Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(4):156-162
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000400002
PURPOSE: to analyze the differential diagnosis, follow-up and therapeutic approach in five cases of primary cardiac tumors diagnosed during the prenatal period. METHODS: during the period from January 1997 to December 2008, 7989 pregnant women were submitted to morphological ultrasound due to the presence of risk factors for fetal malformations. Fetuses with hyperechogenic intracardiac masses larger than 1 mm diagnosed by ultrasound evaluation of the fetal heart, were selected for study. The differential diagnosis between the different tumor types was made on the basis of the ultrasound characteristics of the masses. RESULTS: five fetuses with hiperechogenic intracardiac masses were diagnosed, corresponding to a 0.06% prevalence rate. Gestational age ranged from 28 to 36 weeks (mean: 31), and maternal age ranged from 23 to 45 years (mean: 34,2). The most frequent location of the masses was the left ventricle (100%). Echographically, all masses were single or multiple, hyperechogenic, homogeneous and well delimited, compatible with a diagnosis of rhabomyoma. In cases in which the diameters of the masses were less than 20 mm, an expectant conduct was followed and no complications occurred during the prenatal period. One case with a huge tumor presented arrhythmia and cardiac insufficiency during the 35 gestational weeks, and the interruption of pregnancy was indicated. Tuberous sclerosis was associated in four cases (80%) and the diagnosis was confirmed during the postnatal follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: fetal morphological ultrasonography is the main form of early detection of primary cardiac tumors. The fetal cardiac evaluation is of fundamental importance for the differential morphological characterization of cardiac masses and for the evaluation of cardiac function. Rhabdomyomas are the most common type of fetal tumor. An expectant pre and postnatal conduct is followed, with a low risk of complications and with the possibility of spontaneous regression in most cases. Postnatal clinical follow-up is mandatory due to the high frequency of associated tuberous sclerosis.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2003;25(3):201-205
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000300009
PURPOSE: to study frequency of the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE), characterizing some factors that may interfere in its practice. METHOD: during one month, 505 women, who were patients of the "Centro de Saúde Escola-Marco (Belém-Pará)", were interviewed, answering questions about the practice and knowledge on breast self-examination and associated factors. Statistical analysis was perfoprmed using the chi2 test. RESULTS: 96% of the women knew about BSE. Among these, 58.9% learned about it via the midia. However, the way that provided the most correct practice was medical orientation (37.5%). Only 21.8% of the women performed the examination monthly. The main reason for the low adhesion was unfamiliarity with the technique (48.2%). Women between 30 and 39 years presented the highest percentage of monthly practice (30.2%). The women (58.2%) who carried out the monthly examination had at least an incomplete high school degree. In 58.7% of the cases, the gynecologist did not stimulate the practice of the BSE. CONCLUSIONS: although BSE is known by practically all the interviewees, more than one third of them do not practice it. The main reason of the low adhesion was the unfamiliarity with the technique. Level of instruction and age of the women interfered in the practice of BSE, but presence of breast cancer cases in the family did not.