Objective To estimate the prevalence of Bartholin gland cysts in asymptomatic women serving as control participants who underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of research studies. The secondary aim was to investigate potential demographic characteristics associated with Bartholin gland cysts. Methods Pelvic MRIs from 430 control participants enrolled in five research projects were evaluated. All images were evaluated by at least two authors. The presence, laterality, and size of Bartholin gland cysts were recorded. Demographic information for each participant was obtained at the time of enrollment in the respective parent study. Results Approximately 3% of the participants had visible Bartholin gland cysts in MRI scans. Fifty-percent of the cysts were identified on the right side, 42.9% were seen on the left side, and 7.1% were bilateral. The cysts were, on average, 1.3 × 1.2 × 1.3 cm, with dimensions ranging from 0.5 – 2.7 cm. There were no demographic differences between women with and without visible Bartholin gland cysts. Conclusion Bartholin gland cysts occur in 3% of adult women. The cysts affect women of broad ranges of age and parity. Women with visible Bartholin gland cysts are demographically similar to women without cysts on pelvic imaging.

Objective The objective of this study was to review a single institution's experience with colovaginal fistulas to provide guidance towards identification and management of this problem. Methods Patients with colovaginal fistulas treated by two senior surgeons between January 1, 1990 and June 31, 2011 were identified. A retrospective chart review was then performed to determine presenting characteristics and history, evaluation for the fistulas, and treatment outcomes. Results 19 patients were identified. The average age was 63.5 years and median parity 2. 37% complained of flatus per vagina, 89% reported stool per vagina, and 68% noted vaginal discharge. 95% had previously undergone hysterectomy. The fistulas were identified at the left vaginal apex in 90% of the subjects. Self-reported history and/or operative findings suggested diverticulitis as the most common etiology (79% of the subjects). All subjects underwent sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis, with complete symptom resolution in 84%. Conclusions Patients with colovaginal fistulas commonly present for primary evaluation by gynecologists. A triad of symptoms and history should trigger a high index of suspicion for colovaginal fistulas: 1) Complaints of stool or flatus per vagina or foul-smelling vaginitis resistant to treatment; 2) Previous hysterectomy; and 3) History of diverticulitis. The fistulas can often be visualized on speculum examination at the left vaginal apex. Rolling the patient from left-to-right lateral decubitus positions during a contrast enema study can improve its sensitivity. Repair of colovaginal fistulas via rectosigmoid resection and primary reanastomosis is safe and effective. We recommend multidisciplinary management involving colorectal surgery and gynecology.

Purposeof Review: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is often misdiagnosed or recognized late. Clinical heterogeneity and overlap with other dementias impede accurate diagnosis. FTD biomarkers are limited, expensive and invasive. We present a narrative review of the current literature focused on optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify retinal biomarkers of dementia, discuss OCT findings in FTD, and explore the implications of an FTD-specific ocular biomarker for research and patient care.Recent Findings:Recent studies suggest that outer retinal thinning detected via OCT may function as a novel ocular biomarker of FTD. The degree and rate of inner retinal thinning may correlate with disease severity and progression. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), OCT demonstrates thinning of the inner retina, which may differentiate this condition from FTD.Methods:We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature and reviewed published OCT findings in FTD, AD, and mild cognitive impairment, as well as reports on biomarkers of FTD and AD utilized in the research and patient care settings. Three of the authors (OM, NSK, and KZY) independently conducted literature searches using PubMed® to identify studies published before May 01, 2020 using the following search terminology: “Alzheimer’s disease,” “Alzheimer’s dementia,” “Frontotemporal dementia,” “FTD,” “mild cognitive impairment,” “dementia biomarkers,” and “neurodegeneration biomarkers.” Search results were then refined using one or more of the following keywords: “optical coherence tomography,” “optical coherence tomography angiography,” “retinal imaging,” and “retinal thinning.” The selection of published works for inclusion in this narrative review was then limited to full-text manuscripts written in English based on consensus agreement of the authors.Summary:FTD diagnosis is imprecise, emphasizing the need for improved state and trait biomarkers. OCT imaging of the retina holds considerable potential for establishing effective ocular biomarkers for FTD.