Background: Parametrial tumor involvement is an important prognostic factor in cervical cancer and is used to guide management. Here, we investigate the diagnostic value of clinical examination under general anesthesia (EUA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining parametrial tumor spread. Methods: Post-operative pathological findings of 400 patients with primary cervical cancer were compared to the respective MRI data and the results from EUA. The gynecological oncologist had access to the MR images during clinical assessment (augmented EUA, aEUA). Results: Pathologically proven parametrial tumor invasion was present in 165 (41%) patients. aEUA exhibited a higher accuracy than MRI alone (83% vs. 76%; McNemar’s odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95%CI 1.25–3.27, p = 0.003). Although accuracy was not affected by tumor size in aEUA, MRI was associated with a lower accuracy in tumors ≥2.5 cm (OR for a correct diagnosis compared to smaller tumors 0.22, p < 0.001). There was also a decrease in specificity when evaluating parametrial invasion by MRI in tumors ≥2.5 cm in diameter (p < 0.0001) compared to smaller tumors (< 2.5 cm). Body mass index had no influence on performance of either method. Conclusions: aEUA has the potential to increase the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in determining parametrial tumor involvement in cervical cancer patients.

Cervical carcinoma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Histological subtype, lymphovascular space invasion and tumor grade could have a prognostic and predictive value for patients’ outcome and the knowledge of these histologic characteristics may influence clinical decision making. However, studies evaluating the diagnostic value of various biopsy techniques regarding these parameters of cervical cancer are scarce. We reviewed 318 cases of cervical carcinoma with available pathology reports from preoperative core needle biopsy (CNB) assessment and from final postoperative evaluation of the hysterectomy specimen. Setting the postoperative comprehensive pathological evaluation as reference, we analysed CNB assessment of histological tumor characteristics. In addition, we performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors influencing the accuracy in identifying LVSI and tumor grade. CNB was highly accurate in discriminating histological subtype. Sensitivity and specificity were 98.8% and 89% for squamous cell carcinoma, 92.9% and 96.6% for adenocarcinoma, 33.3% and 100% in adenosquamous carcinoma respectively. Neuroendocrine carcinoma was always recognized correctly. The accuracy of the prediction of LVSI was 61.9% and was positively influenced by tumor size in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and negatively influenced by strong peritumoral inflammation. High tumor grade (G3) was diagnosed accurately in 73.9% of cases and was influenced by histological tumor type. In conclusion, CNB is an accurate sampling technique for histological classification of cervical cancer and represents a reasonable alternative to other biopsy techniques.

Intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy (ICP) represents, depending on its severity, a serious risk for the fetus. Those cases with unusually high bile acid levels may be resistant to pharmaceutical treatment and can be treated with plasma exchange or albumin dialysis. However, the success rate of these therapeutic options and the factors influencing therapeutic response are unknown. Furthermore, if these options fail to improve ICP and serum bile acid levels are very high (>200 μm/L), there are no clear recommendations when delivery should be planned. Here, we report a patient with severe ICP resistant to both therapeutic plasma exchange and albumin dialysis. Caesarean section was performed at 32 weeks of gestation followed by rapid remission of ICP.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of preoperative core needle biopsy (CNB) assessment of histological characteristics in primary cervical cancer. Setting: Retrospective cohort study. Population: Women older than 18 with primary cervical cancer enrolled in the prospective Leipzig School MMR study and had CNBs taken before their operation. Methods: We reviewed 318 cases of cervical carcinoma with available pathology reports from preoperative CNB assessment and from final postoperative evaluation of the hysterectomy specimen. Setting the postoperative comprehensive pathological evaluation as reference, we analysed CNB assessment of histological tumor characteristics. In addition, we performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors influencing the accuracy in identifying lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and tumor grade. Main outcome measures: Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of CNB assessment of histological tumor characteristics and the variables influencing these. Results: CNB was highly accurate in discriminating histological subtype. Sensitivity and specificity were 98.8% and 89% for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 92.9% and 96.6% for adenocarcinoma (AC), 33.3% and 100% in adenosquamous carcinoma respectively. Neuroendocrine carcinoma was always recognized correctly. The accuracy of the prediction of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) was 61.9% and was positively influenced by tumor size in preoperative MRI and negatively influenced by strong peritumoral inflammation. High tumor grade was diagnosed accurately in 73.9% of cases and was influenced by histological tumor type. Conclusions: CNB is an accurate sampling technique for histological classification of cervical cancer and represents a reasonable alternative to other biopsy techniques. Funding: “Stiftung gynäkologische Onkologie” (non-profit-organization).

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