Heterotopic triplet pregnancy: report of a case with bilateral tubal pregnancy and an intrauterine pregnancy

The first report of an ectopic pregnancy following IVF was published in 1976, and since then heterotopic pregnancies (HPs) have been reported at an increasing rate. Although cases of the co-existence of a bilateral tubal and an intrauterine pregnancy following IVF-embryo transfer have been reported, a case of heterotopic triplet pregnancy caused by unilateral tubal embryo transfer has not yet been published in the literature. Here we report on a 38-year-old women (gravida 3, para 1) with a history of infertility who presented to our infertility clinic for evaluation. Hysterosalpingography revealed bilaterally patent Fallopian tubes and stricture of the cervical canal. She conceived after receiving HMG combined with pure FSH, followed by IVF-tubal embryo transfer. Four embryos were replaced into the right tube. Approximately 5 weeks after tubal embryo transfer, the patient presented with lower abdominal tenderness and shock due to internal bleeding. She underwent an emergency laparotomy under the impression of HP. Bilateral tubal pregnancy with right tubal rupture was noted during the operation. The post-operative course was uneventful. Early intervention and thorough inspection of the peritoneal cavity in patients with haemodynamic instability can prevent jeopardizing the life of the mother as well as the ongoing pregnancy.     

Uterine rupture in first or second trimester of pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

We report five cases of early rupture of cornual pregnancy withhistory of previous salpingectomy and cornual resection followingin-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. We discussthe predisposing factors, diagnostic and therapeutic modalitiesin these patients. A high index of suspicion is required foran early diagnosis. It is imperative that the physicians whocare for the patients be fully aware of the possibility of sucha complication in a high risk population; therefore, appropriatecounselling and close follow-up might help to avoid such obstetricalcatastrophes, by termination of pregnancy, either surgicallyor medically.     

13例宫角妊娠临床诊治分析

目的探讨宫角妊娠安全有效的诊治方案,为临床提供可靠的依据。方法对我院13例宫角妊娠做一回顾性分析。结果13例中B超提示宫角妊娠的7例,一侧宫角部不均质包块的2例;中期妊娠死胎入院引产的2例,经常规引产失败后行剖宫取胎术,术中均证实为宫角妊娠;1例死胎因腹腔大出血行剖腹探查术,术中证实为宫角妊娠破裂;1例因晚期流产后胎盘滞留入院,B超及手术后证实为宫角妊娠,行子宫切除术。结论宫角妊娠可引起各种并发症,常见的是流产、子宫破裂和胎盘滞留。根据宫角妊娠发生的类型选择个体化的治疗方法。     

Pelvic abscess in the second half of pregnancy after oocyte retrieval for in-vitro fertilization: case report.

We describe a very late manifestation of pelvic abscesses after oocyte retrieval for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). In a twin pregnancy achieved after intracytoplasmic sperm injection, rupture of bilateral ovarian abscesses occurred at the end of the second trimester. An emergency laparotomy was necessary because of an acute abdomen. This complication led to severe maternal and neonatal morbidity, preterm birth and neonatal death. The rare occurrence of acute abdomen in pregnancy due to pelvic infection and the non-specific symptoms of a pelvic abscess after oocyte retrieval for IVF are discussed.     

The dilemma of the optimal surgical procedure in ectopic pregnancies occurring in in-vitro fertilization.

Ectopic pregnancy remains one of the undesired sequelae of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. It seems that mechanical infertility increases the risk of this complication in IVF. Thus, the surgeon treating such a case faces the dilemma of the optimal surgical procedure because of the increased risk for repeated ectopic pregnancy in subsequent IVF cycles. Two cases are presented with repeated ectopic pregnancy occurring in IVF. One case underwent salpingectomy on the first occasion and eventually developed a contralateral repeat ectopic gestation ending with salpingectomy. The second case underwent a conservative salpingotomy in the first event and developed a repeated ectopic gestation on the same side, undergoing bilateral salpingectomy. In order to prevent repeated ectopic pregnancies in an IVF programme, a definitive surgical procedure, such as bilateral salpingectomy, should be considered in the first episode in patients referred for IVF because of tubal pathology.     

A woman with three ectopic pregnancies after in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Although a higher incidence of ectopic pregnancy has been reported after in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer, three ectopic pregnancies in the same woman is very rare. A patient of 32 years underwent IVF-embryo transfer six times within 3 years. Three of four conceptions resulted in ectopic pregnancies. The first involved simultaneous intrauterine and left tubal pregnancy, the second was a right tubal pregnancy, and the third was a right interstitial pregnancy. In IVF-embryo transfer, bilateral salpingectomy does not remove the risk of interstitial or cornual pregnancy.      

Tubal curettage: a new conservative treatment for haemorrhagic interstitial pregnancies

Haemorrhagic interstitial pregnancies are commonly treated by cornual resection. This invasive procedure may increase the risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies. We report here a case of a haemorrhagic interstitial pregnancy, associated with a viable intrauterine pregnancy in a salpingectomized woman, which was treated successfully by curettage of the uterine cornu.     

Laparoscopic myomectomy and subsequent pregnancy: results in 54 patients

The laparoscopic approach to myomectomy has raised questions about the risk of uterine rupture in patients who become pregnant following surgery. It has been suggested that the rupture outside labour in pregnancies following laparoscopic myomectomy can be due to the difficulty of suturing or to the presence of a haematoma or to the wide use of radio frequencies. In this paper we describe the pregnancy outcome of 54 patients submitted to laparoscopic myomectomy at our Institution and prospectively followed during subsequent pregnancies. A total of 202 patients underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. A total of 65 pregnancies occurred in 54 patients who became pregnant following surgery. Data were collected about complications of pregnancy, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery and birthweight of the neonates. No cases of uterine rupture occurred. Twenty-one pregnancies followed an IVF procedure. Nine patients conceived twice and one three times. Four multiple pregnancies occurred. Eight pregnancies resulted in a first trimester miscarriage and another in an interstitial pregnancy requiring laparotomic removal of the cornual gestational sac. Of the remaining 56 pregnancies, 51 (91%) were uneventful. In two cases a cerclage was performed at 16 weeks. In two cases pregnancy-induced hypertension developed. Two pregnancies ended with a preterm labour (26-36 weeks). A Caesarean section was performed in 45 cases (54/57, 80%). In terms of the safety of laparoscopic myomectomy in patients who become pregnant following surgery, our results were encouraging. However, further studies are needed to provide reliable data on the risk factors and the true incidence of uterine rupture.     

Delivery rates after in-vitro fertilization following bilateral salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinges: a case control study.

This retrospective case-control study assessed the impact of bilateral salpingectomy due to uni- or bilateral hydrosalpinges on the outcome of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in a large consecutive series of patients. The effect of bilateral salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinges on pregnancy outcome was compared in 139 patients (263 cycles) and 139 age-matched controls with tubal infertility without hydrosalpinges (296 cycles). The delivery rates per initiated cycle as well as the implantation rates were equal in the two groups (21.7 versus 21.6% and 19 versus 21%). The number of embryos, the cleavage stage, and the embryo morphology score were equal in the two groups. Among 92 patients treated with 182 IVF cycles who underwent salpingectomy between 1.5 and 5 years prior to their first IVF cycle, the delivery and the implantation rates were 22.5 and 20.5% respectively. Of the patients with salpingectomy after an average of 1.7 failed IVF cycles and who re-entered the IVF programme 3 and 6 months subsequent to surgery, 47 were treated with 83 IVF cycles. The live birth and the implantation rates after surgery in this group were 20.5 and 20% respectively. It is concluded that bilateral salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinges restores a normal delivery as well as implantation rate after IVF treatment compared to controls. A favourable outcome is also found in patients operated on after repeated IVF failures. Furthermore, a normal live birth rate as well as a high implantation rate is maintained for at least three IVF cycles subsequent to surgical treatment.     

Primary repair of cornual rupture occurring at 21 weeks gestation and successful pregnancy outcome.

The successful delivery in a 31 year old woman at 33 weeks gestation is reported, after repair to a cornual rupture which occurred at 21 weeks gestation. The patient exhibited acute abdominal pain and pending shock. Emergency laparotomy showed a cornual rupture and an intrauterine vital fetus having intact amnion membrane. On the patient's family's insistence, primary repair for a cornual rupture was performed and preservation of the fetus attempted. Postoperatively, tocolytic agent with ritodrine hydrochloride was administered and close follow-up of the patient was uneventful. The patient had a smooth obstetric course until 33 weeks gestation when premature rupture of the membranes occurred, soon followed by the onset of labour. She underwent an elective Caesarean section and delivered a normal male fetus weighing 2140 g with Apgar scores at 1, 5 and 10 min of 6, 8, and 9 respectively. Because of this successful outcome, we suggest that primary repair for such an unusual patient should be accepted.     

Rare ectopic pregnancies after in-vitro fertilization: one unilateral twin and four bilateral tubal pregnancies

Between 1985 and 1989, one unilateral twin and four bilateral tubal pregnancies were encountered among 124 extrauterine pregnancies and 1648 intrauterine pregnancies following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The two factors associated with this high incidence of single and multiple extrauterine pregnancies were tubal damage and multiple embryo transfer. Embryos at different stages of development appear to have the capacity to implant ectopically. Despite advances in diagnostic capabilities, ectopic pregnancy remains a major cause of maternal mortality. Early diagnosis prior to rupture must be made if mortality and morbidity are to be abolished. The use of transvaginal sonography has improved the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and should be routinely used in all pregnancies following assisted conception. The identification of an intrauterine pregnancy should not be sufficient to rule out the possibility of an extrauterine pregnancy or even bilateral tubal pregnancies.     

Concurrent IVF and spontaneous conception resulting in a quadruplet pregnancy.

Blastocyst transfer of just one or two embryos has been used to help limit the number of high-order gestations. In this case report we describe the occurrence of a quadruplet pregnancy after the transfer of only two blastocysts during IVF. Sonographic examination showed four fetuses and what appeared to be quadriamniotic/quadrichorionic sacs, suggesting that a concomitant spontaneous conception had occurred. Definite confirmation of zygosity was obtained by genetic testing using DNA microsatellite polymorphism determinations after the birth of one boy and three girls at 32 weeks gestation. Although this event has not been reported previously, the possibility of its occurrence should be kept in mind. IVF patients with patent Fallopian tubes should be cautioned against intercourse late in their controlled ovarian stimulation, especially if they would decline multifetal reduction.     

Progesterone receptors in bilateral ovarian ependymoma presenting in pregnancy.

We present a case of a 25-year-old patient at term pregnancy who presented with a bilateral ovarian neoplasm that was histologically and immunohistochemically indistinguishable from ependymoma of the central nervous system. Progesterone receptors were detected in primary and recurrent neoplasms by immunohistochemistry. This is the first case of this rare neoplasm to present during pregnancy as well as with bilateral ovarian involvement. Together with a previously reported case of recurrent ovarian ependymoma with estrogen and progesterone receptors, this case suggests that hormonal responsiveness of this rare neoplasm may be pathogenically significant.     

Simultaneous bilateral tubal pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Since the advent of assisted reproductive technology, the concernabout ectopic implantation of embryos has increased dramatically.Simultaneous bilateral tubal pregnancy is the least common typeof ectopic implantation of two embryos. In this report we presentthe first case of simultaneous bilateral tubal pregnancy afterintracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfertreatment. The present case had no risk factor for ectopic pregnancy.Therefore, for early diagnosis and management of such cases,close clinical follow-up and routine ultrasonography followingICSI are necessary.     

Bilateral simultaneous tubal sextuplets: pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization--embryo transfer following salpingectomy

The presence of a damaged tube has been suggested in recent studies to have a negative effect on in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Performing bilateral salpingectomy prior to IVF to maximize pregnancy rates may also result in unnecessary surgery. This case is also an example of the occurrence of interstitial pregnancy after salpingectomy. This unusual type of ectopic pregnancy must be kept in mind when evaluating a patient suspected of a possible early abnormal gestation after assisted reproductive technolologies.      

Cervical dilatation has a positive impact on the outcome of IVF in randomly assigned cases having two previous difficult embryo transfers

BACKGROUND: The difficulty of embryo transfer has been reported to affect success rates in some centres, but not in others. Cervical dilatation has been proposed as a means to overcome difficult embryo transfer, but consistent criteria for patient selection are lacking. In a prospective randomized study, we examined the influence of cervical dilatation 1-3 months before embryo transfer on the outcome of IVF in cases having difficult embryo transfer in two previously failed IVF cycles. METHODS: Two alternative methods of embryo transfer preparation were evaluated in 283 randomly assigned women having difficult embryo transfers in two previously failed IVF attempts. Randomization was made using a computer-generated random number table. Cervical dilatation before starting any IVF treatment was used in 145 cases, and no dilatation was performed in 138 cases. RESULTS: The cervical dilatation group yielded a significantly higher pregnancy rate than the non-dilated group (40% versus 24%; P < 0.01). Likewise, the implantation rate (24.1% versus 14.9%; P < 0.01) and the live birth rate (34.48% versus 19.56%; P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the dilatation group than in the non-dilated group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with prior difficult embryo transfer, cervical dilatation 1-3 months before embryo transfer lead to an improved pregnancy rate.     

The incidence of major clinical complications in a Dutch transport IVF programme

Four different major clinical complications were identifiedin a retrospective analysis of 2495 in-vitro fertilization (IVF)cycles resulting in oocyte retrieval. The severe form of ovarianhyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurred in 18 patients, givinga prevalence for this complication of 0.7%. Seven (39%) of these18 patients had previously been diagnosed as having polycysticovaries. Eleven patients were admitted with moderate OHSS. Adnexaltorsion was diagnosed in two patients. Ovariectomy was considerednecessary in both cases. Complications of the transvaginal procedureoccurred in seven cases (0.3%): one patient had an acute appendicitiswith puncture holes in the appendix, six patients were admittedshortly after oocyte retrieval with a pelvic inflammatory disease.Of the 624 pregnancies obtained, 13 were ectopic, giving anectopic pregnancy rate of 2.1%. It is concluded that seriousclinical complications of IVF treatment are rare. However, patientsshould be counselled for the occurrence of serious procedure-relatedcomplications before entering an IVF programme.     

Successful in-vitro fertilization in a natural cycle after four previously failed attempts in stimulated cycles: case report.

A case is reported of successful in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and pregnancy in a natural cycle after four previously failed attempts with stimulated cycles. The patient began treatment at the age of 36 years and underwent four stimulated IVF cycles, each time with three embryos of good quality transferred. In one attempt, three cryopreserved embryos were transferred in a natural cycle. The patient failed to conceive. At the age of 38 years, the patient was entered into a natural cycle IVF programme. The patient conceived twice in each of her first two attempts but unfortunately aborted. In her third natural cycle of IVF, again with one oocyte obtained and one embryo transferred, the patient conceived and had a full term gestation. It is concluded that IVF in a natural cycle is a viable option for infertile women with blocked Fallopian tubes who have normal ovulatory menstrual cycles.     

The dygynic origin of a triploid fetus from an IVF pregnancy

The case of an IVF pregnancy that resulted in an aborted tnploidembryo with 69,XXY karyotype is reported. The analysis of DNApolymorphisms shows that the event is due to a maternal secondmeiotic non-disjunction.     

Internal jugular vein thrombosis caused by resistance to activated protein C as a complication of ovarian hyperstimulation after in-vitro fertilization

We present a case of a 24 year old woman who became pregnant(twins) after human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG)-induced ovarianstimulation, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and subsequent embryotransfer. She developed a right internal jugular vein thrombosisas a complication of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS) 28 days after embryo transfer. The thrombosis developedin spite of anticoagulation with low-dose heparin. Later a resistanceto activated protein C (APC) or Dahlbäck disease was diagnosed.Due to a new test procedure (accelerin inactivation test), thediagnosis was possible even under anti-coagulation treatment.The coincidence of hyperstimulation and internal jugular veinthrombosis with the concurrent diagnosis of resistance to APChas not been published previously. The benefit of general screeningfor resistance to APC before admission to the IVF programmeshould be weighed. Targeted selection of a group of high-riskwomen would therefore be made possible.