Conservative medical and surgical management of interstitial ectopic pregnancy

Magnetic resonance imaging of common, uncommon, and rare implantation sites in ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To review the MRI appearances of tubal and non-tubal implantation sites in ectopic pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Transvaginal ultrasound is the primary imaging modality in ectopic pregnancy and MRI is used as a problem-solving tool in selected indications as detailed in the article. MRI features of tubal, interstitial, cervical, cesarean scar, cornual, ovarian, abdominal, and heterotopic pregnancies are provided to familiarize the radiologists with their appearances thereby assisting them in making early and accurate diagnosis.

The diagnostic conundrum of chronic ectopic pregnancy: A case report

Chronic ectopic pregnancy (CEP) is a rare condition caused by implantation of trophoblastic tissue in the fallopian tube, which causes protracted tissue destruction at the site of attachment. The process of minor rupture and bleeding results in chronic inflammation, giving rise to a haematocele which often resembles a pelvic mass. Unlike ectopic pregnancy, the level of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in patients with CEP is usually low or undetectable as chorionic villi are generally sparse. Therefore, CEP often poses a specific diagnostic challenge for clinicians, as both biochemical markers and imaging modalities are unreliable in its diagnosis. Nevertheless, in cases where serum bhCG is significantly elevated in the presence of a large pelvic mass, the possibility of a malignant ovarian germ cell tumour (MOGCT) must be considered and investigated appropriately. Here, we present a rare case of a young woman who was referred to a gynaecological cancer centre with an acute abdomen for the treatment of MOGCT but was subsequently diagnosed with CEP following laparotomy. In our case report, we highlight the diagnostic conundrum of CEP and MOGCT and discuss the surgical challenges both these conditions pose, especially as many of these women are young and desire fertility preservation.

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Chronic ectopic pregnancy is a differential diagnosis in women with a complex adnexal mass.

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It may present with low or raised hCG.

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Differentiation between it and germ cell tumour can be challenging.

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Management involves surgical excision following radiological imaging.

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Follow up is required until normalisation of hCG.

Interstitial Pregnancy: From Medical to Surgical Approach-Report of Three Cases

Background

Interstitial pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that usually leads to uterine rupture resulting in sudden life-threatening haemorrhage, need for blood transfusion, and admission to intensive care unit. Mortality rate is 6–7 times higher than that in classical ectopic pregnancy. Uterine rupture has been typically reported to occur at more advanced gestational ages compared to tubal pregnancy although several recent reports have shown a high risk of rupture before 12 weeks of gestation.

Cases Presentation

We report three cases of women affected by interstitial pregnancy, with different clinical symptoms, and managed to be treated with surgery or medical therapy. An emergency laparotomy was performed in the first case by the general surgeon, while in the second case laparoscopy was made by a gynecologist; last case shows the success of systemic administration of methotrexate.

Conclusion

Interstitial pregnancy is still a challenging condition to diagnose and treat; early diagnosis may help to choose the proper management.

The Ethics of Interstitial and Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancies: Four Case Studies and a Review of the Literature

Catholic bioethicists have extensively addressed extrauterine tubal pregnancies, which represent the great majority of ectopic pregnancies. However, additional management options have been developed for the other 7-10 percent of ectopic pregnancies. Using two cases of interstitial pregnancy and two cases of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) seen at a Catholic tertiary care center, this article discusses options including expectant management, systemic methotrexate, intragestational methotrexate, intragestational potassium chloride, uterine artery embolization, dilation and curettage (D&C), vasopressin use, cornuostomy, cornual wedge resection, CSP evacuation, CSP scar excision, CSP salvage, and hysterectomy. Cornual wedge resection, vasopressin use, and CSP scar excision are morally acceptable; less clearly licit are aspiration of gestational sac contents, cornuostomy, gestational excision for CSPs, and methotrexate. Certainly illicit are any techniques leading to direct abortion such as D&Cs on live embryos or fetuses, double-balloon catheter placement, and use of potassium chloride. Summary: An ectopic pregnancy is any pregnancy outside the uterus. These are dangerous because the pregnancy can burst out of its abnormal location and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Most are in the part of the fallopian tube outside the uterus, but there are other types, including interstitial pregnancies (located in the part of the tube tunneling through the uterine wall) and cesarean scar pregnancies (buried in the uterine scar where the cut for a C-section was made). This article lists the ways that physicians prevent women from dying from interstitial and cesarean scar pregnancies and proposes which treatments are morally acceptable.

Therapeutic outcomes of methotrexate injection in unruptured interstitial pregnancy

Objective

To examine the therapeutic outcomes of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of unruptured interstitial pregnancy.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy and received MTX as first-line treatment between January 2003 and July 2014 at CHA Gangnam Medical Center. The treatment success rates and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were examined.

Results

Ninety-seven patients were diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy between January 2003 and July 2014. Of them, 38 initially received MTX treatment. The diagnosis was made at a median of 6⁺³ weeks (5⁺⁰ to 11⁺³ weeks). Thirty patients received a systemic MTX injection, while the other 8 received a local MTX injection. Systemic treatment composed of an 8-day alternating MTX regimen, single-dose regimen, or high-dose regimen (100 mg/m² + 200 mg/m² intravenously over 12 hours). The local injection consisted of a direct MTX injection into the gestational sac with or without systemic MTX injection. Twenty-one patients (55.3%) were successfully treated with MTX. However, MTX therapy failed in 17 patients (44.7%), who required surgery. Mode of MTX treatment was the only predictive variable of MTX treatment success (P=0.039). Treatment success was seen in 7 of 8 patients (87.5%) in the local MTX group vs. 14 of 30 patients (46.7%) in the systemic MTX group. After treatment, 13 patients attempted a successive pregnancy; of them, 10 patients had a confirmed clinical pregnancy and healthy live birth.

Conclusion

Combined MTX treatment including a local injection might be an initial approach to the treatment of interstitial pregnancy.

Recurrent Interstitial Pregnancy: a Review of the Literature

Interstitial pregnancies account for 2-4 % of all ectopic pregnancies. Despite its rarity, various treatment options exist. However, no gold standard has yet been defined and data regarding recurrence of interstitial pregnancies in subsequent pregnancies after different treatments are sparse. This makes it very difficult to provide adequate patient counselling for treatment options with regards to the treatment-related risk of recurrence. The present literature review demonstrates that recurrent interstitial pregnancy is a rare condition and more likely when additional anatomy-related risk factors for ectopic pregnancies are present, such as hydrosalpinges, blocked tubes, endometriosis, fibroids or prior tubal ectopic pregnancies. Therefore, at first appearance and in absence of additional anatomy-related risk factors, methotrexate intravenously, intramuscularly or into the amnion may be the first choice. In case of anatomical risk factors, cornual wedge resection seems to be first choice. In case of recurrence, cornual wedge resection is particularly justified in patients with anatomical alterations of the salpinges. The role of conservative surgical treatments in recurrence as cornuotomy, salpingectomy, endoloop ligation and resection and curettage under laparoscopic guidance remains unclear due to sparse data.

Ipsilateral Recurrent Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy Following a Salpingectomy

Sonographers are acquainted with the signs, symptoms, and findings of ectopic pregnancies as well as their recurrence; however, a recurrent ipsilateral ectopic pregnancy after a salpingectomy is also possible. While recurrent ipsilateral ectopic pregnancies are rare, they are a significant diagnostic discovery. It is important to highlight this rare manifestation and be aware of the potential for recurrent ipsilateral findings to avoid a misdiagnosis or prolonged treatment. The goal of this case study is to review a patient’s presentation and raise awareness of recurrent ipsilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Management options for interstitial ectopic pregnancies: A case series

OBJECTIVE

Ectopic pregnancy in the interstitial part of the Fallopian tubes can be life-threatining considering the thin myometrial tissue surrounding the gestational sac and highly vascularization which may result in catastrophic haemorrhage when interstitium is ruptured. The diagnosis and management is challenging. Conservative, medical, and surgical treatment options should be considered based on individual patient factors.

METHODS

Four women were diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy in last five years in our tertiary center. Four different treatment modalities, including single dose methotrexate, laparotomy, hysteroscopy followed by vacuum aspiration, and vacuum aspiration under laparoscopy were performed according to patients' characteristics.

RESULTS

. Successful outcome was achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Interstitial pregnancy can be successfully treated with a single dose systemic methotrexate when all criteria are met. The classical cornual wedge resection remains lifesaving operation for cases of ruptured interstitial pregnancy. Less invasive procedures such as laparoscopic assisted transcervical vacuum aspiration and diagnostic hysteroscopy followed by vacuum aspiration can be performed in selected cases.

Individualisation of intervention for tubal ectopic pregnancy: historical perspectives and the modern evidence based management of ectopic pregnancy

Historically, ectopic pregnancy was a life-threatening condition where diagnosis was possible only at post mortem or laparotomy and maternal mortality was up to 90%. The evolution in the management of ectopic pregnancy has meant that diagnosis can be made using non-invasive techniques with an aim to identify the ectopic gestation before tubal rupture. This enables health care professionals to offer management options that consider not only maternal mortality, but morbidity and fertility outcomes as well. In spite of this, diagnostic techniques and management options are not without limitations. Research is currently focused on new tests with a single diagnostic capability, diagnostic and treatment algorithms and safe methods of triaging patients. This article aims to review the current literature on the diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy and to formulate a pathway to help individualise care and achieve the best possible outcome.

The 100 most cited articles in ectopic pregnancy: a bibliometric analysis

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) remains a major gynecological emergency and is a cause of morbidity or even mortality in women. As a consequence, top citation analysis of EP research in database of the Science Citation Index Expanded is needed to assess the publication trends of leading countries/territories and institutes as well as the research hotspots of EP. A total of 4881 articles relevant to EP were retrieved in the database of the Science Citation Index Expanded from 1965 to present, in which the 100 top-cited articles were selected for further analysis. The number of citations ranged from 81 to 482 (131.57 ± 69.76), with a time span of 40 years between 1969 and 2009. These citation classics came from 14 countries, and 65 of the articles came from the United States. Yale University in Connecticut led the list of classics with six papers. The 100 top-cited articles were published in 32 journals, in which the journal of Fertility and Sterility published the most (23 papers). Stovall TG and Ling FW published the highest number of studies (6 papers each). Articles that originated in the United States and that were published in high-impact journals were most likely to be cited in the field of EP research. Bibliometric analysis was used to provide a historical perspective on the progress in EP research over the past 50 years. Citation analysis is a feasible tool to comprehensively recognize the advances of EP research in the past and future research.

Laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancies: a comparison between interstitial and "more distal" tubal pregnancies

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Laparoscopy is an established, safe, and feasible management option for tubal pregnancies, even in women with significant hemoperitoneum. In case of interstitial pregnancy, however, a laparoscopic surgical approach is still a matter of debate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a laparoscopic approach to interstitial pregnancies.

METHODS

A total of 92 women with ectopic pregnancy who underwent a surgical management from April 2009 to August 2015 were reviewed. Clinical and surgical outcomes of confirmed interstitial pregnancies (n = 10) (IP group) were compared with those of "more distal" tubal pregnancies (n = 79) (TP group).

RESULTS

Although there were no differences between the two groups in gestational age, ß-hCG values were significantly higher in the IP group (p = 0.005). All patients with IP were treated by laparoscopic wedge resection. The rate of surgical complications (p = 0.413) and subsequent MTX treatment (p = 0.531) were not significantly different between groups. Operating room (OR) time (p = 0.007) was higher in the IP than in the TP group. After stratification for the presence of hemoperitoneum this difference remained, with patients in the IP group having longer OR time (p = 0.034) and additionally higher intra-operative blood loss (EBL) (p = 0.013). On the other hand, in the absence of hemoperitoneum no differences between the two groups were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In experienced hands, the laparoscopic management of interstitial pregnancies seems to be as safe and feasible as that of other tubal pregnancies. However, it could be technically more challenging, especially in case of hemoperitoneum.

Hysteroscopic Methotrexate Injection Under Ultrasonographic Guidance for Interstitial Pregnancy

A 36-year-old woman presented with pelvic pain and vaginal blood loss and interstitial pregnancy (a single gestational sac located in the proximity of the right uterine horn, without visualization of an embryo and/or attachments inside) on 2- and 3-dimensional ultrasonographic examination. The patient was clinically stable. Her abdomen was soft with normal peristalsis; superficial and deep palpation were painless, as was decompression. With the patient under general anesthesia, an operative hysteroscopy was performed visually via ultrasound. A slow injection of methotrexate solution was pushed through the right cornual region inside the gestational sac and into the myometrial tissue tangentially at the 4 cardinal points. Twelve weeks later, the patient exhibited normal tubal patency via sonohysterography, as well as a viable pregnancy of 7 weeks' gestation. This minimally invasive approach is well tolerated and shows promise for the management of interstitial pregnancy, with no adverse effect on potential subsequent fertility.

[Medical management of interstitiel pregnancy by in situ methotrexate]

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial pregnancy accounts for 3 to 11% of ectopic pregnancy; these pregnancies are the more frequently non-tubal ectopic pregnancy. Medical treatment can be used in case of unruptured interstitial pregnancy and is used more and more frequently to avoid hemorrhagic risk and risk of conversion to radical surgery when a surgical management is decided. However, a larger use of methotrexate in interstitial pregnancy and conditions of use are not clearly defined. The aim of this study is to report a series of unruptured interstitial pregnancy managed by in situ injection of methotrexate.

WOMEN AND METHODS

This retrospective observational study included women treated for an interstitial pregnancy between 2010 and 2013 in a teaching hospital. Medical management used was an in situ injection of methotrexate (1mg/kg) guided by vaginal sonography plus an intramuscular injection of methotrexate (1mg/kg) in the 48hours following in situ injection and 600mg of mifepristone when progesterone blood rate was more than 9ng/mL. A great decrease of serum hCG without surgery was considered a success.

RESULTS

Fourteen women had an interstitial pregnancy during the study period. Six were managed surgically in 5 cases for suspicion of uterine rupture and one for pregnancy of unknown location. Eight women had a medical management and the success rate was 100%. Mean time for decrease of serum hCG until 2 UI/L was 54.4 days [34.0-74.8]. No uterine rupture or immediate complication was reported. Five women out of 8 had a spontaneous pregnancy after management of interstitial pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Medical management by in situ injection of methotrexate under sonographic guidance with an intramuscular injection within the 48hours following the in situ injection and mifepristone when ectopic pregnancy was active can be proposed in first-line therapy in case of unruptured interstitial pregnancy. This treatment has a great efficiency and low rate of complications.

[Cornual pregnancy: Management and subsequent fertility]

OBJECTIVE

Cornual pregnancy is a rare entity, representing 2% of ectopic pregnancies. Its management is poorly codified and often guided by the clinical situation. The aim of our study was to describe the management of cornual pregnancies, subsequent fertility, and obstetric outcomes according to the management.

METHODS

Observational retrospective unicentric study. Nineteen patients hospitalized for cornual pregnancy between 2006 and 2015 were included. The data was collected with medical records and a phone standardized questionnaire. Patients were managed according to hemodynamic status by either systemic or local methotrexate injection or surgical corneal resection.

RESULTS

Among the 19 patients, 32% (6) were treated by systemic injection (one failure treated by surgical treatment) and 68% (13) underwent surgical treatment by cornual resection. The median HCG rate decrease was 33 days (16-62). Among the twelve patients with a desire for a new pregnancy, 7 (58%) became pregnant without assisted reproductive technology (2 following medical treatment and 5 following surgical resection). Histological analysis of uterine horn showed proximal fallopian tube lesions in 76.9% of case (chronic salpingitis, endosalpingiosis and adenomyosis).

CONCLUSION

Cornual pregnancies are at high risk of hemorrhagic rupture. Ectopic recidive may occur. Fertility and obstetrical outcomes following cornual pregnancy are not affected whatever the initial treatment. Other studies are needed to aid clinical management according to HCG level and ultrasound features.

Incidence, diagnosis and management of tubal and nontubal ectopic pregnancies: a review

BACKGROUND

Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition occurring in 1-2 % of all pregnancies. The most common ectopic implantation site is the fallopian tube, though 10 % of ectopic pregnancies implant in the cervix, ovary, myometrium, interstitial portion of the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity or within a cesarean section scar.

FINDINGS

Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, serology, and ultrasound. Medical management is a safe and effective option in most clinically stable patients. Patients who have failed medical management, are ineligible, or present with ruptured ectopic pregnancy or heterotopic pregnancy are most often managed with excision by laparoscopy or, less commonly, laparotomy. Management of nontubal ectopic pregnancies may involve medical or surgical treatment, or a combination, as dictated by ectopic pregnancy location and the patient's clinical stability. Following tubal ectopic pregnancy, the rate of subsequent intrauterine pregnancy is high and independent of treatment modality.

CONCLUSION

This review describes the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of tubal and non-tubal ectopic and heterotopic pregnancies, and reviews the existing data regarding recurrence and future fertility.

Interstitial twin pregnancy: A unique case presentation

Early recognition and timely treatment of an interstitial pregnancy is imperative to avoid the high morbidity and mortality of this type of ectopic pregnancy. We report a case of twin interstitial pregnancy that was initially missed on initial sonogram and was subsequently recognized at our institution by transvaginal sonography. The patient underwent open laparoscopic surgery with cornual wedge resection but suffered infundibulopelvic ligament hemorrhage and subsequently required ipsilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. She did well and was discharged home a day later.

Determination of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Postmortem Samples in Ectopic Pregnancies

Increased human chorionic gonadotropin levels (HCG) can be detected in femoral blood, bile, and vitreous humor collected during autopsy of pregnant women using a standard kit designed for living patients. In the study herein, the concentrations of HCG were measured in postmortem serum, vitreous, bile, cerebrospinal, and pericardial fluids in 4 cases of fatal ectopic pregnancy and 40 controls using a quantitative electrochemiluminescence immunoassay designed for living patients. No false-negative cases were identified in any of the analyzed samples in any of the ectopic pregnancy cases. No correlations were found between total HCG levels in postmortem serum and the other tested specimens. The results of this study would suggest that higher HCG in bile, vitreous, pericardial, and cerebrospinal fluids may confirm the existence of ectopic pregnancy and therefore identify other situations in which this hormone is increased, although gestational age cannot be reliably estimated using these values.

Unusual ectopic pregnancies: sonographic findings and implications for management

Ectopic pregnancy is a considerable source of morbidity and mortality for women of childbearing age. Improved detection and increased risk factors have led to a dramatic rise in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in recent years. Early diagnosis is critical for the health of the patient as well as the success rate of future pregnancies. Besides laparoscopy, sonography is the mainstay for evaluating ectopic pregnancy. It is important to understand the sonographic features of ectopic pregnancies, including unusual cases that occur outside the fallopian tube.

Uncommon Implantation Sites of Ectopic Pregnancy: Thinking beyond the Complex Adnexal Mass

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when implantation of the blastocyst takes place in a site other than the endometrium of the uterine cavity. Uncommon implantation sites of ectopic pregnancy include the cervix, interstitial segment of the fallopian tube, scar from a prior cesarean delivery, uterine myometrium, ovary, and peritoneal cavity. Heterotopic and twin ectopic pregnancies are other rare manifestations. Ultrasonography (US) plays a central role in diagnosis of uncommon ectopic pregnancies. US features of an interstitial ectopic pregnancy include an echogenic interstitial line and abnormal bulging of the myometrial contour. A gestational sac that is located below the internal os of the cervix and that contains an embryo with a fetal heartbeat is indicative of a cervical ectopic pregnancy. In a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy, the gestational sac is implanted in the anterior lower uterine segment at the site of the cesarean scar, with thinning of the myometrium seen anterior to the gestational sac. An intramural gestational sac implants in the uterine myometrium, separate from the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. In an ovarian ectopic pregnancy, a gestational sac with a thick hyperechoic circumferential rim is located in or on the ovarian parenchyma. An intraperitoneal gestational sac is present in an abdominal ectopic pregnancy. Intra- and extrauterine gestational sacs are seen in a heterotopic pregnancy. Two adnexal heartbeats suggest a live twin ectopic pregnancy. Recognition of the specific US features will help radiologists diagnose these uncommon types of ectopic pregnancy.

Diagnostic Dilemma in Cornual Pregnancy- 3D Ultrasonography may Aid!!

Interstitial or cornual pregnancy is a rare and dangerous type of ectopic gestation. It poses a diagnostic difficulty and differentiating from eccentrically located intrauterine pregnancy may be challenging. We are reporting a case of nulliparous woman diagnosed as having interstitial pregnancy on three-dimensional ultrasonography. We managed the patient successfully with weekly intramuscular doses of methotrexate. The β HCG levels were high throughout the therapy (89,000 to 1,48,000 IU/ml). The patient was admitted throughout the course of treatment. After three doses of methotrexate, the β-HCG levels began to fall. Weekly monitoring was done thereafter till normal values of β-HCG were reported. Early and prompt diagnosis and treatment of interstitial pregnancy is important to prevent catastrophic hemorrhagic complications. Three-dimensional sonography is an important diagnostic tool as it may impart better anatomical orientation and precise location of the gestational sac as compared to other imaging modalities. Methotrexate therapy may be considered in selected cases.

A case of successful laparoscopic surgery for tubal stump pregnancy after tubectomy

The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is approximately 1.3–2% of all pregnancies, and more than 90% of ectopic pregnancies are detected in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy occurring in tubal stump after tubectomy is extremely rare, and the frequency of tubal stump pregnancy is approximately 0.4% of all pregnancies. We report one of these rare cases of ectopic pregnancy in a 26-year-old Japanese woman, gravida 4, parity 1. She had undergone laparoscopic tubectomy because of a tubal pregnancy two years ago. She was presented to our hospital with a positive pregnancy test, but no gestational sac was detected in the uterus by echography, even though the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood was elevated to 8,900 mIU/mL. Laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy was performed. During surgery, the position of the pregnancy was found to be in the tubal stump, where tubectomy had already been performed, and the gestational sac was successfully removed. After the surgery, the condition of the patient uneventfully improved and she was discharged from the hospital three days after the surgery. The diagnosis of tubal stump pregnancy is more difficult than that of the more common positions of an ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube, and so it is more important to carefully examine the patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopic surgery is one of the options for tubal stump pregnancy if diagnosed early and if the condition of the patient is stable.

Spontaneous live recurrent ectopic pregnancy after ipsilateral partial salpingectomy leading to tubal rupture

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This is the first reported case in the literature describing a recurrent ectopic pregnancy with a fetal heartbeat after ipsilateral salpingectomy that led to tubal rupture.

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Although exceptionally rare, recurrent ectopic pregnancy may occur after ipsilateral salpingectomy.

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Physicians should be aware that ectopic pregnancies may not only occur repeatedly but may also present atypically.

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We recommend when performing a salpingectomy that efforts be undertaken to minimize the length of the tubal remnant and to assure adequate coagulation of tissue so as to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Introduction

Ectopic pregnancy accounts for 1–2% of all pregnancies in the United States. The most common site of implantation for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube. We present the first case describing a recurrent ectopic pregnancy with a fetal heartbeat after ipsilateral salpingectomy that led to tubal rupture.

Presentation of case

The patient presented with abdominal pain approximately six weeks after her last menstrual period. Seven years prior to presentation, a laparoscopic partial right salpingectomy had been performed for a tubal ectopic pregnancy. Physical exam was significant for diffuse abdominal tenderness and guarding. Ultrasonography revealed a right tubal pregnancy with a fetal pole and a fetal heart rate that was calculated to be 108 beats per minute. Free fluid was also noted. 1.5 l of hemoperitoneum was subsequently evacuated and the right fallopian tube remnant with the ectopic pregnancy was removed. Pathology of the tubal remnant showed immature chorionic villi and fetal parts.

Discussion

The mechanism by which a recurrent ectopic pregnancy after ipsilateral salpingectomy occurs is unclear, but is theorized to be secondary to contralateral fertilization and/or tubal recanalization that may occur due to inadequate diathermy.

Conclusion

Physicians should be aware that ectopic pregnancies may not only occur repeatedly but may also present a typically. We recommend when performing a salpingectomy that efforts be undertaken to minimize the length of the tubal remnant and to assure adequate coagulation of tissue so as to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Three-dimensional sonography in the differential diagnosis of interstitial, angular, and intrauterine pregnancies in a septate uterus

Interstitial, angular, and cornual pregnancies and intrauterine pregnancies in an anomalous uterus are separate entities, and the impact of each condition on obstetric outcomes is completely different. However, there is considerable confusion in understanding and managing the natural course of each condition due to a lack of uniform terminology. The single most important factor for differentiating these types of pregnancies is to make an early diagnosis. The differences between interstitial, angular, and cornual pregnancies on 2-dimensional (2D) sonography are subtle. Although magnetic resonance imaging can be used to differentiate these conditions, it is not preferred as the initial assessment tool because of its limited availability and cost-effectiveness. Three-dimensional (3D) sonography has the advantage of providing views of the uterus that cannot be obtained with conventional 2D sonography. We describe 3 cases of interstitial, angular, and intrauterine pregnancies in a septate uterus that were clearly differentiated by 3D sonography. We demonstrate the differences in diagnostic imaging findings and emphasize the importance of 3D sonography in differentiating these entities.

Transabdominal ultrasound-guided injection of methotrexate in the treatment of ectopic interstitial pregnancies

PURPOSE

In a retrospective observational study, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of medical therapy with transabdominal ultrasound-guided injection of methotrexate (MTX) into the gestational sac (GS) in patients with interstitial ectopic pregnancies.

METHODS

Fourteen interstitial ectopic pregnancies were treated with transabdominal ultrasound-guided injection of MTX (25 mg). All patients were hemodynamically stable. In all patients, the 10-cm distance between the GS and vaginal fornices was ≥10 cm, making transvaginal injection difficult. To evaluate feasibility and safety of the procedure, we assessed complications clinically and with imaging during a 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

In all 14 patients, MTX injected locally into the GS successfully terminated the interstitial pregnancy, thereby avoiding surgery. There was no complications during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The successful outcome in our patients suggests that the transabdominal route is feasible and safe as a nonsurgical option for terminating an ectopic interstitial pregnancy in patients in whom the transvaginal route is contraindicated or difficult, provided the patients are properly selected and operators have sufficient experience with the technique.

Correlation of the volume of ectopic pregnancy and MTX therapy outcome: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate a possible correlation between the volume of the tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) measured by vaginal-ultrasound (VUS) and methotrexate (MTX) therapy outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Data of EP volume measured by one expert-sonographer, viability, clinical symptoms, previous IVF/insemination, follow-up of β-hCG and progesterone levels, and treatment of EP was collected of 100 patients with sonographically diagnosed EP, who attended the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University Vienna between March 2008 and September 2011.

RESULTS

The mean volume of EP (mVol.) in the group with successful MTX therapy (n = 38) was 5.11 ml, 95%CI [2.4; 7.8] with a median 3.2 ml, IQR [5.0], in the group with unsuccessful MTX treatment (n = 11) it was 15.24 ml, 95%CI [-2.6; 33.1], with a median 4.4 ml, IQR [11.4]. We could observe a trend towards a lower mVol. in the successful MTX group (5.11 ml vs. 15.24 ml). We could not show a significant correlation (u-test p = 0.208).

CONCLUSION

A clear tendency was observed towards a lower mVol. in the successful MTX therapy group, but we could not verify a statistically significant correlation of volume of EP and MTX therapy outcome most likely due to the small sample size. This was the first study investigating the correlation of volume of EP and MTX therapy outcome as principal question.

[Early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy]

Ectopic pregnancy is a high-risk condition that occurs in 2% of reported pregnancies. This percentage is fivefold higher than that registered in the 1970s. Since 1970 there has been a two-fold increase in the ratio of ectopic pregnancies to all reported pregnancies in Hungary and in 2012 7.4 ectopic pregnancies per thousand registered pregnancies were reported. Recently, the majority (80%) of cases can be diagnosed in early stage, and the related mortality objectively decreased in the past few decades to 3.8/10,000 ectopic pregnancies. If a woman with positive pregnancy test has abdominal pain and/or vaginal bleeding the physician should perform a work-up to safely exclude the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. The basis of diagnosis is ultrasonography, especially vaginal ultrasound examination and measurement of the β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin. The ultrasound diagnosis is based on the visualization of an ectopic mass rather than the inability to visualize an intrauterine pregnancy. In some questionable cases the diagnostic uterine curettage or laparoscopy may be useful. The actuality of this topic is justified by practical difficulties in obtaining correct diagnosis, especially in the early gestational time.

Laparoscopic management of interstitial pregnancy and fertility outcomes after ipsilateral salpingectomy - three case reports

Background: Interstitial pregnancy after ipsilateral salpingectomy is a rare event with potentially serious consequences. Optimal management strategy remains uncertain and debated. In addition, fertility sparing is determinant of the treatment choice.

Cases: Here, we report three cases of interstitial pregnancy occurring after homolateral salpingectomy. We expose the therapeutic option held in all three situations, which associated laparoscopic procedure followed by intramuscular methotrexate injection with successful outcome for all patients. We also report the fertility outcome for the first patient, discussing the timing and mode of delivery. Cesarean section at term was performed for this patient.

Conclusion: In these three situations, we obtained a successful result using a minimally invasive surgical approach combined with systemic methotrexate injection. Cesarean section at term for subsequent intrauterine pregnancy seems to be the safest delivery strategy, although no clear data exist in literature.

Interstitial pregnancy: a 'road map' of surgical treatment based on a systematic review of the literature

An electronic search concerning the surgical approach in cases of interstitial pregnancy from January 2000 to May 2013 has been carried out. Fifty three studies have been retrieved and included for statistical analysis. Conservative and radical surgical treatments in 354 cases of interstitial pregnancy are extensively described. Hemostatic techniques have been reported as well as clinical criteria for the medical approach. Surgical outcome in conservative versus radical treatment were similar. When hemostatic techniques were used, lower blood losses and lower operative times were recorded. Conversion to laparotomy involved difficulties in hemostasis and the presence of persistent or multiple adhesions. Laparoscopic injection of vasopressin into the myometrium below the cornual mass was the preferred approach.