When Is Fetal Echocardiography

Not all pregnant women need a fetal echocardiogram. For most women, a basic ultrasound will show that all four chambers of their baby’s heart have developed. Your obstetrician may recommend that you have this procedure done if previous tests detected an abnormal heartbeat in the fetus.

You may also need this test if:

• your unborn child is at risk for a heart abnormality or other disorder present at birth
• you have a family history of heart disease
• you already have a child with a heart condition
• you’ve used drugs or alcohol during your pregnancy
• you’ve taken certain medications or been exposed to medications that can cause heart defects, such as medications used to treat epilepsy or prescription acne drugs
• you have other medical conditions, including rubella, type 1 diabetes, lupus, or phenylketonuria, which is an inability to break down an important amino acid called phenylalanine

Some obstetricians can perform this test themselves. Usually, an experienced ultrasound technician, or ultrasonographer, performs the test. A cardiologist who specializes in pediatric medicine will then review the results after your test is finished.

What Happens During the Examination?

This test is similar to a routine pregnancy ultrasound. If it’s performed through your abdomen, it’s called an abdominal echocardiography. If it’s performed through your vagina, it’s called a transvaginal echocardiography.

Abdominal Echocardiography

An abdominal echocardiography is very much like an ultrasound. You’ll be asked to lie down and expose your belly. An ultrasound technician will apply a special lubricating jelly to your skin. This prevents friction so that the ultrasound transducer, which is a device that sends and receives sound waves, can be rubbed on your skin. The jelly also helps transmit the sound waves.

The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves through your body. The waves echo as they hit a dense object, such as your unborn child’s heart. Those echoes are then reflected back into a computer. The sound waves are too high-pitched for the human ear to hear.

The technician will move the transducer all around your stomach to get images of different parts of your baby’s heart.

After the procedure, the gel will be cleaned off your abdomen. You can then continue with your normal activities.

Transvaginal Echocardiography

For a transvaginal echocardiography, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on the exam table. A technician will insert a small probe into your vagina. From there, the probe will use sound waves to create an image of your baby’s heart.

A transvaginal echocardiography is typically used in earlier stages of pregnancy. It may provide a clearer image of the fetal heart.

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Are There Any Risks Associated with This Exam?

There are no risks associated with the echocardiogram because it uses ultrasound technology and no radiation.

What Do the Results Mean?

During your follow-up appointment, your doctor will explain the results to you, answer any questions you might have, and refer you to any appropriate resources or specialists needed to treat your unborn child’s condition.

Generally, normal results mean that no cardiac abnormality was found. If your doctor finds an issue, such as a heart defect, rhythm abnormality, or other problem, you may need to have more tests, such as a fetal MRI or other high-level ultrasounds. You may also need to have this test done more than once or go in for additional testing if your doctor thinks something else could be wrong.

It’s important to remember that an echocardiography can’t always be used to diagnose every condition. Some problems, such as a hole in the heart, are difficult to see even with advanced equipment. Your doctor will explain what the test can and cannot di

Why Is This Test Important?

Abnormal results from a fetal echocardiography can be inconclusive or require that you get more testing to figure out what might be wrong. Once a diagnosis is determined, you can better manage your pregnancy and prepare for delivery. Information from this test will help you and your doctor plan any treatments that may need to happen after delivery, such as correctional surgery. You can also get the support and counseling you need to make good decisions for the remainder of your pregnancy.

 

Double vision is the perception of two images of a single object seen adjacent to each other (horizontally, vertically, or obliquely) or overlapping. Double vision is medically termed diplopia. Polyplopia is the perception of three or more images of a single object overlapping each other.

Most causes of monocular diplopia stem from poor focusing of light by the eye. Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) are common. Dry eye (from a variety of causes such as meibomitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and decreased tear production following refractive surgery) can produce diplopia that varies with blinking. Cataracts (clouding of the natural lens) and posterior capsule opacification (after cataract surgery) are common in people over 60 years of age. Other conditions that interfere with proper focusing of light include corneal irregularity from swelling or scars and retinal conditions, such as epiretinal membranes. Rarely is the underlying cause a medical emergency in cases of monocular diplopia.

Binocular diplopia on the other hand is produced by a misalignment of the eyes, which can be caused by life-threatening conditions. For example, aneurysms, strokes, trauma (head injury), and brain swelling (such as from brain cancer) can interfere with the nerves that control the extraocular muscles. The extraocular muscles move the eyes in different direction of gaze, much like the strings on a marionette, and when one or more muscle is weakened or paralyzed, it is referred to as cranial nerve palsy. In multiple sclerosis, lesions in regions of the brain that control eye alignment may result in diplopia that varies over time. Guillain-Barré syndrome can produce diplopia from restricted eye movement due to nerve damage. Migraineheadaches can cause a sudden but temporary eye misalignment. Diseases such as myasthenia gravis can interfere with the communication between the nerves and the eye muscles to cause diplopia. And the eye muscles themselves can be damaged or compressed by conditions such as Graves’ disease (often associated with thyroid disease), orbital inflammations, vascular disease (as seen with diabetes and high blood pressure), and others. Following traumatic fracture of the orbital bones, muscles and orbital tissue may be trapped in the fracture, leading to restriction of eye movement in certain directions of gaze. Sometimes the cause is relatively harmless, such as when the eye muscles or neurologic signals to the muscles weaken with fatigue or illness. Inability to align the eyes when focusing on a near object (convergence insufficiency) is a common benign cause of intermittent binocular diplopia that can often be treated with prism glasses.

Images may appear to overlap each other or may appear adjacent to each other. Diplopia may vary depending on the direction of gaze or with tilting or turning of the head.

One of the most critical features to determine is whether the diplopia is monocular or binocular. In monocular diplopia, the double vision is caused by a condition within one or both eyes and does not resolve when one eye is covered. In binocular diplopia, the eyes are misaligned. Each eye sees a single image when working alone, as when one eye is covered, but when both eyes are open the brain perceives two adjacent images.

How do health-care professionals diagnose the cause of double vision?

A thorough evaluation of double vision begins with a detailed history of the diplopia, including onset (gradual or sudden), duration, frequency (intermittent or constant), and variability with head position or eye gaze, noting any associated symptoms (pain, headache, nausea, and weight loss among others), and a complete history of past and current medical conditions. The physical examination includes measuring the visual acuity in each eye and assessing whether the diplopia is monocular or binocular. Careful examination of the eyes’ alignment in various head positions is performed if the diplopia is binocular. A complete eye examination, which may include dilating the eyes, is performed to look for any ocular or orbital abnormalities. Particular attention is paid to the pupils and eyelid position if a neurologic cause is suspected. In some instances, specialized imaging (topography, CT, MRI, etc.) and other tests are needed to further investigate possible causes. When a life- or vision-threatening cause is suspected, time may is of the essence.

Diplopia stemming from refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Dry eyes are treated with artificial tears, punctal plugs, warm compresses, and a variety of other treatments. Cataracts are removed with surgery, and posterior capsule opacification (after cataract surgery) is treated with laser. It is uncommon for the cause of monocular diplopia to be a medical emergency.

Binocular diplopia on the other hand can be caused by life-threatening conditions, and emergency treatment may be necessary. This is particularly the case with aneurysms, head trauma, stroke, and other neurologic conditions. Any onset of diplopia with accompanying neurologic symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of balance, etc., should be evaluated immediately.

Diplopia produced by chronic diseases (see causes above) may subside with treatment of the underlying disease. If eye muscles are engorged (such as from Graves’ disease) or entrapped (as after traumatic orbital fracture), surgery of the muscles or surrounding tissue may correct the problem.

Convergence insufficiency, or inability to align the eyes when focusing on a near object, is a common benign cause of intermittent binocular diplopia when reading. It can improve with eye exercises (“pencil pushups” prescribed by the eye doctor).

Often glasses with prisms can be worn to correct binocular diplopia. If the diplopia is expected to resolve, temporary prisms (Fresnel prisms) can be added to glasses and later removed when the eyes realign.

What are the different types of fibroids?

There are many different types of fibroids. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can present with a wide range of symptoms.

Fibroids can be divided into submucosal, intramural or subserosal:

• Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids are located just underneath the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, and protrude into the uterine cavity.  Submucosal fibroids can vary in how much of the fibroid protrudes into the uterine cavity and how much is in the muscle of the uterus. They often cause heavy bleeding and long periods, but they can also cause irregular bleeding.
  
  
• Intramural fibroids:  These fibroids are found predominantly in the myometrium, or muscle of the uterus. Depending on their size and location, these fibroids can also extend toward and distort the uterine cavity or protrude outside the uterus.  Intramural fibroids can be asymptomatic (causing no symptoms), cause bleeding abnormalities, or cause pressure and bulk symptoms.
• Subserosal fibroids: These fibroids are located near the outside of the uterus.  They can be partially in the myometrium (muscle of the uterus) or hanging off the outside of the uterus. They can cause bulk symptoms such as bladder or rectal pressure.

What symptoms do fibroids cause?

Most fibroids cause no symptoms at all. Depending on their size, location and number, fibroids can become significantly problematic.

Some common symptoms associated with fibroids include:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy or long periods
• Bulk and pressure symptoms
• Bladder pressure, frequent urination
• Rectal pressure, constipation
• Infertility or recurrent miscarriages/pregnancy loss
• Pregnancy complications
• Pain
• Anemia

What are the treatment options for fibroids?

There is a wide range of treatment options for fibroids.  Many factors influence treatment choice.  These include symptoms, fibroid location, size and number, age, reproductive plans and a woman’s preferences.

There is medical management:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agnosits):This medication is given as an injection (shot), either every month or every three months, and puts you in a temporary state of menopause. While on the medication the fibroids shrink. Once the medication is stopped, the fibroids usually re-grow and symptoms return. GnRH agonists are usually used to prepare women for surgery or to bridge women close to their natural menopause. GnRH agonists are not usually used for long-term treatment.

Other hormone treatments, including:

• Progestins (oral, by injection or intra-uterine device [IUD]), oral contraceptive pills, androgenic agents (such as danazol) and anti-estrogens (such as raloxifene) have been used to try to control heavy bleeding in women with fibroids. However, these medications do not consistently decrease the size of the fibroids or uterus and are usually ineffective in reducing the amount of bleeding.

There is surgical management:

• The surgical procedures provided at the MIGS Center combine current technology, and medical and surgical expertise to treat fibroids on an outpatient basis.
• Myomectomy is a surgical procedure in which only the fibroids are removed, preserving the uterus. As an alternative to hysterectomy, one advantage of a myomectomy is that with the uterus in place, childbearing remains an option. A disadvantage of a myomectomy is that when the uterus remains in place, fibroids can recur, sometimes requiring additional surgery.

Fibroids can be removed by hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic myomectomy or an open abdominal myomectomy.

• Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a technique used to remove fibroids that are submucosal. A hysteroscope, a thin tube containing a video camera, is passed through the cervix and into the uterus. The fibroid is then removed by shaving it out. There are no incisions with a hysteroscopic myomectomy. It is a day surgery procedure (you typically leave the hospital 1 hour after the completion of the procedure) with a 1-day recovery period.
• Laparoscopic myomectomy is a technique used to remove fibroids that are intramural (deep in the muscle of the uterine wall), subserosal or pedunculated(on the outside of the uterus).  This minimally invasive technique uses a laparoscopic technique to remove the fibroids through very small incisions. It is a day surgery procedure (you typically leave the hospital 1-2 hours after the completion of the procedure) with a 1-2 week recovery period.
• Open myomectomy uses a traditional large abdominal incision to remove the fibroids. Most fibroids can be removed by minimally invasive techniques; the use of the open method is limited to women with specific situations where laparoscopic or hysteroscopic removal of fibroids is not appropriate.

• Uterine Artery Embolization/Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UAE/UFE) is performed by an interventional radiologist.  The blood flow to the uterus and/or fibroid is blocked, leading to necrosis and a gradual shrinkage of the fibroid.
• MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound uses ultrasound energy to heat and destroy the fibroid causing gradual shrinkage of the fibroid.
• Fibroids can be treated with a hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus with the fibroids. The hysterectomy can typically be done in a minimally invasive way.

If you have intestinal failure, you may receive all or most of your nutrients and calories intravenously through total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN is given through a catheter placed in the arm, groin, neck or chest. Patients on TPN may live for many years, but long-term use of TPN can result in serious complications, such as bone disorders, central venous catheter infections and liver disease. Our goal is to restore intestinal function to minimize and ultimately eliminate the need for TPN. Unfortunately, not every patient can be weaned from TPN. In these cases, we work to optimize the use of TPN and decrease the risk of complications.

Acne, medically known as Acne Vulgaris, is a skin disease that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. It commonly occurs during puberty when the sebaceous (oil) glands come to life – the glands are stimulated by male hormones produced by the adrenal glands of both males and females.

Acne is not dangerous, but can leave skin scars. Human skin has pores (tiny holes) which connect to oil glands located under the skin. The glands are connected to the pores via follicles – small canals. These glands produce Sebum, an oily liquid. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin. Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked, resulting in an accumulation of oil under the skin.

Causes of acne

Nobody is completely sure what causes acne. Experts believe the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels – androgen is a type of hormone. Androgen levels rise when a human becomes an adolescent. Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in your pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Some studies indicate that a susceptibility to acne could also be genetic. Some medications that contain androgen and lithium may cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may cause acne in some susceptible people. Hormone changes during pregnancy may cause acne either to develop for the first time, or to recur.

The types of acne pimples

Human skin has pores (tiny holes) which connect to oil glands located under the skin. The glands are connected to the pores via follicles – small canals. These glands produce Sebum, an oily liquid. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin.

• Whiteheads – remain under the skin and are very small
• Blackheads – clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help
• Papules – visible on the surface of the skin. They are small bumps, usually pink
• Pustules – clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top
• Nobules – clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the skin
• Cysts – clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars

 

How common is acne?

Dermatologists (skin specialists) say that approximately three-quarters of 11 to 30 year-olds will get acne at some time. Acne can affect people of all races and all ages. It most commonly affects adolescents and young adults, although there are people in their fifties who still get acne. According to Brown University, USA, approximately 17 million Americans are estimated to have acne at any one time.

Although acne affects both men and women, young men suffer from acne for longer – probably because testosterone, which is present in higher quantities in young men, can make acne worse.

Treating mild acne :

The majority of people who get acne will develop mild acne. This can usually be treated with OTC (over-the-counter) medications. OTC medications can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. They are usually applied to the skin – topical medicines.

Most acne OTC products may contain the following active ingredients:

• ResorcinolResorcinol helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. It is a crystalline phenol and comes from various resins. Resorcinol is also used for treating dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.
• Benzoyl PeroxideBenzoyl Peroxide kills bacteria and slows down your glands’ production of oil. Benzoyl peroxide is a white crystalline peroxide used in bleaching (flour or oils or fats) and as a catalyst for free radical reactions. It works as a peeling agent, accelerating skin turnover and clearing pores, which in turn reduces the bacterial count in the affected area.
• Salicylic AcidSalicylic Acid helps break down blackheads and whiteheads, also reduces shedding of cells which line the follicles of the oil glands, effective in treating inflammation and swelling. Salicylic acid is a white crystalline substance which is also used as a fungicide, or in making aspirin or dyes or perfumes. It causes the epidermis to shed skin more easily, prevents pores from becoming blocked while at the same time allowing room for new cells to grow. It is commonly added to shampoos used for treating dandruff.
• SulfurSulfur helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Sulfur, in its native form, is a yellow crystalline solid. Sulfur has been used for centuries for treating acne, psoriasis and eczema. Scientists are not sure how sulfur works to help skin diseases. We do know that elemental sulfur does oxidize slowly to sulfurous acid, which is a mild reducing and antibacterial agent.
• Retin-ARetin-A helps unplug blocked pores. Retin-A contains Tretinoin, an acid from of vitamin A, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Tretinoin is also used for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Retin-A has been used widely to combat aging of the skin, and it also acts as a chemical peel.
• Azelaic AcidAzelaic Acid strengthens cells that line the follicles, stops oil eruptions, reduces bacteria growth. It is a saturated dicarboxylic acid found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. Azelaic acid also mops up free radicals, which reduces inflammation. It is useful for patients with darker skin who have dark patches on their face (melasma), or whose acne spots leave persistent brown marks.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Chronic muscle pain, muscle spasms, or tightness
• Moderate or severe fatigue and decreased energy
• Insomnia or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep
• Stiffness upon waking or after staying in one position for too long
• Difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks (“fibro fog”)
• Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Tension or migraine headaches
• Jaw and facial tenderness
• Sensitivity to one or more of the following: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Increase in urinary urgency or frequency (irritable bladder)
• Reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain after exercise
• A feeling of swelling (without actual swelling) in the hands and feet

Definition

Paraplegia is a spinal cord injury that paralyses the lower limbs. It is a result of severe damage to the spinal cord and the nervous system. Paraplegia mainly affects the trunk, legs, and the pelvic region, resulting in loss of movement.

Causes of Paraplegia :

• Accidents
• Severe spinal cord injury
• Motor neuron disease
• Cancerous cell growth, tumors or blood clots within spinal cord
• Spina bifida
• Prolonged diseases
• Alcohol addiction

Categorization

There are two main categories – complete and incomplete. Complete paraplegia is witnessed when the injury affects the patient at the neurological level and it hinders the movement of limbs, whereas in case of incomplete paraplegia, some of the limbs are still moving.

Symptoms of Paraplegia

• Loss of ability to feel and move
• No control over bowel and bladder activities
• Intense pain or tingling sensation in the trunk, legs, and the pelvic region
• Problems in breathing and coughing
• Sexual function and fertility can be affected

There are no apparent symptoms that could be seen. Moreover, there may be delayed symptoms like numbness and paralyses.

Diagnosis of Paraplegia :

The doctors may diagnose paraplegia with the help of one of the following tests:

• Computerized CT Scan for a better understanding of the severity of the injury
• X-rays to examine any tumors or fractures in the spine
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to test for blood clots or any mass formation that may compress the spinal cord

Treatment of Paraplegia:

In the early stage, treatment is possible through medication and traction for immobilization. Surgery or experimental treatments can also be conducted.

While the patient is undergoing a treatment, doctors focus on preventing secondary problems like bowel and bladder issues, blood clots, pressure ulcers and respiratory infections. Any hospitalization will depend on the patient’s condition.

In the case of complete paraplegia, there are new technologies that may restore movement.

Recovery may start from the first week or it may take up to six months to experience improvement. However, there may be no permanent treatment for this condition.

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