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Cai P, Zheng M, Wang Q, Wen Y, Chen H, Gong F, Lin G, Li X, Ouyang Y. Diagnosis and management of heterotopic intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization: an eight-case series. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2024. [PMID: 39187241 DOI: 10.1055/a-2375-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the ultrasound characteristics, clinical management, and pregnancy outcomes of heterotopic intramural pregnancies (HIMPs) after embryo transfer. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study of women who were diagnosed with HIMPs. The ultrasound characteristics, clinical treatment, and pregnancy outcomes of patients with HIMPs were evaluated. RESULTS Eight women with HIMPs were included. Among them, 6 patients were diagnosed by transvaginal sonography, and 2 patients were misdiagnosed with heterotopic interstitial pregnancy. The diagnostic accuracy was 75% (6/8). Five patients with HIMPs were diagnosed at the time of the initial scan (5+6-6+3 weeks). An intramural gestational sac was observed in all 6 patients, and an embryo with cardiac activity was detected in one patient on the follow-up scans. Intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs) were revealed in all 6 patients, and embryo(s) with cardiac activity were observed in 5 patients at the time of the initial diagnosis or later. The patients receiving expectant treatment all presented with bagel signs, while patients with embryos with cardiac activity all underwent surgery. Among the 6 diagnosed women, 1 patient was initially treated medically, 4 were treated expectantly, and 1 was treated surgically. Among the 6 diagnosed patients, the IUPs of 5 patients resulted in live infants. CONCLUSION Single ET should be recommended to decrease the possibility of HIMP. An accurate diagnosis of HIMP was reached in most cases by detailed ultrasound early in the first trimester. Most IUPs of HIMPs seem to have good outcomes with timely and proper management. Expectant management might be a possible choice for nonviable intramural pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Cai
- Imaging Department, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
| | - Mingxiang Zheng
- Imaging Department, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Imaging Department, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
| | - Yi Wen
- Imaging Department, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Endoscope center, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive center, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha City, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive center, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha City, China
| | - Xihong Li
- Imaging Department, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
| | - Yan Ouyang
- Imaging Department, Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha City, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha City, China
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Ntafam CN, Sanusi-Musa I, Harris RD. Intramural ectopic pregnancy: An individual patient data systematic review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2024; 21:100272. [PMID: 38269031 PMCID: PMC10805919 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Intramural pregnancies (IMP) are very rare and represent about 1% of ectopic pregnancies (EPs). Despite a few reported cases, there is limited awareness & knowledge among sonographers and physicians. Moreover, no established diagnostic or treatment protocol exists for such a condition. This study identifies and synthesizes what is known about IMP, including etiology and pathophysiology, common clinical presentations, imaging features, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic findings, and management. PUBMED and Google Scholar were queried to identify eligible studies. All articles on IMP in human subjects available in English and French languages were included. Other types of ectopic pregnancies, including cesarean scar and cervical ectopic pregnancies, were excluded. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and a narrative synthesis approach were used to systematically review the medical literature. 82 cases distributed around 27 countries with an average maternal age of 32.07 years and gestational age of 9.27 weeks were eventually selected for this study. History of curettage was the most common risk factor reported in 30 (36.58%) patients, followed by history of salpingectomy, assisted reproduction with embryo transfer, and previous cesarean delivery, in 10(12.19%), 10(12.19%), and 9(10.97%) patients respectively. Ultrasound was performed in 80(97.56%) cases. Of the 66 reported ultrasound findings, 29 were diagnostic or suggestive of IMP. MRI, laparoscopy (both diagnostic & surgical) and diagnostic hysteroscopy were carried out on 18(21.95%), 36(43.9%) and 22(26.83%) patients respectively. Histopathologic examination mainly performed after surgery was the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis. Management involved conservative (3.65%) approach, medical treatment with methotrexate or potassium chloride (23.17%), and surgical interventions. The latter includes laparoscopic surgery (25.61%), laparotomic surgery (23.17%), and hysterectomy (13.41%). IMP is a rare but potentially lethal clinical entity. A significant proportion of patients are asymptomatic and have no known risk factors. Correlation between clinical history and imaging findings is vital to establish a prompt diagnosis and reduce the risk of a catastrophic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carnot N. Ntafam
- Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace Hospital, Detroit, MI 48235, USA
| | | | - Robert D. Harris
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburg, PA 15237, USA
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Xie QJ, Li X, Ni DY, Ji H, Zhao C, Ling XF. Intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:2869-2875. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i9.2869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intramural pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy, which is diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Management strategies vary depending on the site of the pregnancy, the gestational age and the desire to maintain fertility. The incidence of intramural pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology is higher than that in natural pregnancy.
CASE SUMMARY We present a case of intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and elective single embryo transfer following salpingectomy. The patient was completely asymptomatic and her serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level increased from 290 mIU/mL to 1759 mIU/mL. Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound indicated a heterogeneous echogenic mass arising from the uterine fundus which was surrounded by myometrium and a slender and extremely hypoechoic area stretching to the uterine cavity which was thought to be a fistulous tract. Therefore, we considered a diagnosis of intramural pregnancy and laparoscopic surgery was conducted at 7 wk gestation.
CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and treatment of intramural pregnancy is significant for maintaining fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Jun Xie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dan-Yu Ni
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiu-Feng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
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Xie QJ, Li X, Ni DY, Ji H, Zhao C, Ling XF. Intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:2871-2877. [PMID: 35434105 PMCID: PMC8968797 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i9.2871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intramural pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy, which is diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Management strategies vary depending on the site of the pregnancy, the gestational age and the desire to maintain fertility. The incidence of intramural pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology is higher than that in natural pregnancy.
CASE SUMMARY We present a case of intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and elective single embryo transfer following salpingectomy. The patient was completely asymptomatic and her serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level increased from 290 mIU/mL to 1759 mIU/mL. Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound indicated a heterogeneous echogenic mass arising from the uterine fundus which was surrounded by myometrium and a slender and extremely hypoechoic area stretching to the uterine cavity which was thought to be a fistulous tract. Therefore, we considered a diagnosis of intramural pregnancy and laparoscopic surgery was conducted at 7 wk gestation.
CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and treatment of intramural pregnancy is significant for maintaining fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Jun Xie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dan-Yu Ni
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiu-Feng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
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Minimally-invasive management of intramural ectopic pregnancy: an eight-case series and literature review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 253:180-186. [PMID: 32871441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intramural pregnancy (IMP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy and potentially fatal. Early diagnosis and management of IMP are important to preserve patient fertility. Here, we describe the use of minimally-invasive surgery for early IMP. STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of eight patients with IMP treated at our center (January 2010 to December 2018) and reviewed the literature describing minimally-invasive treatment of IMP. RESULTS All eight patients had at least one risk factor for IMP. Two cases were confirmed by ultrasound, but ectopic pregnancy or gestational trophoblastic disease were initially suspected in the other cases. Surgery (laparoscopic in three patients, hysteroscopic in one patient, and laparoscopic combined with hysteroscopic in four patients) was successful in all cases, and all patients recovered well without complications. The literature review identified 14 articles describing 17 cases of IMP managed with minimally-invasive surgery. Laparoscopic surgery was used successfully as a sole treatment in 10 cases and after failure of hysteroscopic surgery in six cases. Only one case was treated with a combination of hysteroscopic surgery and methotrexate. Interestingly, one case at our center presented with a sinus connecting the gestational sac and uterine cavity and was treated successfully using hysteroscopic surgery during early pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic surgery is a feasible management option for most cases of early IMP. Hysteroscopic surgery may be appropriate for cases where a sinus connects the gestational sac with the uterine cavity or when cornual ectopic pregnancy needs to be excluded.
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