Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Lopez-Tello, Zoe Schofield, Raymond Kiu, Matthew J. Dalby, Douwe van Sinderen, Gwenaelle Le Gall, Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri, Lindsay J. Hall
Summary: This study demonstrates that the bacterium Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003, a key member of the maternal gut microbiota, modulates maternal body adaptations, placental structure, and nutrient transporter capacity, with implications for fetal metabolism and growth.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Charis Bourgioti, Marianna Konidari, Sofia Gourtsoyianni, Lia Angela Moulopoulos
Summary: There has been a growing demand for medical imaging in pregnant women over the last few decades, but it is challenging due to the involvement of both the mother and the fetus, leading to various medical, ethical, and legal considerations. In practice, concerns over fetal safety often result in unnecessary avoidance of useful diagnostic tests, particularly those involving ionizing radiation. This review article focuses on safety guidelines and considerations for using different imaging modalities in pregnant women, as well as imaging work-ups for common medical conditions with an emphasis on fetal and maternal safety.
DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL IMAGING
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Gabriella Iannuzzo, Angelo Campanozzi, Viola Trevisani, Irene Rutigliano, Veronica Abate, Domenico Rendina, Gianpaolo De Filippo
Summary: The aim of this mini-review is to present the current knowledge on iodine requirements in developmental age, from conception to adolescence. It is based on the analysis of updated national and international guidelines on iodine intake and the prevention of iodine deficiency. Health policy initiatives carried out in industrialized countries in previous decades have led to a dramatic improvement in nutritional iodine status in the general population. However, the prevention of iodine deficit continues to be a concern, especially for vulnerable categories, like adolescents and pregnant women.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Constantin Kappas
Summary: This article discusses the management and evaluation of radiation doses for pregnant women and pregnant workers in clinical settings where ionizing radiation is used. The study found that the majority of conventional radiographic procedures and diagnostic procedures in nuclear medicine are at doses much lower than the exposure associated with fetal harm. However, certain therapies in nuclear medicine, Radiation Therapy, multiple CT scans, and invasive radiology have the potential to cause serious damage to the fetus.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Lisa Story, Caroline L. Knight, Alison Ho, Sophie Arulkumaran, Jacqueline Matthews, Holly Lovell, Laura McCabe, Megan Byrne, Alexia Egloff, Audrey E. T. Jacques, Jim Carmichael, Jo Hajnal, Andrew Shennan, Mary Rutherford
Summary: The study evaluated the incidence of unexpected findings in both the mother and fetus during antenatal MRI examinations, finding that incidental findings are common during antenatal MRIs. Therefore, appropriate counseling for women and establishing robust follow-up and management protocols are essential before imaging.
PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eunhye Kim, Brenda Boyd
Summary: This article reviews the literature on radiation exposure for pregnant women, discussing the different risks depending on the gestational age and potential health effects of diagnostic imaging procedures. It also emphasizes the importance of improved communication to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure to pregnant women and their fetuses.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Fionnuala Mone, Samantha Doyle, Asfa Ahmad, Hala Abu Subieh, Susan Hamilton, Stephanie Allen, Tamas Marton, Denise Williams, Mark D. Kilby
Summary: Consanguineous couples, especially of Pakistani ethnicity, tend to have lower uptake of prenatal testing and higher risks of fetal anomaly recurrence and perinatal death. Despite advancements in genomic sequencing technologies, they are less likely to reach a unifying diagnosis due to lower acceptance of prenatal invasive testing. Proactive genetic counseling and education are needed to optimize reproductive choices for consanguineous couples.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
M. Zhang, H. Wen, M. Liang, Y. Qin, Q. Zeng, D. Luo, X. Zhong, S. Li
Summary: This study evaluates the diagnostic value of Sylvian fissure hyperechogenicity by prenatal ultrasound in fetuses with SAH. The results indicate that the typical manifestation of fetal SAH is hyperechogenicity in the subarachnoid cavity, especially in the Sylvian fissure. Based on these findings, a diagnostic approach has been proposed.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURORADIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yasuyuki Kojita, Hidetoshi Matsuo, Tomonori Kanda, Mizuho Nishio, Keitaro Sofue, Munenobu Nogami, Atsushi K. Kono, Masatoshi Hori, Takamichi Murakami
Summary: The study found that a deep learning model can accurately predict gestational age from fetal brain MRI images acquired after the first trimester.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Camille Codaccioni, Pierre Mace, Guillaume Gorincour, David Grevent, Helene Heckenroth, Thierry Merrot, Kathia Chaumoitre, Naziha Khen-Dunlop, Yves Ville, Laurent J. Salomon, Florence Bretelle
Summary: This study assessed the contribution and impact of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in managing fetal gastroschisis. The results showed that MRI confirmed the diagnosis of suspected gastroschisis and provided additional relevant information in some cases. However, for patients without specific ultrasound signs or undergoing routine MRI, no significant information was obtained. The study suggests that MRI can benefit patients with intraabdominal bowel dilatation in providing more precise prenatal counseling to predict postnatal intestinal complications.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Huimin Tao, Lin Zhang, Fangfang Tan, Yu Han, Xuezhen Wang, Jiebin Wu, Jingfang Zhai
Summary: In this study, the genetic etiology of fetal ventriculomegaly (VM) and related pregnancy outcomes were systematically investigated. Chromosomal abnormalities and copy number variations (CNVs) were found to be associated with VM. Dynamic ultrasound screening and multidisciplinary evaluation were also essential in assessing the possible outcomes of fetuses with VM.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charles Megier, Gregoire Dumery, Dominique Luton
Summary: Thyroid hormones and iodine are crucial for regulating various physiological functions, such as metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and fetal development. Imbalances in thyroid and iodine metabolism can have negative effects, especially during pregnancy. The placenta, as the interface between the mother and fetus, plays a vital role in regulating thyroid and iodine metabolism. This review provides an update on the current understanding of thyroid and iodine metabolism in both normal and pathological pregnancies, highlighting their importance for maternal and fetal health.
Article
Virology
Maria Y. Valdespino-Vazquez, Cecilia A. Helguera-Repetto, Moises Leon-Juarez, Oscar Villavicencio-Carrisoza, Arturo Flores-Pliego, Elsa R. Moreno-Verduzco, Diana L. Diaz-Perez, Isabel Villegas-Mota, Elba Carrasco-Ramirez, Irma E. Lopez-Martinez, David M. Giraldo-Gomez, Rosalia Lira, Martha Yocupicio-Monroy, Mario Rodriguez-Bosch, Edgar E. Sevilla-Reyes, Manuel Cortes-Bonilla, Sandra Acevedo-Gallegos, Horacio Merchant-Larios, Jorge Arturo Cardona-Perez, Claudine Irles
Summary: The study found that congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection is possible during the first trimester of pregnancy, leading to damage in placenta and fetal organs, with organs like lungs and kidneys being specific targets for the coronavirus.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Feifei Qu, Taotao Sun, Yongsheng Chen, Brijesh Kumar Yadav, Ling Jiang, Zhaoxia Qian, E. Mark Haacke
Summary: The study utilized STAGE imaging to estimate tissue properties in the fetal brain, finding that the ratios of T-1app and PDapp in different regions varied, indicating the potential utility of STAGE imaging for assessing fetal brain properties.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sailing Chen, Dongyan Tian, Xuewei Yang, Qingqing Yin, Li Li, Yijing Lin, Shuangshuang Liu, Huiqian Chen, Mingyao Zhang, Jiajin Lin, Xiaosheng Lu, Ping Duan, Yijie Chen
Summary: This study evaluated the biocompatibility and safety of red blood cell-membrane coated nanoparticles in pregnant mice and their offspring. The results showed that these nanoparticles were generally safe and biocompatible for both maternal mice during pregnancy and subsequent juvenile mice post-birth, although further studies are needed to examine higher dosage or longer-term measurements.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Joao Calvao, Ana Filipa Amador, Catarina Martins da Costa, Paulo Maia Araujo, Teresa Pinho, Joao Freitas, Sandra Amorim, Filipe Macedo
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the admissions and clinical course of ACS patients, resulting in fewer admissions but more severe cases. The lockdown measures may have contributed to delayed medical care seeking among ACS patients.
REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tania Proenca, Carla Sousa, Ricardo Alves Pinto, Filipe Macedo
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Miguel Martins de Carvalho, Raquel Mota Garcia, Cristina Cruz, Filipe Macedo
Summary: This case presents a patient with a rare condition who underwent a Senning procedure to alleviate the condition. The patient developed a long-term arrhythmic complication that required intervention and implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). This highlights the necessity of performing off-label procedures to address long-term complications in complex patients.
CARDIOLOGY IN THE YOUNG
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ricardo Alves Pinto, Tania Proenca, Miguel Martins Carvalho, Goncalo Pestana, Ana Lebreiro, Luis Adao, Filipe Macedo
Summary: This study evaluated new conduction disturbances (CD) and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It was found that left bundle branch block (LBBB) was the most frequent CD, while right bundle branch block (RBBB) was a major risk factor for advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) and PPM implantation.
ARQUIVOS BRASILEIROS DE CARDIOLOGIA
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Miguel Martins de Carvalho, Mariana Vasconcelos, Andre Carvalho, Cristina Cruz, Filipe Macedo
Summary: This is a case report of a 41-year-old patient with complex and unknown cardiac anatomy, who had previously undergone two cardiac surgeries. Retrospective diagnosis using multimodality imaging revealed a heterotaxy syndrome (left isomerism).
CARDIOLOGY IN THE YOUNG
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mariana Pintalhao, Francisco Vasques-Novoa, Benedita Couto-Viana, Maria Joao Pimentel, Joao Sergio Neves, Luis Mendonca, Francisca Saraiva, Andre P. Lourenco, Guilherme Ferreira, Filipe Macedo, Jose Paulo Araujo, Pedro von Hafe, Jorge Almeida, Joao Pedro Ferreira, Paulo Castro-Chaves, Adelino Leite-Moreira
Summary: In chronic HFpEF patients, higher levels of relaxin-2 were associated with left chambers remodelling, congestion, and adverse prognosis. These findings support a potential role for relaxin-2 as a pathophysiological agent and circulating biomarker in HFpEF.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sofia Torres, Mariana Vasconcelos, Marta Tavares Silva, Jorge Moreira, Joao Carlos Silva, Filipe Macedo
Summary: Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare abnormalities that are often detected incidentally during invasive coronary angiography (ICA). This study aimed to investigate the clinical, angiographic, and management features of CAFs in a population undergoing ICA. The results showed that the prevalence of CAFs was 0.2% in the ICA population studied. The majority of CAFs originated from the left anterior descending artery (LAD), and the pulmonary artery was the main drainage site. Chest pain was the most common symptom, and heart murmur was the most frequent sign. Conservative management was the main approach, but both percutaneous and surgical techniques were safe and effective for patients requiring intervention.
REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ana Neto, Carlos Xavier Resende, Marta Tavares Silva, Joao Carlos Silva, Filipe Macedo
Summary: In this observational study, we presented a novel percutaneous PFO closure system that showed favorable safety and efficacy outcomes. The technique involved surgical suture-mediated closure and had clear advantages.
REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tania Proenca, Miguel Martins Carvalho, Ricardo Alves Pinto, Paula Dias, Filipe Macedo
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the clinical background, therapeutic management, and clinical outcomes in SCAD patients. The results showed that SCAD mainly affects young or middle-aged women, with the left anterior descending artery being the most commonly involved vessel and type 2 dissection being the most prevalent. Additionally, this study revealed a correlation between type 2 SCAD and a lower risk of recurrence.
REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Miguel Martins de Carvalho, Ana Paula Machado, Rui Andre Rodrigues, Joao Carlos Silva, Cristina Cruz, Filipe Macedo
Summary: We report a case of a pregnant patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and severe atrioventricular bioprosthesis regurgitation, who was at high maternal and fetal risk due to volume overload. She underwent an off-label post-partum transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation with a Sapiens 3 valve, resulting in a successful procedure. She remains asymptomatic 30 months after and had another successful pregnancy.
CARDIOLOGY IN THE YOUNG
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Miguel Martins de Carvalho, Ricardo Alves Pinto, Tania Proenca, Mariana Paiva, Carla Sousa, Joao Carlos Silva, Filipe Macedo
REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
A. Amador, C. Martins Da Costa, J. Calvao, R. Pinto, T. Proenca, J. M. Carvalho, A. Cabrita, C. Marques, A. Pinho, L. Santos, C. Oliveira, H. Moreira, P. Palma, C. Sousa, F. Macedo
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
A. Amador, C. Martins Da Costa, J. Calvao, J. M. Carvalho, T. Proenca, R. Pinto, C. Marques, A. Cabrita, L. Santos, C. Oliveira, A. Pinho, P. Palma, M. Rocha, C. Sousa, F. Macedo
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
A. Amador, C. Martins Da Costa, C. Calvao, R. Pinto, T. Proenca, J. M. Carvalho, A. Cabrita, C. Marques, A. Pinho, L. Santos, C. Oliveira, P. Palma, M. Paiva, J. C. Silva, F. Macedo
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tania Proenca, Ricardo Alves Pinto, Miguel Martins de Carvalho, Carla Sousa, Paula Dias, Manuel Campelo, Filipe Macedo
ARQUIVOS BRASILEIROS DE CARDIOLOGIA
(2022)
