Differential diagnosis of suspected cervical pregnancy and conservative treatment with the combination of laparoscopy-assisted uterine artery ligation and hysteroscopic endocervical resection

Experience of a Tertiary Service in the Treatment of Women with Cervical Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

 Cervical pregnancy is challenging for the medical community, as it is potentially fatal. The treatment can be medical or surgical; however, there are no protocols that establish the best option for each case. The objective of the present study was to describe the cases of cervical pregnancy admitted to a tertiary university hospital over a period of 18 years.

METHODS

 A retrospective study based on a review of the medical records of all cervical pregnancies admitted to the Women's Hospital at Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Southeastern Brazil, from 2000 to 2018.

RESULTS

 We identified 13 cases of cervical pregnancy out of a total of 673 ectopic pregnancies; only 1 case was initially treated with surgery because of hemodynamic instability. Of the 12 cases treated conservatively, 7 were treated with single-dose intramuscular methotrexate, 1, with intravenous and intramuscular methotrexate, 1, with intravenous methotrexate, 1, with 2 doses of intramuscular methotrexate, and 2, with intra-amniotic methotrexate. Of these cases, one had a therapeutic failure that required a hysterectomy. Two women received blood transfusions. Four women required cervical tamponade with a Foley catheter balloon for hemostasis. There was no fatal outcome.

CONCLUSION

 Cervical pregnancy is a rare and challenging condition from diagnosis to treatment. Conservative treatment was the primary method of therapy used, with satisfactory results. In cases of increased bleeding, cervical curettage was the initial treatment, and it was associated with the use of a cervical balloon for hemostasis.

A diagnostic dilemma of an 18-week cervical ectopic pregnancy: A case report

Introduction

Cervical ectopic pregnancy (CEP) is characterised by the implantation of trophoblastic tissue within the cervical canal and is associated with a significant risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. This case report addresses a second-trimester CEP with unusual sonographic features suspicious of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), which was successfully managed with an abdominal hysterectomy.

Case Presentation

A 27-year-old woman, G6P2, presented to the labour ward of a rural hospital at 18 weeks of gestation with premature rupture of membranes. The index pregnancy was complicated by an absence of any antenatal care, as well as a history of cigarette smoking and cannabis use. An ultrasound scan demonstrated a live pregnancy with the foetal head within the cervical canal. A termination of pregnancy was arranged with misoprostol 200 mg orally followed by an oxytocin induction. However, a repeat ultrasound scan, after 12 h of oxytocin infusion, which failed to terminate the pregnancy, demonstrated a still live foetus as well as increased vascularity, concerning for PAS. The patient underwent an emergency abdominal hysterectomy, with an intraoperative diagnosis of a CEP. The postoperative course was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged home on day 3 post-operatively.

Discussion

Appropriate antenatal care and early booking-in would have identified a CEP early in gestation and allowed for minimally invasive management and potential conservation of fertility. When this is not possible in such cases, meticulous pre-operative planning by a gynaecologist with experience in advanced pelvic surgery can minimise the associated morbidity and mortality.

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Cervical ectopic pregnancies are rare and at a late gestation can be difficult to diagnose

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A multigravida woman at 18 weeks gestation presented in preterm labour with ultrasound concern for placenta accreta

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Intraoperatively she was found to have a cervical ectopic pregnancy

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An abdominal hysterectomy was required  in management

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Early antenatal care is vital in diagnosis of cervical ectopic pregnancy and can potentially conserve fertility

A novel approach with concomitant laparoscopic uterine artery ligation and D&C as initial treatment for complicated gestational trophoblast disease in cesarean scar and cervical ectopic pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

Gestational trophoblast disease (GTD) in low-lying implantation ectopic pregnancy (LLIEP) is extremely rare. Surgical removal of GTD lesions which is the initial treatment of choice carries a high risk of intraoperative massive bleeding. Adequate management is challenging and inconclusive.

CASE REPORT

We present two unusual cases with a diagnosis of GTD in advanced LLIEP. The first case had choriocarcinoma in cesarean scar and the second case had mole pregnancy in cervix. Both cases were managed with laparoscopy uterine artery ligations followed by transvaginal intrauterine curettage and vacuum aspiration with a small amount of surgical blood loss and then resumed regular menstruation. To understand the different surgical approaches and their potential advantages in managing such rare diseases, relevant cases in the literature were reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Much attention should be paid to avoid massive bleeding at initial surgical intervention in patients with GTD in advanced LLIEP. This novel approach with combination of laparoscopic uterine artery ligations and evacuating curettage in selected patients is highly recommended to minimize surgical blood loss. The obvious advantages include technical feasibility, less surgery-related bleeding and potential fertility preservation.

Hysteroscopic Treatment of Cervical Pregnancy: A Scoping Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Many therapies have been proposed for cervical pregnancy (CP) treatment; however, there is no consensus on the best practice to adopt, mainly owing to the rarity of this condition and the lack of randomized controlled trials. Therefore, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the management of this patient set. We presented an English literature review about the hysteroscopic management of CP.

DATA SOURCES

The literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews. The search strategy aimed at identifying cases from the first patients tracked down to those diagnosed in May of 2021. We searched in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE databases. Mesh terms used included "Cervical Pregnancy," "Hysteroscopy," "Ectopic pregnancy," and "Resectoscopy."

METHOD OF STUDY SELECTION

Case reports of randomized controlled trials, prospective controlled studies, prospective cohort studies, retrospective studies, case series, and case reports were considered eligible. Review, Letters to the Editor, and abstracts accepted at conferences were ruled out.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

We found a total of 3572 articles in all analyzed databases. A total of 2480 articles viewed were duplicated and therefore ruled out. After screening and excluding nonpertinent articles, 109 were assessed for eligibility, and 19 were included in the analysis. All articles were single case reports, small case series with no criteria selection, randomization, or study planning. We classified them as follows: cases treated with 10 mm resectoscope, with or without pretreatments of previous CP hysteroscopic approach, and cases resolved with 5 mm hysteroscopy, with or without pretreatments of previous CP hysteroscopic approach.

CONCLUSION

The hysteroscopic method represents a feasible and safe approach to the CP treatment, although there are still some aspects to be clarified, such as the pretreatment need and the instruments' type and sizes based on the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, pregnancy age, and dimension.

Conservative Management of a Second-Trimester Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy

Background: Cervical ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition, historically treated by hysterectomy.

Case Report: A 33-year-old female at 13 weeks 3 days’ gestation was diagnosed with a cervical ectopic pregnancy. She underwent a uterine artery embolization, fetal intrathoracic potassium chloride injection, amniocentesis, and ultrasound-guided suction dilation and curettage with the use of intracervical vasopressin, flowable gelatin with thrombin, and cervical cerclage.

Conclusion: Advanced cervical ectopic pregnancy can be successfully managed in a conservative fashion in a patient who strongly desires future fertility.

Managing Ectopic Pregnancies by Targeting Chorionic Villi with a Transvaginal Injection of Ethanol into the Lacunar Space

Methotrexate has been the main mode of non-surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancies. However, we have developed an easier, repeatable method that can be applied even to patients with a high beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level and/or positive fetal heartbeat, by targeting chorionic villi with a transvaginal injection of absolute ethanol (AE) into the lacunar space (intervillous space). The efficacy and safety of this method were examined in 242 cases of ectopic pregnancy, including 103 with positive fetal heartbeat. Serum β-hCG level was measured at frequent intervals, and transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to observe the gestational sac and hyperechoic inner ring. Of the 242 patients, 222 (91.7%) were successfully treated. The average number of AE injection(s) required was 1.6 (range: 1-5), and the average dose was 3.2 mL. After the treatment, many of the patients tried to conceive again, and 63 of the traceable 145 patients (43.4%), who had fallopian tube pregnancy, and 7 of the traceable 12 patients (58.3%), who had cervical or cesarean scar pregnancies, successfully conceived and delivered babies with no observed side effects. Therefore, this method could be an effective treatment for ectopic pregnancy with the potential to replace conventional surgical interventions and medical treatment using methotrexate.

Combination of conservative treatment and temporary bilateral laparoscopic uterine artery clipping with hysteroscopic transcervical resection for cervical pregnancy: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

We investigated whether temporary bilateral laparoscopic uterine artery clipping with hysteroscopic transcervical resection (LUA clipping-TCR) is an effective minimally invasive treatment for the management of cervical pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective clinical case series conducted at Teine Keijinkai Hospital from January 2014 to June 2019. Nine cervical pregnancies among 164 ectopic pregnancies were retrospectively examined. The intervention involved performing LUA clipping-TCR on villous tissue. Information on patient characteristics, clinical data, and surgical details was collected from medical records and surgical videos.

RESULTS

The mean (range) age of the patients was 33 years (29-41 years); and mean gestational sac diameter, 12.8 mm (5-24 mm). Five patients had a history of intrauterine procedures. Three patients had a positive fetal heartbeat. The mean (range) preoperative serum hCG level (mIU/mL), surgical time (min), uterine artery blocking time (min), and amount of surgical blood loss (ml) were 14,040 (2880-41,367), 82 (62-120), 42 (21-68), and 57 (10-200), respectively. The mean decrease in serum hCG level (second postoperative day) and duration until resumption of menstruation were 79.7 % (70-86.7 %) and 46 days (35-80 days), respectively. The hospitalization period was 2-3 days, with no evidence of persistent ectopic pregnancy. Live birth was achieved in four cases.

DISCUSSION

Our results confirm previous findings and provide new evidence that LUA clipping-TCR is effective for cervical pregnancy management and fertility preservation, respectively. Future large-scale prospective studies to compare different cervical pregnancy management methods are required.

Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin profile and its correlations with ultrasound parameters in low-lying-implantation ectopic pregnancy in the first trimester

AIM

Cervical pregnancy (CP) and cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), defined as low-lying-implantation ectopic pregnancy (LLIEP), are rare conditions of aberrant implantation around the lowest portion of the uterus. This study aimed to illustrate the serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) profile of LLIEP and to explore its implications with the clinical characteristics.

METHODS

Women with LLIEP during the first trimester were retrospectively evaluated at a tertiary referral center from August 1999 to July 2016. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, including maternal age, gestational age (GA), serum β-hCG level, maximal diameter of the gestational mass/sac (MDM/MDS) by ultrasonography and CSP implantation types. The serum β-hCG level was measured on the day of ultrasound imaging. The significance of pretreatment the serum β-hCG level and its correlations with the clinical characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 88 LLIEP with 64 CSP and 24 CP was included. The mean GA at the time of diagnosis was 7 weeks (range, 5-12 weeks). The β-hCG concentrations rapidly increased from GA 5 to 9 weeks and fluctuated thereafter. The β-hCG levels correlated positively with GA and ultrasound MDM/MDS. In the CSP group, there was no difference in the β-hCG level between superficial and deep implantation types. β-hCG levels demonstrated no significant differences among simple and complicated LLIEP.

CONCLUSION

This study established the serum β-hCG profile in LLIEP in the first trimester. The exponential increase of β-hCG levels was similar to that of normal intrauterine pregnancies. The β-hCG levels were not associated with placentation complexity of CSP. Higher β-hCG levels did not implicate less success in conservative surgical management.

Effects of uterine artery occlusion during myomectomy on ovarian reserve: Serial follow-up of sex hormone levels, ultrasound parameters and Doppler characteristics

AIM

To evaluate the influence of uterine artery occlusion at myomectomy (UAO + M) on ovarian reserve based on serum sex hormone levels, ultrasound and color Doppler examinations.

METHODS

In this cohort study, nine women with symptomatic uterine myomas underwent UAO + M were recruited. Each woman was assessed preoperatively and 3, 6 months postoperatively, through a serial of hormonal, ultrasound parameters and Doppler examination for ovarian stromal blood flow. The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels before and 3, 6 months after UAO + M. The ovarian volume, antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow had significant changes in the right ovary. Ovarian volume and AFC significantly reduced at 3 months and recovered at 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.046, P = 0.019, respectively). Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity significantly decreased at 3 months and leveled off at 6 months (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). Resistance index significantly increased at 3 months and decreased at 6 months (P = 0.037). A similar trend in ultrasound and Doppler findings was observed in the left ovary, but no statistical significance was found.

CONCLUSION

UAO + M had no detrimental effect on ovarian reserve 6 months postoperatively based on AMH and FSH levels. AFC, ovarian volume and stromal blood flow were transiently decreased in 3 months and recovered in 6 months.

MRI of Acute Gynecologic Conditions

Although usually not a first-line imaging modality in the setting of acute pelvic pain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to depict and characterize a wide range gynecologic diagnoses with high accuracy. Lack of ionizing radiation renders MRI particularly useful for assessment of pregnant women and children. Furthermore, inherent high soft-tissue resolution of MRI allows accurate diagnosis without intravenous contrast use, which is advantageous for patients with renal insufficiency and pregnant patients. Familiarity with the typical MRI appearance of various acute gynecologic conditions helps establish the correct diagnosis. This article reviews the common MRI findings of acute gynecologic processes, in both pregnant and nonpregnant patients. Level of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1291-1309.

Conservative management in a patient with cervical ectopic pregnancy in Nariño, Colombia: Case report and review of the literature

Objectives

To report a case of cervical pregnancy (CP) treated successfully with a conservative approach, and to conduct a review of the literature regarding conservative medical and surgical treatment.

Materials and methods

Patient with cervical pregnancy treated pharmacologically with methotrexate (MTX) followed by dilation and curettage, with a satisfactory clinical course. A search of articles was conducted in Medline via PubMed, LILACS, SciElo and Google Scholar using the terms "cervical ectopic pregnancy," "conservative treatment," "curettage,» "methotrexate," "uterine artery embolization," "hysteroscopy." Reports and case series were selected of patients with cervical pregnancy diagnosed on ultrasound at any gestational age, subjected to conservative medical or surgical treatment.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included; 95 patients with CP treated with MTX were identified, 93 of them successfully treated. The most frequent complication was bleeding in 12%; 26% required complementary surgical treatment. Increasingly, uterine artery embolization (UAE) is carried out preventatively (7 cases) before curettage or treatment with MTX. The hysteroscopy is another recent alternative (20 cases). Abdominal hysterectomy was required in two cases, one of which was a cervico-isthmic pregnancy.

Conclusions

Treatment with MTX continues to be the most frequent strategy. Dilation and curettage with endocervical plugging may be an option to consider in the emergency management of EP in primary care institutions. In institutions equipped with high complexity technology, uterine artery embolization before the surgical procedure and histeroscopy are options to be considered. Considering that early diagnosis of EP is now possible, multi-center studies comparing different management options are needed for better assessment of their safety and effectiveness.

Second Trimester Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy and Hemorrhage: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cervical ectopic pregnancies are a rare occurrence in the United States. Here we present the interdisciplinary and conservative management approach to a cervical ectopic at an advanced gestational age. In addition, we review the surgical management of hemorrhage from cervical ectopic pregnancies, which is often catastrophic and life-threatening.

A Novel Treatment for Cervical and Cesarean Section Scar Pregnancies by Transvaginal Injection of Absolute Ethanol to Trophoblasts: Efficacy in 19 Cases

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a nonsurgical treatment for cervical pregnancy (CP) and cesarean section scar pregnancy (CSP).

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification III).

SETTING

Private assisted reproductive technology practice.

PATIENTS

Nineteen women with CP (n = 16) or CSP (n = 3), including 6 patients with positive fetal heartbeat.

INTERVENTION

Transvaginal local injection of absolute ethanol (AE) into the hyperechoic ring (lacunar space) around the gestational sac under ultrasound guidance.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was measured at frequent intervals, and ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging was used to observe the gestational sac. In 9 patients, the serum β-hCG level was effectively reduced with a single AE injection at 2 hours. In the remaining 10 patients, the level decreased but then increased in 4 and slowly decreased in the other 6; all of these 10 patients required 2 to 5 repeat AE injections. In all patients, serum β-hCG level was reduced by 50% within 3 days and decreased to <10% of the initial level within 14 days. In 18 patients (95%), the level was decreased to 1.0 mIU/mL within 40 days. Seven patients were treated on an outpatient basis. Twelve patients received no anesthesia. Five patients subsequently became pregnant, and each had a live birth. There was no recurrent CP or CSP. The procedure was successful in all 19 patients.

CONCLUSION

This procedure is an effective treatment for CP or CSP that could be used in place of conventional surgical interventions and medical treatment using MTX.

Pitfalls and tips in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

Women of reproductive age with pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and a positive pregnancy test often require evaluation with pelvic ultrasound. In these situations, the primary role of pelvic ultrasound is to differentiate an ectopic pregnancy from either a normal or abnormal intrauterine pregnancy. While an accurately performed and interpreted pelvic ultrasound results in rapid diagnosis and management, numerous diagnostic pitfalls can lead to negative outcomes. Therefore, familiarity with the appropriate laboratory tests, sonographic technique, and imaging features of ectopic pregnancy is essential for all radiologists. We present a review of ectopic pregnancy cases from our institution with attention to common pitfalls and troubleshooting tips for physicians who perform and interpret pelvic ultrasounds. We also present recently published literature to aid in the management of first trimester pregnancy.

Low-lying-implantation ectopic pregnancy: a cluster of cesarean scar, cervico-isthmus, and cervical ectopic pregnancies in the first trimester

OBJECTIVE

To describe the treatment outcomes of aberrant ectopic implantations in the lower segment of the uterus in a cohort population and to evaluate whether or not low-lying-implantation ectopic pregnancy (LLIEP), a new term, is appropriate to include in the traditional diagnoses of cervical pregnancy (CP), cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), and other unusual aberrant implantations in the lower segment of the uterus in the first trimester, in terms of clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two women with ectopic pregnancies of <12 weeks' gestational age from July 2003 to December 2008 were prospectively studied. Each patient underwent an ultrasound evaluation by an experienced consultation team and was grouped into the CP, CSP, or cervico-isthmic pregnancy (CIP) group. Patients underwent either suction dilatation and curettage (D and C) alone, or laparoscopic uterine artery blockage followed by suction D and C, to remove the aberrant trophoblasts without other adjuvant treatments. Clinical characteristics and biochemical factors, including obstetric history, patient age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, serum hematocrit and β-hCG level, operation method, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient age (mean = 34.1 ± 6.4 years), previous number of cesarean deliveries (mean = 1.5 ± 0.8), gestational age (mean = 6.9 ± 1.2 weeks), serum β-hCG (mean = 35,384.3 ± 41,726.9 mIU/mL), operation time (mean = 60.3 ± 46.6 minutes), and surgical blood loss (mean = 124.7 ± 191.5 mL) among the three patient groups. The uterus was successfully preserved in all patients after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of surgical management for ectopic implantations in the lower segment of the uterus is good. The new term LLIEP seems appropriate to cover all forms of aberrant ectopic implantations in the lower segment of the uterus in the first trimester, in terms of treatment efficacy. The use of LLIEP for preoperative ultrasound diagnosis would enable the clinician to diagnose unusual cases more easily, without the need to change the current treatment policy.

Diagnosis and management of cervical ectopic pregnancy

Cervical ectopic pregnancy (CP) is a rare condition with an incidence of less than 0.1% of all ectopic pregnancies. It is associated with a high morbidity and mortality potential. Timely intervention is required to preserve fertility and avoid the need for a hysterectomy. A case of CP is reported and the challenges in the diagnosis and management are discussed.

Cervical pregnancy: a report of four cases

Various conservative treatments for cervical pregnancy have been reported. However, unlike tubal ectopic pregnancy, the treatment of cervical pregnancy has not been well established. For patients who desire fertility preservation, treatment with methotrexate chemotherapy carries a high success rate for preservation of the uterus. When methotrexate is injected i.v. or i.m., expulsion of pregnant tissue occasionally takes up to 1 month. In this report, we present four cases of cervical pregnancy which were successfully managed by methotrexate injection into the bilateral uterine arteries. In cases presenting with massive bleeding, embolization of the bilateral uterine arteries was performed. Cervical pregnancy was aborted within 8 days safely, and fertility could be preserved without harmful side-effects.

Cervicoisthmic pregnancy near cesarean scar after oocyte donation in premature ovarian failure: literature review starting from a single case

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the best management options in decision making in cases of cervicoisthmic and cesarean scar pregnancies and rare forms of ectopic pregnancies with high rates of pregnancy-related morbidity in the first trimester, more commonly associated with assisted reproductive medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a literature review of the description of a case report of a cervicoisthmic pregnancy near a cesarean scar in a premature ovarian failure woman. She obtained pregnancy after ovum donation, hormonal therapy, and in vitro fertilization. The researchers focused on the MEDLINE/PubMed database articles on ectopic pregnancies, particularly on cesarean scar pregnancies, cervical pregnancies, and ectopic pregnancies after in vitro fertilization in English-language journals published from January 1996 to December 2011.

RESULTS

The conservative or nonconservative options for medical or surgical treatments are disposables. Moreover, in literature, no consensus was found about the best treatment method.

CONCLUSIONS

Obstetricians should pay great attention to a possible cesarean scar pregnancy in patients with risk factors in their medical history. Until now, the rarity of these findings does not allow the definition of a commonly accepted management, so the best personalized approach may be guided by early recognition, close surveillance, and appropriate counseling. Further investigations are necessary to recognize high-risk factors for all ectopic pregnancies and those unique to cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies.

Cervical pregnancy treated by uterine artery embolisation combined with office hysteroscopy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolisation in conjunction with hysteroscopic resection of trophoblast in the conservative treatment of cervical ectopic pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN

Five women diagnosed with cervical pregnancies at University Hospital of Foggia, Italy, between May 2009 and February 2012 underwent uterine artery embolisation followed by office hysteroscopic resection of trophoblast. Data on operating time, blood loss, blood transfusion, conversion to other techniques, complications related to surgery, change of serum β-hCG level, hospitalisation days and outcome of the women after discharge were collected.

RESULTS

The mean hysteroscopic operative time was 9.8 min, and the blood loss was negligible in all cases. Blood transfusion was not needed for any of the women. None of the women required conversion to other techniques. In all cases the operations were uneventful. The serum β-hCG level in all the cases declined to normal within 15 days of surgery. The total hospitalisation time was 4 days in all the cases. No vaginal bleeding or other side effects were observed throughout and after the treatment, all women recovered without complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine artery embolisation with office hysteroscopic resection is an effective option in treatment of cervical ectopic pregnancy.

Hysteroscopic Removal of Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy Following Failed Intramuscular/Intra-Sac Methotrexate: A Case Report

Background: Cervical pregnancy is a diagnosis associated with significant morbidity, specifically life-threatening hemorrhage that potentially requires hysterectomy to prevent maternal death. Conservative and fertility-sparing management strategies are poorly described in the literature, and there is no clear standard of care. Case: The patient was a 34-year-old gravida 1, para 0 who had conceived spontaneously after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis, and was found to have cervical pregnancy. She received both intramuscular and intra-sac methotrexate, with no resolution of the ectopic pregnancy. The pregnancy was removed hysteroscopically. Results: Subsequently, the patient was able to achieve a normal clinical pregnancy with ovulation induction/intrauterine insemination. This pregnancy was carried to term. Conclusions: Although cervical pregnancy is particularly hazardous and potentially fatal, conservative/fertility-sparing management of these pregnancies can be successful. (J GYNECOL SURG 28:369).

An efficient conservative treatment modality for cervical pregnancy: angiographic uterine artery embolization followed by immediate curettage

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate a conservative treatment modality, angiographic uterine artery embolization (UAE) followed by immediate curettage, in the treatment of cervical pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixteen patients with cervical pregnancy were first treated by UAE to control or prevent vaginal bleeding. Curettage of cervical canal was performed immediately after UAE to remove gestational tissue from the cervix. Clinical outcome assessments include vaginal bleeding, serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level, cervical mass, menstruation, fertility, and hospitalization time.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were successfully treated by UAE followed by immediate curettage. One patient at very early gestational age underwent UAE only. Quick regression of serum human chorionic gonadotropin level and cervical mass, fertility preservation, and a short hospital stay were observed.

CONCLUSION

UAE followed by immediate curettage is an efficient conservative treatment for cervical pregnancy. This procedure may become a useful alternative to other conservative approaches.

Serial transvaginal sonographic findings of cervical ectopic pregnancy treated with high-dose methotrexate

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed transvaginal sonographic findings from patients with cervical ectopic pregnancies treated with high-dose methotrexate (MTX).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of cervical pregnancies diagnosed in our institution from 1996 through 2006. We divided the cases into an MTX treatment group and a surgical treatment group. We included cases treated with high-dose MTX alone. We analyzed 9 cervical ectopic pregnancies treated with MTX, which was injected intravascularly at 100 mg/m(2) plus 200 mg/m(2) in 500 mL of a normal saline solution with folinic acid rescue. The gestational sac sizes and serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were periodically monitored to determine the resolution status.

RESULTS

Fifty cervical pregnancies were diagnosed during the study period. Thirty cases were treated with MTX, and 20 were treated with surgical procedures. Among the 30 cases in the MTX treatment group, 9 had high-dose MTX injection without surgical procedures. Cervical mass regression appeared at a median of 40 (range, 10-88) days after treatment, whereas the serum hCG level decreased at a median of 14 (range, 9-17) days after treatment. The median time to complete regression of the cervical mass was 86 (range, 48-141) days, and the median time to complete regression of the serum hCG level was 68 (range, 19-143) days. Cervical pregnancy was noted as a gestational sac at first but coexisted with a mixed echoic lesion 19 days after treatment. At 33 days after treatment, the cervical pregnancy was completely replaced by the mixed echoic lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Resolution of the cervical mass on sonography lagged far behind resolution of the serum hCG level. The cervical mass evolved from a gestational sac into a mixed echoic lesion on serial transvaginal sonography.

Emergency surgical procedure for failed methotrexate treatment of cervical pregnancy: a case report

Cervical pregnancy (CP) is a rare and dangerous condition, which may cause a massive haemorrhage. Ultrasonographic diagnosis consists of the visualization of the gestational sac and trophoblastic invasion in an endocervical localization. CP treatment modalities include dilatation and curettage (D&C) usually followed by intracervical tamponade, cervicotomy, angiographic embolization, ligation of the uterine arteries, and chemotherapy with methotrexate (MTX). MTX administration is a very appealing therapeutic modality of CP in the first trimester because of its convenience and efficacy. We report a case of unsuccessful treatment of a CP with systemic MTX administration, which led to an emergency surgical procedure for a sudden massive vaginal haemorrhage. A vaginal ligation of the cervical branches of the uterine arteries was carried out, followed by suction curettage, D&C and insertion of an intrauterine sterile tampon that was removed after 48 hours. The patient did not require a blood transfusion. Histological examination of the specimen confirmed the CP.

Sonographic Evaluation of an Embryonic Cervical Pregnancy

Cervical pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, and early diagnosis and treatment are important when managing this type of emergency. Although rare, if implantation occurs in the endocervical canal, it can pose a serious risk to the patient's future fertility. When an endocervical pregnancy is suspected, transabdominal and endocavity sonography should be performed.

Combined treatment with temporary intraoperative balloon occlusion of common iliac arteries and hysteroscopic endocervical resection with postoperative cervical balloon for intractable cervical pregnancy in an infertile woman

OBJECTIVE

To describe treatment of an intractable cervical pregnancy that failed intracervical Foley catheter tamponade and uterine artery embolization followed by curettage of gestational tissue.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Tertiary-care university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A 37-year-old infertile woman who achieved an 8-week cervical pregnancy after IVF-ET.

INTERVENTION(S)

Temporary intraoperative balloon occlusion of bilateral common iliac arteries in combination with hysteroscopic endocervical resection of the gestational tissue, followed by postoperative intracervical balloon compression for 3 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Serial serum beta-hCG concentrations.

RESULT(S)

Complete removal of gestational products with preservation of fertility.

CONCLUSION(S)

Temporary balloon occlusion of bilateral common iliac arteries in combination with hysteroscopic endocervical resection of cervical pregnancy was effective in the treatment of intractable cervical pregnancy and preserved the woman's future fertility.

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided treatment of cervical pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience with sonographically guided injection of methotrexate and potassium chloride (KCl) to treat early cervical pregnancy.

METHODS

We prospectively reviewed all cases of cervical pregnancies treated conservatively through transvaginal ultrasound-guided therapy at our institutions. Thirty-eight cases were identified, from 1993 through 2004. All cases were managed with transvaginal intra-amniotic and intrachorionic injection of 50 mg of methotrexate under ultrasound guidance. An additional intracardiac fetal injection of 2 mL KCl was given for those cervical pregnancies with documented cardiac activity. Follow-up sonographic examinations and serum beta-hCG measurements were performed twice weekly for 2 weeks after the procedure, then weekly.

RESULTS

The mean initial beta-hCG level was 38,948 milli-International Units/mL and ranged from 5,608 to 103,256 milli-International Units/mL for 22 cases with fetal heart activity and from 2,765 to 18,648 milli-International Units/mL for 16 cases without. Gestational age ranged from 5.4 to 14 weeks (mean 8.8 weeks). All cervical pregnancies were successfully aborted, with an average resolution of the cervical mass in 49 days. Postoperative beta-hCG declined to less than 5 milli-International Units/mL within a mean of 38 days. A mean 4.5-year follow-up showed that, of 21 patients who desired pregnancy, 18 had achieved subsequent successful pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Cervical pregnancies can be successfully managed without surgical intervention through local injection of methotrexate and KCl. This treatment not only ablates the ectopic pregnancy but also preserves the uterus for subsequent pregnancies.

Sonographic Evaluation of Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a high-risk condition that occurs in 1.9% of reported pregnancies. Although the clinical triad of pain, bleeding, and amenorrhea is considered very specific for an ectopic pregnancy, ultrasound plays important role in detecting the exact location of the ectopic pregnancy and also in providing guidance for minimally invasive treatment. This article discusses the main sonographic features of ectopic pregnancy at various common and unusual locations. In addition, it provides insight into the role of hormonal markers in the diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy.

Comparison of clinical outcomes and spectral Doppler indices of uterine and ovarian stromal arteries in women undergoing myomectomy with or without hypogastric arterial ligation

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical outcomes and hemodynamic alterations of uterine and ovarian stromal arteries between patients with symptomatic myomas undergoing myomectomy preceded by arterial ligation and those undergoing myomectomy alone.

METHODS

In this prospective, non-randomized comparative study, myomectomy was performed on 69 women with symptomatic myomas. Myomectomy alone was performed in 31 patients (Group I) and myomectomy with concomitant bilateral hypogastric arterial ligation was performed in 38 patients (Group II). In both groups, surgical results and clinical outcomes were evaluated by peripheral hemoglobin levels, a pictorial blood-loss assessment chart, and visual analog scales. Spectral Doppler indices of uterine and ovarian stromal arteries, including peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, pulsatility index and resistance index were performed preoperatively, and 1 day and 1 or more months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients in Group I and 31 patients in Group II received regular follow-up examinations for a mean follow-up period of 10.1 months. Menstrual flow, dysmenorrhea and hemoglobin levels improved significantly after surgery in both groups. Blood loss during surgery was less in Group II than it was in Group I (P=0.02). Doppler indices of uterine and ovarian stromal arteries from preoperation to mean follow-up point were not significantly different between the groups, except for a significantly lower uterine artery pulsatility index in Group II (P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Myomectomy with hypogastric arterial ligation for symptomatic myomas is as efficient as is myomectomy alone and reduces blood loss during surgery. Serial Doppler studies showed that hypogastric ligation does not block uterine and ovarian perfusion, and even reduces the impedance of the uterine arteries. The long-term recurrence rate after myomectomy with hypogastric arterial ligation remains to be determined.

Combined medical-hysteroscopic conservative treatment of a viable cervical pregnancy: A case report

Cervical pregnancy (CP) is an uncommon ectopic pregnancy that accounts for approximately less than 1% of extrauterine gestations. This case report describes a case of a viable ectopic CP successfully treated with systemic methotrexate therapy combined with hysteroscopic local endocervical resection of the heterotopic gestational sac. This approach, if validated, could be considered the treatment of choice to preserve the uterus in these young patients.

Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy

Bilateral hypogastric artery ligation followed by dilatation and evacuation under laparoscopic guidance was successful in the treatment of an advanced cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy. This case presents images of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and gross anatomy unique to cesarean scar pregnancy.

Safe resectoscopic evacuation of a 10-week viable cervical pregnancy after transfemoral bilateral uterine artery embolization

OBJECTIVE

To describe therapy of a 10.5-week viable cervical pregnancy.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

An academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

A 38-year-old women with cervical pregnancy.

INTERVENTION(S)

Transfemoral bilateral uterine artery embolization followed by resectoscopic evacuation of the gestational products.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Resolution of products of conception and serum beta-hCG levels.

RESULT(S)

Successful outcome with minimal maternal morbidity and preservation of the uterus.

CONCLUSION(S)

Uterine artery embolotherapy followed by resectoscopic evacuation of cervical pregnancy minimized morbidity and preserved the uterus.