Bilateral tubal pregnancies after a single‐embryo transfer

Case

To present an extremely rare case of bilateral tubal pregnancies following a single‐embryo transfer in a woman with a 4 year history of infertility prior to seeking assisted reproductive technology.

Outcome

A pregnancy resulted from the transfer of an embryo that had been thawed from a frozen blastocyst during a hormone replacement cycle. An ultrasound that was performed at 5 weeks and 5 days of gestation revealed a gestational sac, embryo, and heartbeat in the right fallopian tube and similar signs of a gestational sac in the left fallopian tube. A laparoscopy revealed clear signs of an ectopic pregnancy in the ampulla of the right fallopian tube. Signs of swelling also were seen in the ampulla of the left fallopian tube. As the possibility of bilateral tubal pregnancies could not be ruled out, both fallopian tubes were removed. Pathological tests revealed chorionic villi and trophoblasts in both the left and right fallopian tubes.

Conclusion

All previously reported cases of bilateral tubal pregnancies have been a result of multiple ovulations or multiple‐embryo transfer and no case of bilateral tubal pregnancies after a single‐embryo transfer has ever been reported. No genetic testing was performed; thus, it cannot be definitively stated that the divided chorionic villi and trophoblasts came from only one embryo.     

Ectopic tubal pregnancy after hysterectomy and tubal ligation

Posthysterectomy ectopic pregnancy is an unusual condition that may present soon after hysterectomy or several years later. Similarly, although tubal ligation is a widespread method of contraception, tubal pregnancy after tubal ligation is not common either. If any of these conditions are rare, having an ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy and tubal ligation is even more infrequent and only one of such cases was found in our review of the literature. We describe the case of a 35-year-old patient, with history of bilateral tubal ligation and vaginal hysterectomy that looked for medical attention due to abdominal pain. A pregnancy test was positive and a transvaginal ultrasound demonstrated the presence of a gestational sac at the vaginal cuff, adjacent to the ovary. An exploratory laparotomy showed a ruptured ectopic pregnancy located in the distal portion of the left fallopian tube. The occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy several years following tubal ligation and vaginal hysterectomy is a rare phenomenon that appears to be secondary to a fistulous connection into the peritoneal cavity.     

Early detection of ectopic pregnancy. Use of a sensitive urine pregnancy test and transvaginal ultrasonography

We performed a prospective study to evaluate the reliability of a rapid monoclonal antibody urine pregnancy test with a sensitivity limit of 20 mIU/mL combined with transvaginal ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in 116 women with subacute pelvic pain and a stable general condition. The diagnosis of tubal pregnancy was confirmed with laparoscopy in 100 of the 103 women with positive sensitive urine pregnancy tests and no intrauterine gestational sac at transvaginal ultrasonography. Laparoscopy revealed a hemorrhagic corpus luteum in four of the eight subjects with negative monoclonal antibody pregnancy tests and no intrauterine gestational sac, an ovarian cyst in three and a normal pelvis in one. Of the five women with a positive pregnancy test and an intrauterine gestational sac, two had a hemorrhagic corpus luteum, two a normal pelvis and one a tubal pregnancy at laparoscopy. The sensitivity of a monoclonal antibody urine pregnancy test and transvaginal ultrasonography combined for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was 99%, and the specificity was 80%, with positive and negative predictive values of 97% and 92%, respectively.     

Single dose methotrexate therapy: application to interstitial ectopic pregnancy

A woman with a small (6-mm gestational sac) interstitial pregnancy had complete resolution after medical therapy alone. A single cycle of methotrexate 50 mg/m² was used as outpatient treatment without any operative procedure either for diagnosis or intervention. The guidelines that have evolved for selection of women for single dose methotrexate treatment for both intrauterine and tubal ectopic pregnancies may be applicable to interstitial ectopic pregnancy as well. A suggested framework for treatment decisions is presented.     

Contralateral ovarian pregnancy after single tubal recanalisation

Ovarian pregnancy accounts for less than 3% of all ectopic pregnancies. A 30-year-old who had undergone right tubal reanastomosis seven months prior presented with pain abdomen and spotting. Her last menstrual period was 30 days prior. Examination revealed stable vitals, tenderness and shifting dullness per abdomen, fullness in the pouch of Douglas, a tender left adnexal mass and normal size uterus. Urine pregnancy test was positive. Culdocentesis revealed blood. A heteroechoic 3 × 3.2 × 3.1 cm left adnexal mass and free fluid were detected on ultrasound. There was no intrauterine gestational sac. On laparotomy 800 mL of hemoperitoneum was present. There was no evidence of tubal pregnancy. Left ovary had a 3 × 5 cm hemorrhagic mass. Partial ovariectomy was done and histopathology revealed ovarian pregnancy. This is the first reported case of an ovarian pregnancy occurring after tubal recanalisation. After successful tubal recanalisation procedure, altered motility of the reconstructed tube may cause expulsion of fertilized ovum into the peritoneal cavity and contralateral ovarian implantation.     

腹腔镜保守性手术治疗输卵管妊娠的效果及其影响因素分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜保守性手术治疗输卵管妊娠的效果及其影响因素.方法 2003年1月至2008年12月,对北京安贞医院妇产科226例输卵管妊娠者行腹腔镜保守性手术治疗,152例于术后3～6个月行子宫输卵管造影,其中6例接受了再次腹腔镜探查,以评价手术侧输卵管是否通畅.第1次腹腔镜手术成功207例,手术失败19例;术后3～6个月行子宫输卵管造影,第1次腹腔镜手术成功的207例患者中,患侧输卵管通畅者89例(A组);第1次腹腔镜手术失败、术中及术后改行输卵管切除术(19例)及手术后随访检查患侧输卵管不通者(63例)共计82例(B组).再以妊娠包块最大径线5 cm或血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)水平≤2000 IU/L,>2000～<5000 IU/L,≥5000 IU/L为界,分别计算输卵管通畅率.两组患者年龄、孕次、停经时间、输卵管妊娠的侧别及部位、是否破裂、是否合并盆腔粘连等方面比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结果 226例患者中,207例患者第1次腹腔镜手术成功,手术成功率为91.6%(207/226),术后3～6个月随访152例,失访55例.A、B组患者术前血清hCG中位水平分别为980(55～12 000)、3150(570～40 000)IU/L,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);A、B组患者输卵管妊娠包块最大径线分别为(3.4±1.3)、(5.0±1.7)cm,两组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P<0.01).A组患者术前中位腹腔内出血量为200(0～1500)ml,B组为300(0～1600)ml,A组活胎率为2%(2/89),B组为11%(9/82),两组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组共171例患者中,妊娠包块最大径线<5 cm者103例,术后患侧输卵管通畅率为65%(67/103),妊娠包块最大径线≥5 cm者68例,术后患侧输卵管通畅率为32%(22/68),两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);血清hCG水平≤2000 IU/L、>2000～<5000 IU/L、≥5000 IU/L者术后患侧输卵管通畅率分别为72%(73/102)、29%(12/42)和15%(4/27),3者分别比较,差异也有统计学意义(P<0.05);logistic回归分析结果显示,术前血清hCG水平(OR=0.277,P<0.01)、输卵管妊娠包块最大径线(OR=0.577,P<0.01)、腹腔内出血量(OR=0.999,P<0.05)均为手术成功率的影响因素.结论 腹腔镜保守性手术对输卵管妊娠希望保留输卵管功能的患者具有安全性和可行性;术前血清hCG水平、输卵管妊娠包块大小及腹腔内出血量是影响手术效果的重要因素.     

Management of ectopic pregnancy: a shift from laparotomy to pelviscopy

Successful extraction of tubal pregnancy via pelviscopy is made possible by early diagnosis. Human chorionic gonadotropin can be detected in serum at 8 days postfertilization and peaks at about 150,000 mIU/ml between 8 and 10 weeks. Ultrasonic detection of a gestational sac is possible at about 6 weeks of amenorrhea. Since 1977, treatment of ectopic pregnancy has shifted from laparotomy to pelviscopy, with retention of tubal patency in 85% of cases. Operative procedures that can be carried out via pelviscopy include tubectomy, tubal incision and suture, tubostomy and suture, and tubal evacuation. The most frequent procedure is salpingotomy with tubal incision and suture.     

An advanced second trimester tubal pregnancy: Case report

BackgroundLack of early ultrasound examination and proper antenatal care in rural areas explain why most ectopic pregnancies are presented to our center only after they become disturbed. However, this is almost always restricted to the first trimester.CaseA middle aged woman presented with acute abdomen and hemodynamic instability was admitted at our emergency department. History revealed an unexpected definite period of amenorrhea of 18 weeks and 2 days duration and pregnancy test was found positive. Ultrasound examination showed hemoperitoneum and a right large adnexal swelling with a viable fetus inside and as such immediate exploration was decided. Laparotomy revealed profound intra-abdominal and pelvic blood collection and an advanced right tubal pregnancy with intact gestational sac. Right salpingectomy was done and the patient had a smooth postoperative course until being discharged.ConclusionAccording to this case, tubal pregnancy should always be considered even in the second trimester if the clinical presentation is relevant, and ultrasound examination is mandatory to identify pregnancy location.     

Expectant management of suspected ectopic pregnancies even with risingβ-subunit human chorionic gonadotropin levels

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate possibility of expectant management of ectopic pregnancy in a selected group of patients with few symptoms, no gestational sac on sonography, and rising but lowβhCG levels. Using the above mentioned criteria, 26 patients were enrolled during prospective study period of 24 month. Five patients (19.2%) had a ruptured tubal pregnancy during the period of observation. Ten patients (38.5%) underwent laparoscopy with subsequent surgery for tubal pregnancy. The indication for laparoscopy in all 10 cases was abdominal pain. In all these 10 patients the pregnancy was unruptured. The remaining 11 patients (42.3%) escaped surgical intervention. Three had intrauterine pregnancies. In the remaining 8 patients the diagnosis remained presumed ectopic. The mean interval from admission toβhCG level of <5 mIU/ml in these 8 patients was 19.2 ± 8.4 days. They were inpatients until theβhCG level begun to decline. Thereafter, the patients were observed as outpatients. We conclude that in carefully selected cases of suspected ectopic pregnancies with rising but lowβhCG levels, expectant management is appropriate as long as the patient remains relatively asymptomatic.     

The quality and size of yolk sac in early pregnancy loss

BACKGROUND: Accurate differentiation between normal pregnancy and pregnancy loss in early gestation remains a clinical challenge. AIMS: To determine whether ultrasound findings of yolk sac size and morphology are valuable in relation to pregnancy loss at six to ten weeks gestation. METHODS: Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed in 111 normal singleton pregnancies, 25 anembryonic gestations, and 18 missed abortions. Mean diameters of gestational sac and yolk sac were measured. The relationship between yolk sacs and gestational sacs in normal pregnancies was depicted. The yolk sacs ultrasound findings in cases of pregnancy loss were recorded. RESULTS: In normal pregnancies with embryonic heartbeats, a deformed or an absent yolk sac was never detected. Sequential appearance of yolk sac, embryonic heartbeats and amniotic membrane was essential for normal pregnancy. The largest yolk sac in viable pregnancies was 8.1 mm. Findings in anembryonic gestations included an absent yolk sac, an irregular-shaped yolk sac and a relatively large yolk sac (> 95% upper confidence limits, in 11 cases). In cases of missed abortion with prior existing embryonic heartbeats, abnormal findings included a relatively large, a progressively regressing, a relatively small, and a deformed yolk sac (an irregular-shaped yolk sac, an echogenic spot, or a band). CONCLUSION: A very large yolk sac may exist in normal pregnancy. When embryonic heartbeats exist, the poor quality and early regression of a yolk sac are more specific than the large size of a yolk sac in predicting pregnancy loss. When an embryo is undetectable, a relatively large yolk sac, even of normal shape, may be an indicator of miscarriage.     

Three-dimensional transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of early and asymptomatic interstitial pregnancy

Context The interstitial gestation is a rare form of tubal pregnancy which is associated with high morbidity. The diagnosis of an interstitial gestation can be reached through a bidimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (2D-TVUS), however, sometimes when making use of this technique it is not possible to appropriately evaluate the position of the gestational sac in relation to the uterine cavity. The three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (3D-TVUS) allows accessibility to plans that the bidimensional does not, thus it makes it possible to reach a more accurate diagnosis and it also allows for an appropriate therapeutic planning. Case report We present a case of interstitial gestation diagnosed in the sixth week in an asymptomatic woman, who had a previous diagnosis of primary infertility. The 2D-TVUS revealed the presence of a gestational sac outside of the uterine cavity; moreover the colored Doppler and the power Doppler indicated a thriving vascular ring. The 3D-TVUS in the surface and transparency mode demonstrated that the gestational sac was located in the interstitial region of the uterine tube, and the niche mode accurately evaluated the relationship between the gestational sac and the uterine cavity. The patient was successfully treated with a local injection of methotrexate guided by a transvaginal ultrasonography. The 3D-TVUS was of great importance to confirm the diagnosis, to allow appropriate therapeutic choices and to decrease the morbidity.     

Inverse ratio of hCG in peritoneal fluid to that in serum in normal and tubal pregnancies

The ratio of hCG in peritoneal fluid (PF) to that in serum (S) was studied in 60 patients with normal pregnancies (5th-15th wk of gestation = control group) and in 12 tubal pregnancies, 7 tubal abortions (5th-10th wk of amenorrhea) and one case of an early interstitial pregnancy (8th wk). The PF level in the control group was in every patient lower than in S independent of the gestational age. The ratio PF to S ranged from 0.24 to 0.87 (mean +/- S.E.: 0.51 +/- 0.02). In contrast to this, the patients with tubal pregnancy and tubal abortion showed in each case higher PF levels than in S. The ratio in the group with tubal pregnancy ranged from 1.1 to 374 (54 +/- 30) and in the group with tubal abortion from 1.2 to 162 (33 +/- 23). The difference in the ratio between the control group and both tubal pregnancy and tubal abortion was highly significant (P less than 0.001). The ratio of PF to S in the patient with interstitial pregnancy (0.73) did not differ from the control group. At the time of investigation, the S levels in all but 2 patients with ectopic pregnancy were below the range for normal pregnancy of the same gestational age. These findings indicate that the hCG ratio of PF to S may be dependent on the location of the gestational product.     

Methotrexate versus hyperosomolar glucose in the treatment of extrauterine pregnancy

The aim of this prospective, randomized, double blind study was to compare the efficacy of methotrexate and hyperosmolar glucose injected directly into the extra-uterine gestational sac under laparoscopic vision. The study included twenty women with ectopic pregnancy. Inclusion criteria were intact tubal pregnancy, not exceeding 4 cm in diameter, rising or plateauing βhCG levels, and no evidence of intra-abdominal bleeding. The patients were treated by laparoscopically guided injection of 3 mL fluid into the area containing the tubal pregnancy. The fluid contained either 25 mg methotrexate (n=9) or 50% glucose (n=9). Daily decrease in βhCG levels was faster in patients treated by methotrexate (median 8.7%) than in those treated by hyperosmolar glucose (median 4.8%), p=0.17. The study was discontinued due to a higher failure rate in the group treated by hyperosmolar glucose. In conclusion, local injection of methotrexate is superior to hyperosmolar glucose. It can be used as an alternative to salpingostomy or salpingotomy whenever laparoscopy is performed for the diagnosis and treatment of extra-uterine pregnancy. Received: 17 August 2000 / Accepted: 18 October 2000     

Primary omental ectopic pregnancy

Omental ectopic pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. Presented here is a case primary omental ectopic pregnancy according to Studdiford's criteria. This patient presented with epigastric pain and anemia without vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal or pelvic pain. Pregnancy status was confirmed after admission. Transvaginal ultrasound examination revealed intrauterine contraceptive device in situ and a large amount of free peritoneal fluid, but no intrauterine sac or adnexal mass. Laparoscopy was performed but pelvic pathology did not account for the 2500 mL of haemoperitoneum. Laparotomy was carried out and partial omentectomy was performed.     

Cervical pregnancy treated with transvaginal ultrasound-guided intra-amniotic instillation of methotrexate

Aim Aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of single transvaginal ultrasound-guided intraamniotic installation of methotrexate in the management of cervical pregnancy with concurrent review of the literature.Materials and methods Six patients with cervical pregnancy are included in the study. All patients were treated with single transvaginal ultrasound-guided intraamniotic installation of 70 mg of methotrexate plus folic acid p.o. The main presenting symptoms were mild to moderate vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal cramp-like pain, resembling the clinical presentation of a threatened abortion. The typical ultrasound findings were the absence of intrauterine gestational sac and the detection of a gestational sac within the cervical canal, invading the anterior or the posterior wall of the cervix and normal appearance of the adnexa, bilaterally. The hourglass-shaped cervix was not characteristic at 5 weeks of gestation but it was at 8 weeks of gestation.Discussion Ultrasound-guided intraamniotic installation of methotrexate in the management of cervical pregnancy appears to be an effective and safe method but the choice of the method should be depended on the gestational age of cervical pregnancy, the presence of active bleeding or not and its severity, the desire for preservation of future fertility, the presence of coexisting valuable intrauterine pregnancy and the experience of the physician in charge.     

Primary omental pregnancy presenting with hemorrhagic shock. A case report

Abdominal pregnancy is a very rare and serious type of extrauterine gestation that accounts for approximately 0.003% of all ectopic pregnancies. Omental pregnancy, an extremely rare form of abdominal pregnancy, can be primary or secondary to a tubal pregnancy that aborts out of the fimbria and reimplants in the peritoneal cavity. We present an additional case of primary omental pregnancy at 12 gestational weeks presenting with symptoms of hemoperitoneum and acute abdomen.     

Retroperitoneal Subpancreatic Ectopic Pregnancy Following In Vitro Fertilization in a Patient with Previous Bilateral Salpingectomy: How Did It Get There?

An unusual case of retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy is reported. The patient, a 34 year old nulligravida, underwent IVF/ET following bilateral salpingectomy. A small, degenerating, intrauterine gestational sac suggested failing intrauterine pregnancy. There was no intraperitoneal free fluid. On Day 41 after ET, the patient was hospitalized because of acute epigastric pains. A pseudocyst of the head of pancreas was demonstrated by CT scan. A day later, exploratory laparotomy, because of a precipitous drop in the hemoglobin, revealed a massive retroperitoneal hematoma and an embryo in the gestational sac attached to the head of pancreas and major blood vessels. The patient did well following surgery. The mechanisms of retroperitoneal embryo migration are discussed and literature is reviewed.Private practice     

行IVF/ICSI各年龄段妇女早期单、双胎妊娠丢失的回顾性研究

目的:分析行IVF/ICSI的各年龄段妊娠妇女早期单、双胎妊娠胚胎丢失的影响因素。方法:回顾性分析行IVF/ICSI治疗,授精后第2日或第3日移植2~3个胚胎后单、双胎妊娠周期中早期妊娠囊丢失情况。结果:共收集到1 674个IVF/ICSI周期,孕6周单胚胎着床1 077例,双胚胎着床597例。孕12周时单胎和双胎的继续妊娠数分别为901例(83.66%)和548例(91.79%)(P<0.001)。双胎妊娠中,21例(3.52%)自然减胎成单胎,28例(4.69%)自然流产。单胎和双胎妊娠中,每个着床妊娠囊的丢失率分别为16.34%(176/1 077),6.45%(741/1 194)(P<0.001)。妊娠妇女早期妊娠囊丢失率单胎者高于同年龄段双胎妊娠者,26~37岁各年龄段妇女单胎与双胎妊娠丢失率间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),≥38岁妇女双胎妊娠丢失率显著增加。单胎妊娠组Gn每日用量显著高于双胎妊娠组(P<0.05),而受精率及优质胚胎率单胎妊娠组显著低于双胎妊娠组(P<0.001),Gn每日用量、受精率及优质胚胎率在妊娠丢失组和继续妊娠组间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:双胎妊娠早期能获得更好的继续妊娠机会,随年龄增加尤其是≥38岁妇女,妊娠丢失显著上升。胚胎形态学质量好则有助于双胚胎着床,但是对继续妊娠没有直接明显的影响。     

Omental trophoblastic implants after surgical management of ectopic pregnancy

Peritoneal implants secondary to a tubal ectopic pregnancy or extratubal omental secondary trophoblastic implants (ESTI) are a rare entity often underestimated or unknown. It can be responsible of rising in the ?-hCG titer after salpingectomy for ectopic tubal pregnancy. Moreover, implants on the omentum are exceptional. This particular localization is exceptional and its physiopathology, diagnosis, surgical management and follow-up are discussed in this paper.     

Treatment of interstitial pregnancy with methotrexate via hysteroscopy.

We present a case in which treatment of interstitial pregnancy with local MTX administration was performed successfully through hysteroscopic vision, without the need to operate. Decreased gestational sac dimension and increased or low beta-hCG level ( < 1,400 mIU/mL) facilitates the success rate. The follow-up showed disappearance of the gestational sac and decrease of beta-hCG levels to < 10 mIU/mL. We conclude that local MTX administration via hysteroscopy after tubal ostium visualization is feasible. The procedure should be considered in women during the reproductive age, especially in rare cases of interstitial pregnancy.