Disseminated epithelial cells in BM are associated with poor clinical outcome in breast cancer patients. However, the presence of these cells is not a sufficient parameter to predict growing metastases in the majority of patients, suggesting that epithelial cells in the BM of breast cancer patients at the time of surgery have limited metastatic potential. The role of these cells needs to be further evaluated.

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We report a rare case of fetal goitrous hypothyroidism complicated by polyhydramnios and preterm labor in a mother without thyroid gland pathology. The diagnosis was made in the 26th week by ultrasound and cordocentesis [TSH 170 µU/ml, free T₄ 0.2 ng/dl]. The therapeutic regime required repeated fetal blood sampling for determination of thyroid hormones. Five intra-amniotic administrations of 250 µg levothyroxine (LT4) weekyl were initiated. Because of the persisting goiter and the elevated level of TSH (128 µU/ml in 32 weeks) in the fetal serum the dosage had to be adjusted to 500 µg LT4 in the next five injections. TSH in fetal serum declined to 49.2 µU/ml in 36 weeks. Normal fetal growth and an uncomplicated course of pregnancy between the 27th and 37th week of gestation were observed. Monitoring of intrauterine therapy by determination of TSH in fetal serum may provide more reliable data than measuring TSH in amniotic fluid. A review of 15 cases of fetal goitrous hypothyroidism in the English literature is presented.