Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common pediatric benign vascular tumor. Its pathogenesis is still poorly understood, and it usually appears during the first few weeks of life and follows a characteristic natural course of proliferation and involution. Most IHs are small, benign, resolve spontaneously, and do not require active treatment but only active observation. A minority of IHs are potentially problematic because they can cause life-threatening complications, permanent disfigurement, and functional impairment. Diagnosis is usually clinical, and propranolol is currently the mainstay of treatment. Other therapeutic modalities may be used alone or in combination, depending on the characteristics of the specific IH. New treatment options are being explored every day, and some are showing promising results. It is undeniable that therapeutic modalities for IHs must be selected based on the child’s age, the size and location of the lesion, the presence of complications, the implementation conditions, and the possible outcomes of the treatment. The future of IH management will certainly be reflected in improved advanced imaging modalities, research into the genetic and molecular basis, the development of new pharmacological agents or techniques, and the development of standardized protocols, all to optimize outcomes with minimal side effects.

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the value of the fetal biophysical profile (FBP) and the Doppler cerebro-umbilical ratio (C/U) in the assessment of peripartal cardiotocography (CTG) in growth-retarded fetuses. Methods: The prospective study included 58 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy from 28 to 42 weeks of gestation with clinically and ultrasonically verified late intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). After assessment of the FBP, flow velocity waveforms from the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries were recorded and the C/U ratio was calculated. The C/U ratio and the FBP were assessed twice a week. The last peripartal CTG was used as an outcome parameter. Results: The FBP score was statistically significant when associated with peripartal CTG (p < 0.001). The mean value of the FBP was 7.77 ± 0.28 for infants with a normal peripartal CTG, 6.13 ± 0.41 for infants with a prepathological CTG and 4.40 ± 0.60 for infants with a pathological peripartal CTG. There was also a statistically significant association between the C/U ratio ≧1 and normal CTG (p < 0.005), but there was no statistically significant difference between prepathological and pathological CTG in relation to C/U ratio values (p > 0.05). Normal and pathological peripartal CTG was correlated with the perinatal outcome, but prepathological CTG was not correlated with results of the perinatal outcome (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our results showed that both methods of fetal monitoring need to be used in perinatal monitoring of growth-retarded fetuses. The two methods can be used as important parameters in deciding to end pregnancies with IUGR when pathological values occur.

The majority of abdominal masses in female children derive from the ovaries. Ovarian masses in pediatric populations can vary from simple functional cysts to malignant neoplasms. Their incidence, clinical presentation, and histological distribution vary across age groups. In the assessment of ovarian masses in children, the primary aim is to determine the probability of malignancy, as the treatment approaches for benign and malignant lesions are significantly distinct. The primary imaging tool for evaluating ovarian cysts and masses is ultrasound, which can assess the size, location, and characteristics of masses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) may be used for further evaluation if ultrasound findings are inconclusive or if malignancy is suspected, especially in older adolescents. Serum markers may be considered in older adolescents to help assess the risk of malignancy, though it is less useful in younger populations due to normal developmental variations. Many functional ovarian cysts, especially those detected in fetuses or infants, often resolve spontaneously without intervention. Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of large cysts that cause symptoms, or if there are concerns for malignancy. Common procedures include primarily ovarian sparing laparoscopy or laparotomy. Complications like torsion, rupture, or hemorrhage may require urgent surgical intervention. Treatment should be performed in specialized centers to avoid unnecessary oophorectomies and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian masses in the pediatric population. Emphasis is placed on the particularities of the lesions and their management in relation to age subgroups.