Embarazo heterotópico espontáneo en pacientes con antecedente de embarazo gemelar familiar: 2 casos

Heterotopic pregnancy is the coexistence of an intrauterine pregnancy with an extrauterine pregnancy. There are two types: induced (associated with in vitro fertilization techniques, representing 1:1000 to 1:1,500 pregnancies) or spontaneous (1: 20,000 to 1: 80.000 pregnancies). Causal factors for spontaneous heterotopic pregnancies include pelvic inflammatory disease, use of hormonal or intrauterine devices, previous pelvic surgery and ectopic pregnancy. We report two cases of spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy in patients with a family history of twins.     

Heterotopic pregnancies: 8 cases

Heterotopic pregnancy is the combination of intra-uterine pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy in the same patient whatever is the localization of the ectopic pregnancy. The aim of this work was to summarize the epidemics and clinical factors, the diagnostic means and the therapeutic methods for the spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy in Moroccan context. In a period of 6 years (1993-1998), 8 patients were treated for heterotopic pregnancy in Lalla Meryem Maternity of Casablanca, with a rate of 0.2/1000. Patients' ages ranged from 19 to 37. The backgrounds were: abortions (4 cases), secondary sterility (2 cases) and genital infection (2 cases). Five patients consulted for metrorrhagia associated with pelvic pain. Two for pelvic pain and one for metrorrhagia. The diagnosis was confirmed before echography in 5 cases. All patients were operated on, 3 in a condition of haemorrhagic shock. Ectopic pregnancy lay at the level of the fallopian tube in 7 cases and at the level of the ovary in one. The treatment consisted of a salpingectomy in the 7 patients with tubal localisations, the ovary pregnancy benefited from ovariectomy. Evolution has been marked by expulsion of intra-uterine pregnancy in 6 cases. Two women were able to carry out their pregnancy. Heterotopic pregnancy is more and more frequent because of genital infection increase and especially the wide diffusion of the assisted medical procreation.     

Gestación heterotópica espontánea

Heterotopic pregnancy is the combination of intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy. This potentially fatal condition rarely occurs in spontaneous conception cycles and consequently its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. We report a case of heterotopic pregnancy in a 30-year old primipara with no known risk factors who presented with acute abdominal pain due to a spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy. The ectopic pregnancy was resected via laparoscopy. After surgery, the intrauterine pregnancy was uneventful.     

Live birth after treatment of a heterotopic cornual pregnancy with fetal intrathoracic KCI. A case report

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic pregnancy, in which an ectopic gestation coexists with an intrauterine one, occurs more frequently following in vitro fertilization than with spontaneous conception. However, it is rare to find an ectopic gestation in the interstitial (or cornual) portion of the fallopian tube. This scenario poses challenges in diagnosis as well as difficulties in managing the cornual pregnancy while maintaining the viability of the intrauterine gestation. CASE: A 29-year-old nulligravida with stage IV endometriosis completed in vitro fertilization for primary infertility. A heterotopic pregnancy involving the right interstitial portion of the fallopian tube as well as a viable singleton intrauterine pregnancy was diagnosed using serial ultrasound. Successful termination of the cornual pregnancy was accomplished by transabdominal fetal intrathoracic injection of KCl under ultrasound guidance. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy reduction of a heterotopic cornual gestation using KCl is a treatment alternative for this uncommon but potentially devastating complication of in vitro fertilization.     

A case of a cornual heterotopic pregnancy laparoscopically treated with the endoloop technique

Heterotopic pregnancy is defined as the coexistence of an intrauterine and an ectopic pregnancy. The estimated incidence is one in 30,000 spontaneous pregnancies, with a tenfold increase in women who underwent assisted reproductive technologies. Diagnosis of a heterotopic pregnancy is often delayed because of the presence of the intrauterine gestational sac. Treatment of a heterotopic pregnancy should consist of termination of the ectopic pregnancy without damaging the ongoing intrauterine pregnancy. The least invasive procedure should therefore be used. We present a case of a heterotopic pregnancy consisting of a viable intrauterine pregnancy and an ectopic cornual pregnancy. Because of the viable intrauterine pregnancy, we decided to treat the cornual pregnancy laparoscopically by the endoloop technique. This technique is simple, safe, effective and nearly bloodless. It offers a good prognosis for the ongoing intrauterine pregnancy.     

Gestación heterotópica en un embarazo espontáneo

Heterotopic pregnancy consists of simultaneous intra and extrauterine pregnancy. The incidence is low in spontaneous pregnancies, but these pregnancies are more common when assisted reproductive technologies are used; therefore, diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with no history of interest and a spontaneous pregnancy, who presented with spotting and hypogastralgia. An ultrasound scan showed an intrauterine gestational sac and left adnexal mass consistent with ectopic pregnancy. As a heterotopic pregnancy was suspected, laparoscopic salpingectomy and curettage of the miscarriage were performed. Pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis.     

Live birth of healthy twins after a heterotopic tubal and intrauterine twin pregnancy in a woman who was stimulated with clomiphene citrate

OBJECTIVE: To report a heterotopic pregnancy with successful delivery of monochorionic-diamniotic twins after rupture of the tubal ectopic gestation. DESIGN: Case report.University teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): A patient with heterotopic twin monochorionic-diamniotic pregnancy. INTERVENTION(S): Surgical removal of the ectopic pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy course and outcome.The patient successfully delivered twins. CONCLUSION(S): Heterotopic pregnancy after clomiphene citrate administration may have a complicated course, but could end in successful live birth of twins.     

Heterotopic pregnancy presenting at 18 weeks' gestational age: a case report

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare event that usually presents in the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. CASE: A 35-year-old primigravida was referred to the hospital at 18+ weeks' gestational age for evaluation of chronic abdominal pain. Ultrasound revealed a heterotopic pregnancy. The patient underwent surgery for removal of the ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic pregnancy can present at any time during pregnancy and should be considered in any pregnant woman with abdominal pain.     

Gestación heterotópica espontánea. Diagnóstico ecográfico precoz y asintomático

Heterotopic pregnancy is a potentially fatal situation that rarely occurs in a natural conception. Diagnosis in the absence of symptoms is even more exceptional. Furthermore, due to the low index of suspicion of heterotopic pregnancy in natural conceptions, the incidence of serious clinical complications (hemoperitoneum, tubal rupture, acute abdomen) is greater in this group of patients.We report the case of a 33-year-old primigravida with a spontaneous pregnancy who attended her first prenatal visit at 6 weeks and 3 days of amenorrhea. The patient was asymptomatic. Vaginal ultrasound scan showed two gestational sacs, an intrauterine sac and an extrauterine sac next to the right ovary. A laparoscopic right salpingectomy was performed to remove the ectopic pregnancy. A healthy neonate was delivered at 38 weeks’ gestation without complications.Heterotopic pregnancy can be diagnosed after spontaneous conception, even in asymptomatic patients. It is important to carry out routine examination of the adnexae in the first ultrasound scan to exclude ovarian disease and diagnose (or exclude) the presence of asymptomatic heterotopic pregnancy.     

Live twin birth after successful treatment of a ruptured heterotopic pregnancy by laparoscopy

We report a case of a live twin birth after laparoscopic treatment of a ruptured heterotopic pregnancy. A 29-year-old woman, with a history of right salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy, became pregnant after transfer of three embryos at in vitro fertilization treatment. At the ninth week of gestation, she was admitted to our clinic with abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a triplet heterotopic pregnancy consisting of an intrauterine twin pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy in the left fallopian tube. An immediate laparoscopy was planned and left salpingectomy was performed. In the postoperative period, intrauterine twin pregnancy continued uneventfully; at the 35th week of gestation, two healthy infants with birth weights of 2,206 and 2,426 g were delivered. Heterotopic pregnancies must be kept in mind after assisted reproductive techniques. Early diagnosis allows successful laparoscopic treatment without sequel. Laparoscopic surgery is an appropriate method to manage selected patients with heterotopic tubal pregnancy.     

Gestación heterotópica espontánea

Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare clinical condition in which several pregnancies can coexist inside and outside the uterus. In recent years, the incidence of heterotopic pregnancy has increased due to assisted reproductive techniques. A high index of suspicion may help in the early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this entity. We report a case of spontaneous heterotopic gestation in a 35-year-old woman who developed both an extra- and an intrauterine pregnancy diagnosed by ultrasound 10 weeks after the onset of amenorrhea.     

Subchorionic hematoma associated with heterotopic pregnancy following in vitro fertilization: a case report

BACKGROUND: After treatment for infertility using in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for early diagnosis and treatment of concurrent ectopic pregnancy; however, the likelihood of a positive outcome for the intrauterine pregnancy remains uncertain. CASE: A subchorionic hematoma threatening an intrauterine gestation noted concurrently with ultrasound diagnosis of a heterotopic IVF pregnancy resolved following laparoscopic salpingectomy. CONCLUSION: Although symptomatic subchorionic hematoma may be associated with an increase in the rate of spontaneous miscarriage for a singleton pregnancy, it may not present a similar risk in the presence of a concurrent heterotopic gestation.     

宫内早孕合并左侧输卵管伞部妊娠一例及文献复习

宫内孕合并异位妊娠临床罕见,近年来随着辅助生殖技术的兴起,其发病率有所上升。其临床表现不一,主要取决于种植于宫腔外的异位妊娠胚胎的发育情况,轻者可无明显症状或体征,严重者可致患者腹腔大出血、失血性休克甚至死亡。由于宫内孕合并异位妊娠十分凶险,临床上应尽早诊断,采取个体化治疗,以确保母儿安全。现报道1例罕见的宫内早孕合并左侧输卵管伞部妊娠病例,并进行相关文献复习,总结宫内孕合并异位妊娠的相关知识,以期引起妇产科医生的重视。     

Successful Management of Heterotopic Cervical Pregnancy with Ultrasonographic-guided Laser Ablation

Heterotopic pregnancy refers to the simultaneous presence of ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy. With the advent of assisted reproductive technology, the overall incidence of heterotopic pregnancies has risen. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 1-year of primary infertility. Following oral ovulation induction cycles and intrauterine insemination, diagnosis of heterotopic cervical pregnancy was made by ultrasonography at 7.4 weeks of gestation. Laser ablation of the cervical pregnancy was performed achieving adequate homeostasis at the implantation site and preserving the intrauterine pregnancy. A healthy infant was delivered at 36 0/7 weeks by cesarean section.Laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that appears to lead to successful outcomes in the treatment of heterotopic cervical pregnancy.     

Heterotopic pregnancy

The heterotopic pregnancy is a combination of an intra-uterine and extra-uterine pregnancy, at the same time. The spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy is a rare illness with an estimated frequency below one per 20,000 and one per 30,000. The first case was reported in France by Duverney in 1708 during an autopsy. The frequency of this pregnancy has increased with the implementation of assisted reproduction techniques. This paper is the report of a case of spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy seen at the Angeles Mexico Hospital. A 32 year old woman, gravida 1; dilatation and curettage was performed on 13th February because of a blighted ovum, a lot of products of conception were obtained. The patient was discharged the next day only with analgesics. She returns to the emergency room on February 16th with hypovolemic shock and acute abdomen. A normocitic normocromic anemia was found on the hematic biometry, the transvaginal ultrasound reported amount of blood in the cul-de-sac, echogenic adnexal mass, suggesting a gestational sac with embryo. An emergency laparotomy was used to perform a left cornual resection; the findings were 600 cc of hemoperitoneum and a left ruptured ectopic pregnancy. She had an uneventful postoperative course, and was discharged 72 hours later without complications. Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare illness and must always be considered for the increase in pregnancy related with assisted reproduction techniques, although, it should be considered in a spontaneous pregnancy too.     

Gestación heterotópica espontánea de 9 semanas con ambos embriones con actividad cardíaca positiva

Heterotopic pregnancy is defined as the presence of simultaneous pregnancies in distinct implantation sites. The incidence of spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy is estimated to be 1 in 30,000 to 50,000 pregnant women. We report a case of spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy in a 27-year-old woman, with two gestational sacs located in the uterus and left tube. Both embryos showed positive cardiac activity and a crown-to-rump length compatible with a 9-week pregnancy.     

Salpingotomy or salpingectomy in tubal ectopic pregnancy: What do women prefer?

There is an ongoing debate whether tubal ectopic pregnancy should be treated by salpingotomy or salpingectomy. It is unknown which treatment women prefer in view of the potentially better fertility outcome but disadvantages of salpingotomy. This study investigated women surgically treated for tubal ectopic pregnancy and subfertile women desiring pregnancy and their preferences for salpingotomy relative to salpingectomy by means of a web-based discrete choice experiment consisting of 16 choice sets. Scenarios representing salpingotomy differed in three attributes: intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) chance, risk of persistent trophoblast and risk of repeat ectopic pregnancy. An ‘opt out’ alternative, representing salpingectomy, was similar for every choice set. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyse relative importance of the attributes. This study showed that the negative effect of repeat ectopic pregnancy was 1.6 times stronger on the preference of women compared with the positive effect of the spontaneous IUP rate. For all women, the risk of persistent trophoblast was acceptable if compensated by a small rise in the spontaneous IUP rate. The conclusion was that women preferred avoiding a repeat ectopic pregnancy to a higher probability of a spontaneous IUP in the surgical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy.An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg gets stuck inside the Fallopian tube where it starts growing instead of passing on to the uterus. This may lead to serious problems, such as internal bleeding and pain. Therefore, in the majority of women, it is necessary to remove the ectopic pregnancy by means of an operation. Two types of surgery are being used in removing the ectopic pregnancy. A conservative approach, salpingotomy, preserves the tube but bears the risk of incomplete removal of the pregnancy tissue (persistent trophoblast), which then needs additional treatment, and of a repeat ectopic pregnancy in the same tube in the future. A radical approach, salpingectomy, bears no risk of persistent trophoblast and limits the risk of repeat tubal pregnancy, but leaves only one tube for reproductive capacity. It is unknown which type of operation is better, especially for future fertility. We investigated women’s preferences between these two treatments for ectopic pregnancy, i.e. does a better fertility prognosis outweigh the potential disadvantages of persistent trophoblast and an increased risk for ectopic pregnancy in the future? The study results show in the surgical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy that women preferred avoiding a repeat ectopic pregnancy to gaining a higher chance of a spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy. The risk of additional treatment in the case of persistent trophoblast after salpingotomy was acceptable if compensated by a small rise in intrauterine pregnancy rate.     

Reproductive outcome after methotrexate treatment of tubal pregnancies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate reproductive outcome after ectopic pregnancy (EP) treated with methotrexate (MTX) and to assess the relative contribution of various risk factors to future fertility. DESIGN: Telephone follow-up interviews in a cohort of patients treated for EP. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): A cohort of 158 patients treated with MTX for tubal pregnancies between April 1991 and March 1999. INTERVENTION(S): Assessment of fertility outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cumulative pregnancy rates for intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies. RESULT(S): Thirty-two patients (20.2%) were lost to follow-up. Of 126 patients, 93 (73.8%) sought to become pregnant, and of these 93 women, 76 (81.7%) did. Sixty-four pregnancies were spontaneous, and 12 resulted from in vitro fertilization (IVF). No pregnancies occurred in the group not trying to become pregnant. Of the 64 spontaneous pregnancies, 52 (81.2%) were intrauterine, with 12 (18.7%) resulting in miscarriages, and 12 (18.7%) were recurrent ectopic pregnancies. The cumulative intrauterine pregnancy rate was 57.5% after 1 year and 66.9% after 2 years. The cumulative ectopic pregnancy rate was 15.4% after 1 year and 23.7% after 2 years. After adjusting for factors associated with fertility with a Cox regression, only one factor was associated with poor reproductive performance: previous history of infertility. CONCLUSION(S): Within 1 year of seeking to become pregnant, more than half the women previously treated medically for EP conceived and had ongoing pregnancies. Our analysis indicates that fertility depends more on the patients' previous medical history than on her treatment for EP.     

Heterotopic pregnancy: a report of 5 cases and review of the literature

Heterotopic pregnancy, also called combined pregnancy, associates extra-uterine pregnancy and intra-uterine pregnancy. We report five cases of heterotopic pregnancy illustrating this condition and reviewed the recent literature from 1994 to 1999. We compared the results of this review with earlier data in the literature from 1971 to 1993. We observed that therapeutic management of the extra-uterine pregnancy and course of the intra-uterine pregnancy have changed little over this period. Conversely, the frequency of heterotopic pregnancy has steadily increased since the development of medically assisted reproduction, although spontaneous cases continue to occur. The diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy is often difficult as the symptomatology is often misleading. Transvaginal ultrasound generally gives the diagnosis which may be confirmed by laparoscopy, allowing treatment of the extra-uterine pregnancy. Maternal and intra-uterine fetal prognosis depends on early diagnosis which should be made, if possible, prior to termination of the extra-uterine pregnancy.     

Advanced combined intra-uterine and ovarian gestations: case report

Combined intra-uterine and ectopic gestations are uncommon. Heterotopic gestations in which the ectopic pregnancy is located in the ovary are exceptional. We are reporting a 22 week heterotopic gestation with two live fetuses, one fetus was developing in the uterus and one in the ovary. Surgical excision of the ovarian pregnancy was conducted without disturbing the intra-uterine live fetus who was ultimately delivered uneventfully at term.