Gestational trophoblastic disease in ectopic pregnancy: A case series

OBJECTIVE: To describe 6 cases of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) in ectopic pregnancy admitted to Hospital Universitario de Caracas (HUC). STUDY DESIGN: Medical records of 6 patients admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, HUC, from 1996 to 2004 were reviewed. They underwent surgery with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, and histologic analysis revealed GTD. Clinical trends were analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of GTD in ectopic pregnancy was 0.16:1,000 deliveries. The mean patient age was 29 years. The preceding gestation was a term delivery in 4 and abortion in 2. The mean gestational age at admission was 8 weeks. All patients complained of abdominal pain, and 3 of them also had vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound revealed an adnexal tumor in 5 cases; this tumor and hemoperitoneum (6 cases) were the most frequent surgical findings. Histopathologic diagnosis was partial mole in 5 and choriocarcinoma in 1. Four patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this series the prevalence of ectopic GTD was high. The condition can mimic the usual symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, especially when a hemoperitoneum is present. It is important to apply strict histologic criteria for GTD when a sample of ectopic pregnancy is analyzed and to monitor those patients with careful human chorionic gonadotropin follow-up.     

Gestación ectópica del segundo trimestre

The global incidence of ectopic pregnancy is around 1-2%. Its diagnosis is rare in the second trimester as symptoms usually appear during the first trimester. We present the case of a woman who was seen in the emergency room with a right lower quadrant pain of a few days duration. A transvaginal ultrasound confirmed an ectopic right pregnancy with a 13-week embryo.     

促排卵过程中突发宫外孕1例

目的:报道门诊促排卵过程中突发宫外孕1例。方法:24岁女性,多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)史,门诊尿促性腺激素(hMG)促排卵治疗,至月经周期20 d,突发下腹疼痛伴阴道出血,彩色超声提示:盆腔巨大包块,不排除异位妊娠可能,急查血hCG为923 ng/ml,急诊腹腔镜探查。结果:腹腔镜下清除盆腔积血约1 000 ml,行右侧输卵管开窗术,术后病理检查结果:见绒毛组织,符合输卵管妊娠。结论:对月经不调患者有停经史者促排卵之前,应常规排除妊娠可能,对患者自诉月经来潮医生应警惕是否异常子宫出血。应加强对门诊促排卵患者的随访工作,减少并发症的发生。     

Omental and peritoneal secondary trophoblastic implantation - an unusual complication after IVF

Omental pregnancy is an uncommon form of abdominal pregnancy; it has never been previously reported after IVF. A 35-year-old patient underwent IVF for tubal factor infertility. The treatment cycle was uneventful, but 3 weeks following embryo transfer the patient was diagnosed with a right tubal ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound. A laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed and the patient was discharged home. Two weeks later, the patient presented with abdominal pain and rising serum beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-HCG). A repeat laparoscopy showed omental and peritoneal trophoblastic implants. These were excised laparoscopically and confirmed on histology to be trophoblastic tissue. The HCG returned to < 3 IU/l, 1 week post-operatively. This case emphasizes the importance of intra-operative care during laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy and the need for post-operative surveillance of serum beta-HCG. An abdominal pregnancy, though rare, has a seven times higher mortality rate than non-abdominal pregnancies. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent intra-abdominal haemorrhage, as haemorrhagic shock is the commonest cause of mortality from omental pregnancy.     

Concurrent interstitial ectopic pregnancy and appendicitis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Concurrent ectopic pregnancy and acute appendicitis is rarely encountered. Since 1960, only 22 cases have been reported. No case of concurrent interstitial ectopic pregnancy and appendicitis has ever been reported. CASE: A 24-year-old, African American woman, gravida 4, para 3, had a right interstitial ectopic pregnancy. She was managed as an inpatient with parenteral methotrexate and her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level decreased appropriately. She was discharged 3 days after treatment but subsequently returned with right lower quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. The patient underwent laparoscopy with removal of a suppurative appendix. A stable interstitial ectopic pregnancy was visualized and left in situ. CONCLUSION: The discipline to consider concomitant abdominal pathology is paramount. The perceived rarity of an ectopic pregnancy and appendicitis should not obscure a thorough clinical evaluation.     

Coexisting ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies: a case report

BACKGROUND: The simulated presence of intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancies is a rare condition. Diagnosis is difficult, accomplished on grounds of strong suspicion (as in assisted reproductive treatment cases), on the presence of predisposing factors (pathology of salpinx) or as a coincidental finding in the emergency room when a patient presents after an elective or spontaneous abortion. An intrauterine pregnancy may be discovered in a patient who presents with ectopic pregnancy. CASE: A 40-year-old multigravida was diagnosed with coexisting extrauterine and intrauterine pregnancies when she presented with a right ectopic pregnancy in the emergency room. The patient underwent partial right salpingectomy and an elective abortion. CONCLUSION: Patients who present with acute pelvic pain must be investigated for coexisting ectopic pregnancy even though they have a proven intrauterine pregnancy. Such an investigation is even more important if the patient is undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. In patients who have had spontaneous or elective abortion, especially in cases of a gestation <4 weeks, the differential diagnosis should include coexisting ectopic pregnancy. Failure to diagnose this condition can have serious consequences.     

Persistent ectopic pregnancy following ipsilateral “salpingectomy”

Persistent ectopic pregnancy (PEP) following ipsilateral “salpingectomy” is a rare occurrence. This report describes this uncommon condition in a 26-year-old woman who presented with a sudden onset of right fossa iliac pain following an earlier salpingectomy. At laparoscopy, a persistent ipsilateral EP in the right fallopian tube stump was found. At the initial laparoscopy, an endoloop was used for salpingectomy, and a tubal stump of about 4 cm was left. This poses the questions: Are salpingectomies performed with endoloops true salpingectomies or partial salpingectomies? Do women managed with endoloops need to have human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) follow-up, as do those with salpingostomy?     

Ectopic pregnancy after cesarean hysterectomy

BACKGROUND:Ectopic pregnancy after a total abdominal hysterectomy is rare and, for this reason, delay in diagnosis may occur when such a patient presents with abdominal pain.CASE:A multiparous patient with a history of cesarean hysterectomy 12 years before presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and incidental positive urine beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). A computed tomography scan revealed a loculated left cystic mass in the pelvis. Laparotomy findings revealed a left adnexal mass; pathology revealed chorionic villi consistent with pregnancy.CONCLUSION:Ectopic pregnancy may occur after hysterectomy, but typically presents near the time of surgery and is more commonly associated with vaginal hysterectomy. However, because ectopic pregnancy is possible after hysterectomy, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adnexal mass in such a patient.     

Primary ovarian pregnancy after postpartum bilateral tubal ligation: a case report

BACKGROUND: Primary ovarian pregnancy constitutes <1% of ectopic gestations. Likewise, bilateral tubal ligation failure is uncommon, occurring in approximately 1% of tubal sterilization procedures. Should pregnancy occur after bilateral tubal ligation, of every 3 such pregnancies, 1 will be an ectopic. The incidence of ovarian pregnancy after tubal ligation has not been reported, but must be extremely rare. CASE: A 30-year-old, breast-feeding, white woman 6 months postpartum, with bilateral tubal ligation after delivery, developed acute right lower quadrant pain while excercising. Evaluation in the emergency room revealed rebound tenderness in the lower right abdomen, a positive beta-hCG level and ultrasound findings suspicious for a right ectopic pregnancy. Exploratory laparotomy revealed hemoperitoneum, previously ligated but otherwise-normal-appearing fallopian tubes, and a ruptured and bleeding right ovary. The pelvis was otherwise normal. Histology of the right ovarian wedge resection showed chorionic villi consistent with ovarian pregnancy. Both fallopian tubes were religated, and a review of the original tubal ligation histology confirmed tubal lumen in both segments. CONCLUSION: While ectopic pregnancy is a known but rare risk of failed tubal sterilization, pregnancy involving the fallopian tube is usually reported after tubal ligation failure. The rarely seen primary ovarian pregnancy is usually associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices or occurs in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease. Ovarian pregnancies are associated with massive hemoperitoneum in women unaware that they are pregnant.     

Laparoscopic treatment of recurrent ectopic pregnancy in the ipsilateral salpinx after ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination

ObjectiveTo report a case of recurrent ectopic pregnancy in the ipsilateral salpinx after and intrauterine insemination treated by laparoscopy.Case reportA 33-year-old woman with unexplained infertility sought evaluation at our hospital due to pelvic pain after ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination. She had a history of a right salpingectomy. Transvaginal ultrasonography did not reveal an intrauterine pregnancy, but showed a suspected extrauterine gestational sac on the operated adnexal area with free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. The patient was diagnosed with a recurrent ruptured ectopic pregnancy and an emergency laparoscopy was performed.ConclusionRecurrent ectopic pregnancy in the ipsilateral fallopian tube is rare, but it is important to be suspicious of the diagnosis to prevent serious morbidity. This case also demonstrates transtubal or transperitoneal migration of the gametes because ovulation and ectopic pregnancy occurred on opposite sides.     

Laparoscopic treatment of primary ovarian pregnancy

Ovarian pregnancy is an uncommon type of ectopic pregnancy. A 35-year-old, gravida 3, para 3 woman was admitted because of a vaginal bleeding of 17 days' duration after amenorrhea for 10 weeks. She had right lower quadrant pain. Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin concentration was 1530 mIU/ml. Transabdominal ultrasonography showed a normal-size uterus, empty uterine cavity, solid cystic mass 43 x 39 mm on the right adnexa, and no free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. Diagnostic operative laparoscopy under general anesthesia was performed for suspected ectopic pregnancy. Right oophorectomy was done because of minimal intact ovary tissue. It was later histopathologically confirmed as primary ovarian pregnancy. The woman experienced no postoperative complications.     

Intramural pregnancy: a report of 2 cases

BACKGROUND: Intramural pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy and may be easily misdiagnosed as cornual pregnancy or trophoblastic tumor. Hysterectomy is performed due to extensive bleeding and uterine rupture in most cases. The incidence is <1% of ectopic pregnancy. Eighteen cases were reported in the People's Republic of China and 33 in the rest of the world since 1957. For a young woman who wishes to maintain her fertility, it is important to make an early diagnosis and to undertake conservative treatment. CASES: A 29-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 1, was admitted because of missed periods for >70 days, 1 week of mild vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Her serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) level was 765 U/L. Transvaginal sonography (TVS) revealed an ill-defined mass measuring 3.0 x 3.5 x 2.0 cm within the fundal myometrium adjacent to the covering. At laparotomy, a mass 3 cm in diameter bulged from the left fundal covering and was resected to the surface of myometrium. The patient preserved her fertility through successful repair of the uterus. A 39-year-old woman, gravida 4, para 1, was admitted because of irregular vaginal bleeding for 2 months after intrauterine device insertion. Her serum beta-hCG level was 228 U/L. TVS revealed amorphous echoes in the uterine cavity. We made an initial, presumptive diagnosis of incomplete abortion. Curettage was performed, but no fetal elements were found. The serum beta-hCG level was 360 U/L after 1 week. Computed tomography revealed a trophoblastic tumor with deep invasion of the myometrium. A subradical abdominal hysterectomy was performed and gave the impression of chorionic carcinoma. Pathologic examination revealed diffuse hemorrhage and early invasion of chorionic villi in the fundal myometrium with focal decidual reaction of the endometrium. The diagnosis of intramural pregnancy was made after the operation. CONCLUSION: Both cases of intramural pregnancy were treated successfully.     

A misdiagnosed case of caesarean scar pregnancy

Case report We report a case of an ectopic pregnancy in a caesarean section scar, which was initially misdiagnosed despite using ultrasound. For the first time, a strongly vascularised pelvic tumour developed while the titre of serum human chorionic gonadotrophin decreased after a curettage abortion for an unwanted pregnancy.Outcome Due to uncontrollable haemorrhage, an emergency hysterectomy had to be performed 8 weeks later.     

Tubal ectopic pregnancy: diagnosis and management

Ectopic pregnancy is the gynaecological emergency par excellence and remains the leading cause of pregnancy-related first trimester deaths in the UK. Its prevalence continues to rise because of increases in the incidence of the risk factors predisposing to ectopic pregnancy. Classically, the diagnosis is based on a history of pelvic pain associated with amenorrhoea, a positive pregnancy test with or without slight vaginal bleeding. While the immediate differential diagnosis includes threatened or inevitable miscarriage, the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy is increased if transvaginal sonography (TVS) reveals an empty uterine cavity, and is confirmed if an adnexal mass with or without an embryo is seen. However, the diagnosis is often not that simple, especially when the patient presents early, has minimal pain, is haemodynamically stable, and TVS shows an empty uterus but no obvious adnexal mass. This could then be an early intrauterine pregnancy, or could indeed be an ectopic—a diagnosis of pregnancy of unknown location is made while additional investigations are made. The latter usually include serial measurements of serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG) and repeat TVS. Changes in beta-hCG levels in normal, failing and ectopic pregnancy are now reasonably well characterised, and at early stages of presentation where the risk of rupture of an ectopic are minimal, the patient can often be managed as an outpatient while the diagnosis is pursued. In the patient who presents with pain and haemodynamic instability, the diagnosis is often obvious, and the management is immediate laparotomy. However, in modern gynaecological practice in the developed world the vast majority of ectopic pregnancies present early, and the general consensus is that laparoscopic management offers both economic and aesthetic advantages, and should be used whenever possible. Salpingectomy (excision of the fallopian tube containing the ectopic) is performed if the contra-lateral tube is healthy, while salpingotomy (linear incision made in the fallopian tube with removal of ectopic pregnancy and conservation of tube) is performed if the contra-lateral tube is unhealthy. Medical therapy using methotrexate given systemically or injected directly into the ectopic pregnancy is an option occasionally used with good results. There appear to be no major differences in subsequent fertility outcomes, or risk of recurrence of ectopic pregnancy, between the surgical or medical treatments. Although the rates of ectopic pregnancy are not falling in the developed world, mortality and morbidity are falling mainly due to early and improving diagnostic and treatment modalities. Mass screening and treatment of Chlamydia in the young, sexually active populations, and education regarding risk factors, may in future result in a reduction in the rates. Lack of resource mean that the picture may remain dismal for some time to come in the developing world, but the development of basic protocols, improved training and the infusion of basic resources may go a long way to improving the situation.     

Ovarian Ectopic Pregnancy: Laparoscopic Excision and Ovarian Conservation

Study ObjectiveTo show a case of laparoscopic excision of an ovarian ectopic pregnancy and the technique used.SettingA university hospital (Manchester University Foundation Trust).PatientA 23-year-old primigravida presentation at 6 weeks of gestation with an ectopic pregnancy.InterventionA 23-year-old primigravida presentation at 6 weeks of gestation with a 7-day history of light bleeding and intermittent abdominal pain. The examination was unremarkable, and the serum human chorionic gonadotropin level was 7157 IU/L. An ultrasound scan showed an ectopic pregnancy in the right adnexa, and she underwent surgical management. At laparoscopy, both fallopian tubes were noted to be normal with an ectopic pregnancy within the right ovary; 20 IU argipressin diluted in 80 mL 0.9% sodium hypochlorite was injected between the normal ovarian tissue and the ectopic pregnancy to assist hemostasis and hydrodissection. An ultrasonic device was used to incise the ovarian cortex to identify a plane of dissection between the ectopic pregnancy tissue and the normal ovarian tissue. The ectopic pregnancy was excised with conservation of the ovary. The ovary was subsequently closed with absorbable sutures to ensure hemostasis. The ectopic pregnancy was removed in a bag through a 10-mm incision.Measurements and Main ResultsThe patient made an uneventful recovery. The serum human chorionic gonadotropin level in 7 days was <5, and no further medical management was indicated. Histology confirmed a primary ovarian ectopic pregnancy. Ovarian function was not assessed postoperatively; however, she conceived 6 weeks later with an intrauterine pregnancy.ConclusionThis case highlights the importance of considering nontubal ectopic pregnancies when making a diagnosis based on an ultrasound scan. Ovarian preservation with excision of ectopic pregnancy can be achieved using techniques commonly used for ovarian cystectomy. Recourse to oophorectomy should only be considered in the event of acute hemorrhage.     

Broad ligament twin pregnancy. A case report

BACKGROUND: Broad ligament pregnancy is an uncommon form of ectopic pregnancy. CASE: A 34-year-old, 11-week-pregnant woman, gravida 2, para 0, presented with left lower abdominal pain. She had undergone a right salpingectomy due to tubal pregnancy six years previously. She had a left broad ligament twin pregnancy, and excision of the pregnancy and left tube were performed. She was well at discharge and the six-week follow-up. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report of a broad ligament twin pregnancy after spontaneous conception.     

Ectopic pregnancy months after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy

Although it is an easy diagnosis to eliminate, pregnancy is rarely considered in a woman with acute abdominopelvic pain and history of hysterectomy. A 37-year-old woman was seen because of acute onset of pelvic pain. Her history was significant for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy performed 4 months previously. A urine pregnancy test was positive. At diagnostic laparoscopy, an area in the right tube was consistent with ectopic pregnancy. Bilateral salpingectomy was performed, and pathology confirmed an ectopic pregnancy in the right tube. A diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy should be entertained in any woman with pain and intact ovaries.     

Retroperitoneal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report

A retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy is an extremely rare type of ectopic pregnancy and is difficult to diagnose and treat. Owing to its occult onset, it is life-threatening and often associated with high mortality. A 28-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital owing to soreness of the left lower quadrant of the abdomen and amenorrhea for 60 days. Dilatation and curettage were performed at a local hospital to induce abortion, but no gestational sac was found. Elevated plasma human chorionic gonadotropin levels suggested an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound showed an approximately 4.0 cm × 3.0 cm mass in front of the middle and upper poles of the left kidney. The plasma beta–human chorionic gonadotropin level was 99 286.00 mIU/mL. Under laparoscopy, an ovoid mass measuring approximately 4.0 cm × 5.0 cm below the left renal vessels and the abdominal aorta was successfully resected. Methotrexate (50 mg/m²) was locally injected, and the retroperitoneum was sutured. Villi were observed in histopathologic sections. This case report highlights the importance of considering the possibility of a retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy for patients with abdominal pain. Laparoscopic surgery by an experienced surgeon is the preferred method of treatment for this condition.     

Laparoscopic management of early omental pregnancy detected by magnetic resonance imaging

Omental pregnancy is a very rare form of abdominal pregnancy, and can be life threatening in cases of rupture, which may lead to massive hemorrhage. A 28-year-old woman in the ninth week of amenorrhea had severe abdominal pain, and showed unstable vital signs caused by intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Emergency laparoscopy revealed large amounts of blood and blood clots in abdominal cavity, and active bleeding was observed from the right ovary. Uterus, left ovary, and bilateral fallopian tubes were grossly free. However, serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level increased after the operation, and histopathologic results did not show evidence of pregnancy in either right ovary or endometrium. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging was performed and revealed a well-defined cystic mass at the lateral side of the ascending colon, suggested to be the focus of ectopic pregnancy. The patient was approached laparoscopically and consequently underwent partial omentectomy.     

Primary gestational choriocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. Report of a case and review of the literature

Gestational choriocarcinoma usually arises in the uterine cavity and is associated with coincident or antecedent pregnancy. Extrauterine choriocarcinomas are very rare entities, and most of these are located in the uterine cervix. In our case, a 43-year-old woman was admitted in our hospital because she had amenorrhea for 2 months and elevated serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels. The patient was considered to have an ectopic pregnancy. Initially, she was treated with methotrexate, but since there was a continuous rise in human chorionic gonadotropin levels, the patient underwent a laparoscopy, along with dilatation and curettage (D&C) of the uterine cavity. Histopathologic findings, including immunohistochemical study, led to the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma of the cervix. Finally, the patient underwent a transabdominal hysterectomy and received single agent chemotherapy with methotrexate. Our case represents a primary choriocarcinoma of the cervix, which was initially misdiagnosed as an ectopic pregnancy. The difficulties in differential diagnosis are discussed. Immunohistochemical evaluation remains the mainstay of the diagnosis in most cases. Choriocarcinoma has a very good prognosis even in advanced stages, since it is a very chemosensitive tumor.