J Vet Sci.  2017 Dec;18(4):563-565. 10.4142/jvs.2017.18.4.563.

Mineralized deposits in the uterus of a pig without pregnancy loss

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea. bclee@snu.ac.kr
  • 2Laboratory of Histology and Molecular Pathogenesis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea.
  • 3Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.

Abstract

Herein, we describe a case of uterine calcification in the uterus of a pig without pregnancy loss. The recipient underwent cloned embryo transfer and Cesarean section for safe delivery of cloned piglets. During the Cesarean section, 4 white, star-like, (2 × 2 × 2) cm, calcified structures were found within the endometrial cavity. Despite dystrophic calcification around the placenta, healthy cloned piglets were produced successfully. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of dystrophic calcification occurring within the uterus in a pregnant pig.

Keyword

dystrophic calcification; intrauterine mineralization; pigs

MeSH Terms

Cesarean Section
Clone Cells
Embryo Transfer
Female
Miners*
Placenta
Pregnancy*
Swine
Uterus*

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Histopathological images of abnormal tissue attached to the maternal uterus. (A) The placenta (arrow) and a broad area of dystrophic calcification (*). (B) Calcified structures are observed in uterine tissue. Note the broad area of mineralized deposits (*) and infiltration of inflammatory cells (†), mainly histiocytes. 40× (A), 100× (B).


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