Successful embolization for uterine hemorrhage in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia

A successful embolization for life-threatening uterine hemorrhage is described in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. On admission the patient was in the 6th week of gestation with incomplete abortion and uterine hemorrhage. In addition to combination chemotherapy and anticoagulant therapy, dilatation and curettage were also performed. After the operation the uterine hemorrhage was progressively increased in amount and was not responsive to usual measures. Embolization of bilateral uterine arteries using Gelfoam was performed with a dramatic improvement of the hemorrhage.     

Localized benign mesothelioma of the pleura: case report and review of the literature

Localized benign mesothelioma of the pleura is a rather uncommon disease with good prognosis after successful tumor extirpation. We present the history of a 66-year-old patient, in whom tumor growth could be observed retrospectively over a period of 6 years. The tumor was extirpated successfully. On the basis of this history and a review of the literature epidemiologic, clinical, radiologic, pathological and prognostic criteria of the tumor are described.     

Dissecting aneurysm during pregnancy and the puerperium

According to Schnitker, Mandel, Hirst and their associates, approximately half of the dissecting aneurysms in women under 40 years of age are associated with pregnancy. This significant relationship between dissecting aneurysm and pregnancy has been discussed by considering hemodynamic stress and also the hormonal changes of pregnancy. In this report, we describe five patients with dissecting aneurysm during pregnancy or the puerperium, review the literature and discuss the influence of pregnancy on the pathogenesis of this disease.