetal brain stem: a sign of severe dysgenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows visualization of the fetal brain stem in a manner not previously possible. A "kinked" brain stem is a sign of severe neurodysgenesis. The purpose of this series was to describe cases of a kinked brain stem detected on prenatal MRI and to discuss the possible genetic and syndromic etiologies. METHODS: Seven cases of a kinked brain stem on fetal MRI (gestational age range, 18-34 weeks) were reviewed and correlated with other clinical, genetic, imaging, and autopsy findings. RESULTS: In all cases, there was associated cerebellar hypogenesis. Additional findings were ventriculomegaly (4 cases), cerebral hypogenesis (3 cases), microcephaly (4 cases), schizencephaly (1 case), cephalocele (1 case), hypogenesis of the corpus callosum (1 case), and hydrocephalus (1 case). In 2 cases, prenatal sonography misidentified the kinked brain stem as the cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS: A kinked brain stem is an indicator of severe neurodysgenesis arising early in gestation. Magnetic resonance imaging provides the necessary resolution to detect this sign and delineate any associated anomalies in utero to assist with further genetic evaluation, management, and counseling.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Various sonographic appearances of the hemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst.

Although hemorrhagic corpus luteum cysts are frequently seen during sonography of the female pelvis, their diagnosis is often challenging as a result of variations in size, thickness of the cyst wall, and internal echo pattern depending on the formation and lysis of the clot. There are cases in which hemoperitoneum is the most obvious finding. The differential diagnosis is extensive and includes ectopic pregnancy, adnexal torsion, neoplasm, and pelvic inflammatory disease. This review describes and illustrates the diverse appearances of the hemorrhagic corpus luteum, as well as other etiologies of adnexal pathology that can mimic the appearance of a hemorrhagic corpus luteum sonographically.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2004

Ectopic pregnancy: a review.

Ectopic pregnancy is a major clinical problem, occurring in 75,000 cases per year in the United States. With in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, microsurgical techniques, and better early diagnosis, the rates of ectopic pregnancies have increased. Transvaginal sonography along with beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin monitoring are the standards for evaluation of suspected ectopic pregnancy. When ectopic pregnancy is present, transvaginal sonography most often demonstrates an adnexal finding directly related to the extra-uterine gestation itself, a hematoma caused by it, or both. Although tubal location is most common, it is important to recognize unusual locations of ectopic pregnancy such as isthmic, cervical, ovarian, and abdominal. Ultrasound is the mainstay of diagnosis, but magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful in unusual or complicated cases. Current therapeutic options for an ectopic pregnancy are expectant management, systemic methotrexate injections, sonographically guided minimal invasive treatment, and surgery. This review encompasses diagnosis, treatment, and management of ectopic pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Massive fetal ascites causing increased middle cerebral artery systolic velocity.

BACKGROUND: An elevated peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery, assessed by Doppler ultrasonography, is commonly associated with fetal anemia. Other fetal abnormalities associated with a high middle cerebral artery velocity have rarely been reported. CASE: A fetus with increasing ascites was found to have an elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity. Following paracentesis, the peak systolic velocity normalized. Peak systolic velocity continued to correlate with the level of ascites, falling to normal ranges when large-volume amniocentesis and paracentesis were performed. At birth, the infant was found to have a normal hematocrit. CONCLUSION: An elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity may result from massive fetal ascites without anemia. We hypothesize that the massive ascites led to increased afterload of the heart, with relatively preserved preload, leading to an increased systolic blood pressure and an elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The intradecidual sign: is it reliable for diagnosis of early intrauterine pregnancy?

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine the accuracy of the intradecidual sign for the diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy and the exclusion of ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The intradecidual sign reliably excludes the presence of an ectopic pregnancy. The sensitivity for diagnosis of an intrauterine pregnancy increases when human chorionic gonadotropin levels are equal to or greater than 2,000 mIU/mL or the mean sac diameter is equal to or greater than 3 mm. It is of utmost importance to visualize this sign on multiple views with an unchanging appearance.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Imaging of adnexal masses in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the imaging appearances of a variety of adnexal masses in pregnancy. METHODS: Cases of adnexal masses in pregnancy were chosen to illustrate the appearance on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Adnexal masses in pregnancy have a wide spectrum of imaging characteristics and clinical manifestations. Sonography is important in diagnosing, monitoring, and determining the malignant potential of these masses. Common adnexal lesions seen in pregnancy include simple cysts, hemorrhagic cysts, leiomyomas, and hyperstimulated ovaries in patients who have undergone assisted fertility. Uncommon adnexal lesions specific to pregnancy include hyperreactio luteinalis, theca lutein cysts with moles, and luteomas. Adnexal masses associated with pain include ovarian torsion and heterotopic pregnancy. Adnexal lesions that are found incidentally include teratomas, endometriomas, hydrosalpinx, cystadenomas, and cystadenocarcinomas. When the diagnosis of the adnexal mass cannot be made on the basis of sonographic appearance alone, magnetic resonance imaging may help. CONCLUSIONS: Familiarity with the clinicopathologic and sonographic features of common and uncommon adnexal masses in pregnancy is important for diagnosis and treatment.

Adnexa Uteri↗
PubMed2004

Community empowerment to reduce childhood immunization disparities in New York City.

This paper reports on the impact of the community-based Start Right program on childhood immunization coverage in 2 communities of color in New York City. Fully launched in 2002, Start Right operates through the major social service programs of its 23 member organizations. Immunization promotion strategies are based on the following guiding principles: community leadership; integration with community programs; parental empowerment; peer health educators; tracking and feedback; and linkage with health providers. By September 2003, 2,433 children under age 5 years (14% of that age group in the community) were enrolled in Start Right. The rates for the cohort of children enrolled in 2003 were substantially higher than for those enrolled in 2002. Among the 2003 cohort of 19- to 35-month-old children, the coverage rate was 88%, significantly more than national rates: 75% for total population, 68% for African Americans, and 73% for Hispanics. The rate for our 2003 enrollment cohort exceeded the rate for New York City (78%) but did not exceed the New York City average for Hispanics (79%). Of the 2003 enrollment cohort, the Washington Heights children had the highest rates for enrollment (89.6%), exceeding New York City rates. Parents reported a high level of satisfaction with the program.

Black or African American↗
PubMed2003

Fast MR imaging of fetal central nervous system abnormalities.

PURPOSE: To evaluate with respect to gestational age (GA) the effect of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on changes in diagnosis, patient counseling, and case management regarding fetuses suspected of having central nervous system (CNS) anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors compared images from 242 ultrasonographic (US) studies and 242 MR imaging studies of the CNS in 214 fetuses. Reference standards of postnatal physical examination, imaging, surgical, and autopsy findings were available in 171 (79.9%) fetuses. Referring physicians were surveyed on how MR imaging findings changed patient counseling or case management. Outcomes were compared with respect to GA. Statistical tests used were the Fisher exact test, Student t test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Confirmatory US findings were normal in 69 fetuses. MR imaging findings changed diagnosis in 46 of 145 (31.7%) fetuses with abnormal US findings. The mean GA of 72 of 145 fetuses with changes in maternal counseling (25.9 weeks) was significantly greater than that in 73 of 145 fetuses without changes in maternal counseling (22.6 weeks, P <.01). The mean GA of the 46 fetuses with changes in diagnosis (26.3 weeks) was significantly greater than that of the 99 fetuses with no major change in diagnosis (23.3 weeks, P <.01). There were 27 of 145 changes in case management, with no significant difference in mean GA of fetuses with and those without changes in case management. In fetuses with abnormal US findings, MR images were used to decide to terminate the pregnancy (n = 13; mean GA, 20.1 weeks), continue the pregnancy (n = 4; mean GA, 19.2 weeks), direct the mode and/or location of delivery (n = 5; mean GA, 30.5 weeks), and direct perinatal care (n = 5; mean GA, 30.2 weeks). CONCLUSION: When a CNS anomaly is detected or suspected at US, MR imaging may demonstrate additional findings that can alter diagnosis and case management. Changes in management are GA dependent.

Central Nervous System↗
PubMed2003

Fetal thoracic abnormalities: MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the appearance of fetal thoracic abnormalities at prenatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and determine whether MR imaging yields information additional to that obtained with ultrasonography (US). MATERIALS AND METHODS: US and MR imaging data from 83 MR examinations of 74 fetuses with thoracic abnormalities and confirmatory US performed within 1 week before MR imaging were compared with respect to resulting changes in patient counseling and/or care. Lung parenchyma and lesion signal intensities and vascularity, airway, esophagus, and diaphragm appearances were reviewed retrospectively on MR images. Student t tests and analyses of variance were performed. RESULTS: MR imaging yielded information additional to that acquired with US in 28 (38%) of 74 fetuses. The additional findings were confirmed in 19 of the 28 fetuses at postnatal follow-up; no follow-up data were available for the other nine fetuses. Thoracic MR information affected care with regard to six (8%) of 74 fetuses. Mean gestational age of 15 fetuses with lung signal intensity (SI) slightly lower than that of amniotic fluid (28.4 weeks +/- 6.8 [SD]) at T2-weighted MR imaging was significantly older than that of 18 fetuses with intermediate SI (21.3 weeks +/- 4.3) (P <.05). Mean SI of 13 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAMs) and/or sequestrations (1.74 +/- 1.05) at T2-weighted MR imaging was significantly higher than that of the normal lungs of 33 fetuses (2.63 +/-.63) (P <.001). Among nine studies in which vessels were visualized in CCAMs and/or sequestrations, six involved a normal vascular branching pattern. Portions of the esophagus were seen in 31 (36%) of 85 fetuses. Nonvisualization of a major airway was not sufficient for diagnosis of pulmonary atresia. Visualization of a portion of the esophagus did not correlate with esophageal atresia. In all except one fetus, who had anhydramnios and pulmonary hypoplasia, and the fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, at least a portion of the diaphragm was visualized at MR imaging. CONCLUSION: MR imaging yields information additional to that yielded with US in fetuses with thoracic abnormalities.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

Expectant management of uterine dehiscence in the second trimester of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Uterine dehiscence and rupture are serious complications of pregnancy after a cesarean delivery. Management of uterine dehiscence diagnosed in second trimester can be controversial. CASE: A woman with a previous cesarean delivery was diagnosed with a uterine dehiscence at 20 weeks in the area of her prior cesarean incision. Although she was counseled regarding risks to herself and the fetus, she decided to continue the pregnancy. She was, therefore, managed expectantly until 31 weeks and delivered by cesarean because of fetal heart rate decelerations. The infant did well and was discharged home at 3 weeks of age. The patient remained asymptomatic after delivery. CONCLUSION: With close monitoring, expectant management of uterine dehiscence diagnosed in the second trimester is possible.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Tips and tricks of fetal MR imaging.

The technique of performing fetal MR examinations differs from routine pelvic MR imaging because the fetus is in motion, and image planes must be selected orthogonal to fetal anatomy. The small size of the fetus also increases examination difficulty because thin slices (limited by SNR) are often needed for adequate examination of anatomy and pathology. Knowledge of fetal anatomy and neonatal anatomy/ pathology are needed in the assessment of fetal MR imaging. Knowledge of MR artifacts aids in image interpretation.

Artifacts↗