Conservative medical and surgical management of interstitial ectopic pregnancy

Surgical Management of Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy Using Intramyometrial Vasopressin and Cornuostomy

Interstitial pregnancy is a rare entity with a high risk of maternal mortality. It is difficult to diagnose in early pregnancy and can result in uterine rupture at the cornual end leading to catastrophic heamorrhage. The key to its management lies in early diagnosis by detailed history history, early radiological diagnosis, and management by medical or surgical means as indicated. Surgical management forms the mainstay of management in case of ruptured interstitial pregnancy or if the gestational age is advanced and the HCG levels are high. There is an inclination towards laproscopic management rather than laparotomy, and more conservative techniques involving cornuostomy rather than cornuectomy. Caution should be exercised in the next pregnancy as there is a risk of repeat intestitial pregnancy in the next conception. An elective cesarean section should be done in the next pregnancy to avoid the risk of uterine rupture at the cornuostomy site.

Laparoscopic Cornuostomy: A Conservative Surgical Approach to Interstitial Pregnancy - A Case Report

Interstitial pregnancy accounts for only 2%-4% of all ectopic pregnancies, however, it is associated with higher mortality rates as compared to other ectopic pregnancies, due to the associated risk of uterine rupture, and hemorrhage. A 35-year-old gravida 4 abortion 3 woman reported at the 8th week of gestation for antenatal care with comorbidity of protein C and protein S deficiency and recurrent pregnancy loss with for routine care. She was diagnosed as a case of interstitial pregnancy by transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. She was subsequently managed by laparoscopic cornuostomy. Prompt recognition and definitive management are crucial in averting life-threatening hemorrhage due to this rare condition.

Pregnancies at the Uterotubal Junction: A Review of Terminology (Interstitial, Cornual, and Angular) and Recommendations for Management

Ectopic pregnancies are one of the most common causes of obstetric mortality worldwide. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies, defined as an extracavitary pregnancy within the portion of the Fallopian tube that transverses the myometrium, have reported mortality rates approximately seven times higher than all types of ectopic pregnancy combined. In contrast, intracavitary eccentric gestations, often labeled as "cornual" or "angular" pregnancies, have reportedly high rates of live birth. Unfortunately, the terms "interstitial," "cornual," and "angular" have long been used with varying diagnostic criteria and often interchangeably to describe a pregnancy near the uterotubal junction. The inconsistency in nomenclature and lack of clear diagnostic criteria to distinguish among these pregnancies has resulted in a paucity of data to provide accurate prognostic information and guide appropriate management. This review article aims to provide historical context for the terms "interstitial," "cornual," and "angular;" discuss previous and more recent innovations of diagnostic methods; and provide recommendations for concise terminology and inform management.

A 20 year experience in the management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary hospital - a retrospective review

BACKGROUND

Non-tubal ectopic pregnancies account for < 10% of all ectopic pregnancies. Due to its rarity and wide variation in clinical practice, there is no guideline or consensus for its management. We reported our 20-year experience in the management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of all women admitted for non-tubal ectopic pregnancies from January 2003 to December 2022 in a tertiary hospital. Women with non-tubal ectopic pregnancies diagnosed by ultrasound or operation were included for analysis.

RESULTS

Within the study period, 180 women were diagnosed to have non-tubal ectopic pregnancies at a mean gestation of 6.8 weeks. 16.7% (30/180) were conceived via assisted reproduction. Medical treatment was the first-line management option for 81 women, of which 75 (92.1%) women received intralesional methotrexate administered under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. The success rate of intralesional methotrexate ranges from 76.5% to 92.3%. Intralesional methotrexate was successful even in cases with a positive fetal pulsation or with high human chorionic gonadotrophin levels up to 252605U/L. Twenty seven women were managed expectantly and 40 underwent surgery. Nine (11.1%), two (6.1%), and one (2.3%) women required surgery due to massive or recurrent bleeding following medical, expectant, or surgical treatment. Hysterotomy and uterine artery embolization were necessary to control bleeding in one Caesarean scar and one cervical pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Intralesional methotrexate is more effective than systemic methotrexate and should be considered as first line medical treatment for non-tubal ectopic pregnancies. It has a high success rate in the management of unruptured non-tubal ectopic pregnancies even in the presence of fetal pulsations or high human chorionic gonadotrophin levels, but patients may require a prolonged period of monitoring. Close surveillance and readily available surgery were required due to the risk of heavy post-procedural intra-abdominal bleeding.

Stump Ectopic Pregnancy: A Rare Presentation

Ectopic pregnancy is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in women of reproductive age group. Tubal ectopic in an unstable patient is a medical emergency. Tubal stump ectopic is a rare presentation. It is difficult to diagnose. Early diagnosis can prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a case of ruptured tubal stump ectopic pregnancy in a 33-year-old female who had undergone salpingectomy previously for ectopic pregnancy.

Chronic interstitial ectopic pregnancy presenting with a negative urine pregnancy test

The ampulla portion of the fallopian tube is the most common site of ectopic pregnancy (70%), with approximately 2% of pregnancies implanted in the interstitial portion. In general, an interstitial ectopic pregnancy (IEP) is difficult to diagnose and is associated with a high rate of complications-most patients with an IEP present with severe abdominal pain and haemorrhagic shock due to an ectopic rupture. Chronic tubal pregnancy (CTP) is an uncommon condition with an incidence of 20%. The CTP has a longer clinical course and a negative or low level of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin due to perished chorionic villi. This study presents a case of a woman who was diagnosed with a chronic IEP (CIEP) which was successfully treated by surgery. This case also acts as a cautionary reminder of considering a CIEP in women of reproductive age presenting with amenorrhea, vaginal bleeding and a negative pregnancy test.

Interstitial pregnancy management: A multicentric analysis of 98 patients from the FRANCOGENT group comparing surgery and medical treatment

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes associated with each therapeutic option for patients diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy (IP).

METHODS

We conducted a multicentric retrospective cohort study within the departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics involved in the Francogent research group. Women treated for an interstitial pregnancy between January 2008 to December 2019 were included. Three therapeutic options were evaluated: surgical treatment (ST); in situ methotrexate combined with systemic methotrexate (IS-MTX); and systemic methotrexate (IM-MTX). Success of first-line treatment was defined by hCG negativation (<5I U/L). Secondary outcomes included the need for secondary surgical procedure, secondary medical treatment, emergency surgery, postoperative complications, duration of hospitalization, and delay before hCG negativation.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients were managed for IP: 42 (42.9%) patients had IM-MTX; 34 (34.7%) had IS-MTX; and 22 (22.4%) had ST. First-line treatment was successful in all patients of the ST group (22/22, 100%), in 31% of patients within the IM-MTX group (13/42) and 70.6% (24/34) in the IS-MTX group. The sole parameter associated with the risk of treatment failure was the mode of methotrexate administration. The size of the gestational sac or the presence of fetal heartbeat was not associated with decreased medical treatment (IS or IM-MTX) efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Either ST or IS-MTX are good options for IP treatment associated with high success rates. A single-dose regimen of IM-MTX is less efficient than IS-MTX or ST. Symptomatic patients with severity criteria should always undergo emergency surgery. IP remains a high-risk condition that should be managed, whenever possible, in referral centers to potentialize the chances of favorable outcomes.

Cornual Pregnancy: Results of a Single-Center Retrospective Experience and Systematic Review on Reproductive Outcomes

Background and Objectives: Cornual pregnancies (CPs) are rare forms of ectopic pregnancy. When abortion does not occur, it can be a life-threatening condition for the mother and can also impair future fertility. We present our experience in the diagnosis and management of CPs. A systematic review was also conducted to investigate the reproductive outcomes after treatment. Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2022, we performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center, and descriptive data collection and analysis (ClinicalTrial ID: NCT06165770). The search for suitable articles published in English was carried out using the following databases (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023484909): MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Methodology Register), Health Technology Assessment Database, Web of Science, and search register such as ClinicalTrial. Only studies describing the impact of CP treatment on fertility were selected. Results: Two studies were included in the systematic review. Seventeen patients suffering from CPs were selected. In our series, a pelvic ultrasound allowed for the diagnosis of a cornual localization in 35.30% of cases. Thirteen women (76.47%) underwent immediate surgical management. The laparoscopic approach was the most used (76.92%), with a laparotomic conversion rate of 30%. Four patients (23.52%) received medical treatment with methotrexate. After treatment, two patients managed to achieve pregnancy. Conclusions: CP is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that can quickly become life-threatening for the mother. Ultrasound does not lead to a precise diagnosis in all cases. In the absence of complications and emergencies, laparoscopy is an approach that could be considered valid. For selected asymptomatic patients, medical treatment may be a valid alternative. The data from the studies included in the systematic review, although demonstrating a superiority of medical treatment in terms of future pregnancies, are heterogeneous and do not allow us to reach a definitive conclusion.

Navigating Interstitial Heterotopic Pregnancy: A Case Report

Interstitial heterotopic pregnancy (IHP), an exceedingly rare and clinically intricate phenomenon, presents a diagnosis that challenges healthcare providers in obstetric care. This case report provides valuable insights into the complexities of diagnosing and managing IHPs, shedding light on the pivotal role of early and precise identification. Through a meticulous examination of a 28-year-old patient's clinical history and diagnostic journey, this report underscores the significance of advanced imaging techniques and swift decision making, ultimately leading to the accurate diagnosis of an IHP. Furthermore, it highlights the life-saving importance of cornuostomy as a safe and effective intervention, preserving the intrauterine pregnancy while successfully resolving the ectopic gestation. This case report serves as a compelling reminder of the critical need for timely diagnosis and individualized treatment in cases of IHPs, ultimately enhancing the understanding and management of this rare obstetric condition.

Case of Cornual Uterine Rupture in Subsequent Pregnancy Following Laparoscopic Removal of Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy

Uterine rupture during pregnancy is a critical obstetric complication associated with maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. We present a case of uterine rupture at 27 weeks of gestation, following a previous cornual pregnancy managed laparoscopically. Our case report underlines the importance of multilayered uterine wall repair following the resection of cornual ectopic pregnancy to avoid such potentially catastrophic sequelae.

Risk factor for interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy? A retrospective matched case control study

BACKGROUND

Interstitial pregnancy may still happen even after ipsilateral salpingectomy, resulting in massive hemorrhage. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to identify risk factors associated with interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy and discuss possible prevention.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a single, large, university-affiliated hospital. Data of 29 patients diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy from January 2011 to November 2020 were assigned into the case group (IP group). Whereas there were 6151 patients with intrauterine pregnancy after unilateral salpingectomy in the same period. A sample size of 87 control patients was calculated to achieve statistical power (99.9%) and an α of 0.05. The age, BMI and previous salpingectomy side between the two group were adjusted with PSM at a ratio of 1:3. After PSM, 87 intrauterine pregnancy patients were successfully matched to 29 IP patients.

RESULTS

After PSM, parous women were more common and intrauterine operation was more frequent in the IP group compared with control group (P<0.05). There was only one patient undergoing IVF-ET in the IP group as compared with 29 cases in the control group (3.4% vs. 33.3%, P<0.05). Salpingectomy was performed on 5 patients in the IP group and 4 patients in the control group due to hydrosalpinx (P<0.05). Logistic regression indicated that hydrosalpinx was the high risk factor of interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy (OR = 8.175).

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrosalpinx appears to be an independent factor contributing to interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy in subsequent pregnancy.

Ruptured Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy: A Rare and Challenging Obstetric Emergency

Cornual pregnancy is an infrequent form of ectopic pregnancy characterised by the implantation of the embryo at the intersection between the fallopian tube and the uterus. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is higher in the ampullary region of the fallopian tube. Nevertheless, cornual (interstitial) pregnancy is observed in approximately 2-4% of cases involving ectopic pregnancies. A cornual gestation is considered to be a highly perilous and potentially life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy, with a mortality rate that is two to five times more than that of other types of ectopic pregnancies. Due to the myometrium's capacity for stretching, the presentation of these cases typically occurs at a later stage, typically between seven and 12 weeks of gestation. Haemodynamic instability is typically observed in patients with ruptured cornual ectopic pregnancy. This study presents a case of a 40-year-old woman, G5P4L1D3, who arrived at the labour room of GMERS (Gujarat Medical Education & Research Society) Medical College and Hospital, Valsad, experiencing shock at eight weeks of gestation. Based on the clinical examination and ultrasound report, a preliminary diagnosis of ruptured cornual ectopic was established. The patient was resuscitated followed by an emergency laparotomy as a critical intervention to preserve their life. The primary approach for addressing maternal mortality caused by cornual pregnancy involves early detection and intervention.

Spontaneous ectopic pregnancy occurring in the distal fallopian tube cut off from the uterus after an incomplete prior operation to remove only the middle of the fallopian tube: A case report

After salpingectomy, recurrent ectopic pregnancies occur in the contralateral fallopian tube. Here, we present a case of ipsilateral remnant fallopian tube pregnancy in a 30-year-old woman with a history of incomplete prior operation to remove the middle region of the left fallopian tube following fallopian tube isthmus pregnancy 6 years earlier. During the previous salpingectomy, the left fallopian tube was not completely observed because of adhesions to the pelvic peritoneum and sigmoid colon; a partial remnant may have been present. The patient presented with lower abdominal pain 6 weeks after the most recent menstrual cycle, and transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a remnant left fallopian tube ectopic pregnancy. A 4 cm-sized mass identified at the distal end of the remnant left fallopian tube and the proximal remnant tube were laparoscopically removed. The possibility of an ipsilateral remnant tubal pregnancy should be carefully considered in spontaneous pregnancy after partial fallopian tube resection.

Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy: A Rare Diagnosis

An ectopic pregnancy is located outside the uterus, mostly found in the fallopian tubes. The main predisposing factors are usually related to anatomical and/or functional disturbances of the fallopian tubes. Typically, an ectopic pregnancy presents with vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain in the first trimester of pregnancy, although it may be asymptomatic. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, which is based on transvaginal ultrasound associated with the serum beta fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin values, is of the highest relevance due to the mortality risk involved. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman who presented with a four-week history of amenorrhea and abdominal pain. Initially, the diagnostic hypothesis was a pelvic inflammatory disease, as the patient complained of pain during deep palpation of the lower quadrants of the abdomen, and gynecological observation detected malodorous discharge and cervical tenderness. Antibiotic treatment was initiated. The patient was later diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, which was discovered during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. She was submitted to urgent laparotomy with intraoperative confirmation of the interstitial location of the gestational sac.

Local Methotrexate Plus Uterine Artery Embolization for High-Risk Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy involves the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube and is among the most hazardous of all ectopic pregnancies, with the highest risk of uterine rupture and maternal mortality. Unlike tubal ectopic pregnancy, management of interstitial pregnancy is not well standardized. Systemic methotrexate (MTX) and surgical resection are the primary treatment options; however, failure rates and risk of bleeding remain high. Alternative minimally invasive techniques have been described-including uterine artery embolization (UAE) and local injection of MTX or potassium chloride-and may confer improved success rates. We report a case of a high-risk 28-year-old female with an interstitial ectopic pregnancy successfully treated with combined local injection of MTX plus UAE. We describe our technique and the unique medical management in the setting of a known bleeding disorder.

Distinguishing between cornual, angular and interstitial ectopic pregnancy: A case report and a brief literature review

For all clinical purposes, cornual, angular, and interstitial pregnancies are considered ectopic pregnancies that can have grave consequences for the patient. In this article, we describe and distinguish 3 types of ectopic pregnancies in the cornual region of the uterus. The authors advocate using the "cornual pregnancy" term only for ectopic pregnancies in malformed uteruses. We describe an ectopic pregnancy in a 25-year-old G2P1 patient in the cornual region of the uterus that was missed twice sonographically in the second trimester and had almost fatal consequences in the patient. Radiologists and sonographers should be aware of the sonographic diagnosis of angular, cornual and interstitial pregnancies. Whenever possible, first-trimester transvaginal ultrasound scanning is crucial for diagnosing these 3 types of ectopic pregnancies in the cornual region. In the second and third trimesters, ultrasound tends to become equivocal; hence alternate imaging, such as MRI, might add additional value to the management of the patient. A case report assessment and a comprehensive literature review comprising 61 case reports of ectopic pregnancy in the second and third trimesters are diligently undertaken in the Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases. The major strength of our study is that it is one of the few studies that describe a literature review of ectopic pregnancy in the cornual region exclusively in the second and third trimesters.

Heterotopic Interstitial Pregnancy: Early Ultrasound Diagnosis of 179 Cases After In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer

OBJECTIVES

What is the role of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the early diagnosis of hectopic interstitial pregnancy (HIP) after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET)?

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2005 to December 2018. Routine two-dimensional and three-dimensional TVS were used to confirm clinical pregnancy. Women were diagnosed with HIP when an intrauterine gestational sac was combined with an extrauterine chorionic sac, which was at least 1 cm away from the uterine cavity and surrounded by a thin myometrial layer (<5 mm). Surgery and pathology results were the gold standard for diagnosing interstitial pregnancy. Non-surgical patients were excluded from the study. The performance of TVS and the pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 97,161 women underwent IVF treatment and TVS examinations in our hospital during this study. Of these, 194 patients were diagnosed with HIP, with an incidence of 0.2% (194/97,161). Surgical and pathological findings confirmed 179 interstitial pregnancies, of which 174 were diagnosed by TVS, 4 were missed, and 1 was misdiagnosed. The sensitivity of TVS diagnosis was 97.8% and the positive predictive value was 99.4%. The mean time to diagnosis was 31 days after transplantation. One hundred and thirty-nine cases of HIP (77.7%) were diagnosed at the time of initial TVS examination. In 132 patients (73.7%), IUPs resulted in live births.

CONCLUSIONS

In our practice, most HIPs following IVF-ET can be accurately diagnosed by TVS, which facilitates early management of interstitial pregnancies and enables high live birth rates for IUPs.

A case of cornual pregnancy after ipsilateral salpingectomy for isthmic pregnancy

The patient was a 32-year-old woman, gravida three, para one with one prior cesarean section. She became pregnant spontaneously, but the pregnancy implanted in the isthmus of the right fallopian tube, and therefore, she underwent laparoscopic right salpingectomy. Eight months later, another spontaneous pregnancy occurred. the patient experienced abdominal pain and an ultrasound examination revealed a hematoma around the right cornual region. A wedge-shaped incision was made in the cornual pregnancy using monopolar cauterization, and the myometrium was sutured with a single nodule suture. We report a case of spontaneous cornual pregnancy after ipsilateral salpingectomy for an isthmic pregnancy.

Laparoscopically assisted hysteroscopic removal of an interstitial pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate a combined technique of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy for the management of interstitial ectopic pregnancies.

DESIGN

A description of a patient case and demonstration of a surgical technique.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENT(S)

A 33-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 0-0-1-0 status post in vitro fertilization cycle with single embryo transfer, was diagnosed with an unruptured right interstitial pregnancy at 5 weeks of gestation. She has a history of a pregnancy of unknown location with her first in vitro fertilization transfer and received methotrexate. The beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 2,726 mIU/mL. She was counseled on treatment options and declined treatment with methotrexate because of the negative side effects she experienced previously. She opted for surgical management and desired to keep her fallopian tubes if possible because she wished to try for spontaneous conception.

INTERVENTION(S)

The patient underwent multipuncture video laparoscopy, and a bulge was seen at the right cornua. Video hysteroscopy initially revealed an empty uterine cavity. Using atraumatic graspers, the interstitial pregnancy was gently pushed further into the uterine cavity using a milking technique. The pregnancy was then able to be visualized hysteroscopically. Products of conception were gently dislodged and removed with graspers, followed by a suction curettage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

This technique resulted in minimal blood loss, preservation of reproductive organs, and expedient return to conception planning.

RESULT(S)

The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and the patient was discharged the same day as surgery. After the procedure, weekly beta-human chorionic gonadotropin was drawn until the level reached <1 mIU/mL, which occurred after 4 weeks. Hysterosalpingography was performed 2 months after the procedure and demonstrated bilateral tubal patency.

CONCLUSION(S)

In select patients, an early interstitial pregnancy can be safely removed using the described technique. Although hysteroscopic removal of interstitial pregnancies is not a new concept, the addition of simultaneous video laparoscopy provides the benefit of allowing for fertility-sparing removal of the pregnancy, even if it is not initially visualized hysteroscopically. The use of this technique may result in minimal blood loss and preservation of the fallopian tubes. Furthermore, with the myometrium integrity maintained, the patient may resume sooner attempts at conception.

Acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation in a patient with cornual pregnancy: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation (uAVM) is a rare disease and could occur after dilation and curettage, cesarean section, or neoplastic processes.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 29-year-old female presented with acute right lower abdominal pain and positive beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG).

DIAGNOSIS

A 6 cm ectopic right cornual pregnancy was found on ultrasound examination.

INTERVENTIONS

She underwent a laparoscopic resection of the cornual ectopic pregnancy. She returned with extensive vaginal bleeding 6-month post surgery, and eventually diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation at the previous surgical site by Color Dopplor endovaginal ultrasound. Percutaneous transcatheter uterine artery embolization (UAE) was attempted, however, vaginal bleeding continued. She was taken to the operation room for a hysteroscopic ablation of uAVM.

OUTCOMES

Complete cessation of the bleeding was achieved without hysterectomy.

CONCLUSION

We report an extremely unusual case of acquired uAVM after a wedge resection of cornual pregnancy. Ultrasound evaluation of patients with post-operative persistent bleeding should be considered for evaluation of a possible arteriovenous malformation.

Interstitial Pregnancy Treated with Mifepristone and Methotrexate with High Serum β-hCG Level in a Patient Wishing to Preserve Fertility: Time to Define Standardized Criteria for Medical/Surgical Therapy?

Interstitial pregnancy (IP) accounts for 2% of all ectopic pregnancies and has a mortality rate of 2-2.5%. The diagnosis is made by a transvaginal ultrasound and the treatment can be medical or surgical. We report the case of a 36-year-old primigravida who was 6 + 5 weeks pregnant, diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy by ultrasound, who had a very high serum β-hCG level (31,298 mIU/mL) and wanted to preserve her fertility. The patient was treated with one dose of mifepristone and a double dose of methotrexate since the decrease in the β-hCG serum level was less than 15% after the first dose. At the beginning, medical therapy was effective, as no embryonal cardiac activity was detected and serum β-hCG levels decreased early, but on the 20th day of hospitalization, the patient underwent surgery for her clinical symptoms and the evidence of free fluid in the Douglas pouch at a transvaginal ultrasound exam. Our experience showed that medical treatment should be considered, especially in women wishing to preserve their fertility. Further studies are needed to establish a standardized protocol and maybe a clinical score that can be useful in predicting the patients in which medical therapy could be most successful.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy occurs in 2% of all pregnancies and is a potentially life-threatening emergency. A high level of clinical suspicion is required for any pregnant patient who presents with vaginal bleeding and/or pelvic pain. Workup should begin with immediate triage based on vital signs, a pregnancy test, and transvaginal ultrasound. Ectopic pregnancy can be treated either medically with methotrexate or surgically with either salpingectomy or salpingostomy. Carefully counseled, asymptomatic patients may be candidates for expectant management.

Uncommon Ectopic Pregnancies—Challenges in the Management

Background

The risk factors for ectopic pregnancy are on the rise. Despite the progress (availability of serum βhCG, USG and MRI), there are diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the management. Up to 50% of ectopic pregnancies go undetected. Furthermore, cases seen as emergency with hemodynamic instability need urgent intervention with simultaneous arrangement of transport, blood transfusion and at times multidisciplinary team involvement. This is more challenging in a setting where resources are limited.

Objective

To evaluate the outcome of women presenting with uncommon ectopic pregnancies as life-threatening emergency. Challenges encountered in diagnosis, pre-operative evaluation, decision for surgery and the procedure are presented.

Patients and Methods

This is a series of twelve cases of uncommon ectopic pregnancies belonging to eight different types. These were managed under the first author during the period 2001 to 2019. Subjects were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Diagnostic dilemma was faced in majority of the cases even with the use of ultrasonography. All the conceptions were spontaneous. Emergency surgical interventions were made on the basis of clinical evaluation. Five cases presented with massive hemoperitoneum. Blood transfusion was needed in nine cases. There was no mortality. One woman (case 4), with abdominal pregnancy, went home with a live baby, after the second laparotomy.

Conclusion

Uncommon ectopic pregnancies are life-threatening conditions. Clinical acumen and an alert mind are of superior value in diagnosis. Investigations are supportive. Early diagnosis and intervention are lifesaving.

The role of three-dimensional MRI in the differentiation between angular pregnancy and interstitial pregnancy

Background

In clinical practice it is an ongoing challenge to distinguish between angular pregnancy and interstitial pregnancy. With the three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being increasingly used, it is worth exploring its role in differentiating angular pregnancy from interstitial pregnancy. This study aims to investigate how 3D MRI can help reveal the differences between these two special pregnancies in the early diagnosis.

Methods

We reviewed and analyzed the 3D MRI images of 50 patients with interstitial pregnancy and 55 patients with angular pregnancy retrospectively. Imaging features were identified to compare these two special pregnancies, and the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic performance.

Results

The significant differences of the 3D MRI imaging features between interstitial pregnancy and angular pregnancy were found in the outline of uterus cavity (p < 0.001), involvement of junctional zone (p < 0.001), the signal of surroundings (p = 0.005), the relationship with round ligament (p = 0.042), and the overlying myometrial thickness (p = 0.041). Furthermore, the multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a series of significant indicators for angular pregnancy, including the junctional zone involvement, being-surrounded by hyper/iso-intensity on 3D images, and the asymmetric outline of uterus cavity. Combining these three imaging features, the AUC (Area under the Curve) of ROC curve was 0.87 in distinguishing interstitial pregnancy from angular pregnancy.

Conclusions

This study suggests that 3D MRI can help distinguish angular pregnancy from interstitial pregnancy in clinical practice, with the advantages that conventional MRI or ultrasound does not have. Through the significant image features, 3D MRI plays an important role in improving the timing of diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary interventions, and preventing hemorrhage in clinical practice.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04470-z.

Effect of previous wedge resection for interstitial pregnancy on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles of IVF/ICSI: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women, with a previous history of wedge resection for interstitial pregnancy, in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles of IVF/ICSI.

METHODS

The present study involved a retrospective case-control assessment of 75 cases and 375 control subjects over 6 years in a single center. To compare pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between cases, treated using wedge resection, and controls without any previous history of ectopic pregnancy, propensity score matching (1:5) was utilized. The study also compared subgroups in the case group.

RESULTS

Women with previous wedge resection exhibited higher rates of ectopic pregnancy and uterine rupture rate as compared to control subjects (9.1% vs 1.3%, P = 0.025 and 4.5% vs 0%, P = 0.035, respectively). No statistically significant differences were recorded between the two cohorts with regard to clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and neonatal outcomes. For pregnancy type subgroup analysis, Z-score and rates of large for gestational age were recorded to be significantly lower in twin pregnancy subgroup when compared with singleton pregnancy subgroup (0.10 (- 0.59, 0.25) vs 0.50 (- 0.97, 1.39), P = 0.005; 4.5% vs 26.1%, P = 0.047, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that previous wedge resection correlated to a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy and uterine rupture. However, it might not be related to an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. The study recommended cesarean section in these patients. Further studies are required to verify the validity of current recommendations.

Large Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy: Management by Laparoscopic Cornuostomy Following Initial Misdiagnosis

The purpose of the present report is to highlight the challenges in diagnosing interstitial ectopic pregnancy and to describe its management by laparoscopic cornuostomy. A 28-year-old gravida 3, para 1 woman was referred to us at 12 weeks period of gestation after failed medical termination following a diagnosis of missed abortion. On presenting to us, a large interstitial ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography and managed by laparoscopic cornuostomy. Intra myometrial vasopressin and purse string sutures at the base of ectopic pregnancy bulge were used to reduce intra-operative bleeding. Intra-operative blood loss was 50 ml. Patient was discharged after two days of surgery. Interstitial pregnancy may be misdiagnosed as an intrauterine pregnancy, due to lack of suspicion and expertise. Large interstitial ectopic pregnancies can be successfully managed by a conservative surgical approach such as laparoscopic cornuostomy instead of cornual resection or hysterectomy.

Laparoscopy in Emergency: Why Not? Advantages of Laparoscopy in Major Emergency: A Review

A laparoscopic approach is suggested with the highest grade of recommendation for acute cholecystitis, perforated gastroduodenal ulcers, acute appendicitis, gynaecological disorders, and non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP). To date, the main qualities of laparoscopy for these acute surgical scenarios are clearly stated: quicker surgery, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay. For the remaining surgical emergencies, as well as for abdominal trauma, the role of laparoscopy is still a matter of debate. Patients might benefit from a laparoscopic approach only if performed by experienced teams and surgeons which guarantee a high standard of care. More precisely, laparoscopy can limit damage to the tissue and could be effective for the reduction of the overall amount of cell debris, which is a result of the intensity with which the immune system reacts to the injury and the following symptomatology. In fact, these fragments act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). DAMPs, as well as pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), are recognised by both surface and intracellular receptors of the immune cells and activate the cascade which, in critically ill surgical patients, is responsible for a deranged response. This may result in the development of progressive and multiple organ dysfunctions, manifesting with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), coagulopathy, liver dysfunction and renal failure. In conclusion, none of the emergency surgical scenarios preclude laparoscopy, provided that the surgical tactic could ensure sufficient cleaning of the abdomen in addition to resolving the initial tissue damage caused by the “trauma”.

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy: A more confident diagnosis with three-dimensional sonography

OBJECTIVE

To present a confident tool for the diagnosis of interstitial ectopic pregnancy. 3-Dimensional US helps to reach a more proper diagnosis and enables to arrange therapeutic and surgical strategies.

CASE REPORT

A 36-year-old, gravida 4 para 2, woman was referred from the local medical department in the suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed an empty uterine cavity but an 8-week-old gestational sac located eccentrically on the right side of the uterine fundus. The Three-dimensional sonography (3D US) demonstrated a gestational sac (GS) over the right cornual region separated from the endometrial cavity. Interstitial pregnancy was impressed. Laparoscopic surgery was then arranged. After entering the pelvic cavity, a bulging mass was found over the utero-tubal junction, compatible with interstitial pregnancy. The wedge resection of interstitial ectopic pregnancy and right salpingectomy were undertaken. The patient was discharged within 2 days after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

The conventional sonography still remained the primary tool to diagnose the ectopic pregnancy, but 3D US played an indispensable role in demonstrating the precise location of GS. Interstitial ectopic pregnancy was symptomatically late in gestation and rupture of an interstitial pregnancy causes catastrophic consequence due to massive bleeding, so prompt and accurate diagnosis was definitely life-saving. Appropriate therapy or surgical intervention could be arranged.

A Rare Location of a Repeat Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report

Ectopic pregnancies often recur in the same patients as its etiology is tubal damage, which is rarely unilateral. In the setting of a well-documented history of ectopic pregnancy in the past where a salpingectomy was performed, and the clinical picture now suggests another ectopic, it can be reasonably concluded that the ectopic is in the remaining tube. In the case we present here, the ultrasound findings also suggested a tubal pregnancy in the remaining tube. Therefore, it was a surprise to find a profusely bleeding ectopic gestation in the stump of the same tube (where salpingectomy was performed earlier) on laparoscopy.

The double corpus luteum: A novel sonographic sign of heterotopic pregnancy

Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare and highly morbid condition with simultaneous intrauterine and extra-uterine pregnancies. The early diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy is difficult, owing to rarity of the condition and nonspecific clinical and laboratory findings. This case report introduces the "double corpus luteum" sign, a new sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging sign which is easily detectable and should raise the index of suspicion for heterotopic pregnancy. We present a surgically confirmed spontaneous heterotopic and angular pregnancy in a young woman without risk factors or assisted reproductive therapy to illustrate the utility of this novel sign.

Recurrent ectopic pregnancy on tubal remnant treated by laparoscopic resection: loop and stitch

Ectopic pregnancies occur in about 1-2 % of all pregnancies, with a high rate of maternal mortality due to bleeding caused by the rupture of the ectopic pregnancy. Ipsilateral ectopic pregnancy on a tubal remnant after salpingectomy is rare and it is associated with a higher mortality rate when compared to other ectopic pregnancies. Diagnosis and treatment of these pregnancies can be difficult, requiring a multidisciplinary management to plan the best treatment for the patient. The objective of this video is to show the laparoscopic removal of a tubal pregnancy on the stump of a previous salpingectomy with the application of three laparoscopic rings/endoloops ® to isolate the tubal portion from the uterus.

Live birth by cesarean section after rupture of uterine cornua in simultaneous corneal and intrauterine pregnancies

A patient became pregnant by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). She had a history of laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy and enucleation of a left ovarian tumor due to bilateral hydrosalpinx and left endometriotic cyst in primary infertility. She noticed abdominal pain and visited the nearby general hospital by ambulance (gestational age 6 weeks and 1 day). She was admitted to our department because of ascites. An abdominal hemorrhage due to a rupture of the residual corneal segment of the fallopian tube was suspected and emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed. Simultaneous internal and external pregnancy resulted in rupture of the right tubal corneal at the ectopic site of pregnancy. The baby in the uterus grew smoothly and was delivered by cesarean section. This is a report of a case in which live birth after rupture of uterine cornua in simultaneous corneal and intrauterine pregnancies. We searched the literature for similar cases and examined management methods.

Use of the Purse-String Suture to Conservatively Manage a Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy

We report the successful management of a 31-year-old female, treated by cornual wedge resection. The patient suffered from vaginal spotting and lower abdominal pain. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a 4-5 cm right cornual pregnancy and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin was measured to be 614.7 IU/L. This ectopic pregnancy was removed via a laparotomy with cornual wedge resection and right salpingectomy. 

Methotrexate injection for interstitial pregnancy: Hysteroscopic conservative mini-invasive approach

Background

Interstitial localisation of ectopic pregnancy is associated with high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. Considering the rarity of interstitial pregnancy, the optimal treatment regimen remains unclear. We propose the management of interstitial pregnancy with local methotrexate injection using a combined hysteroscopic and ultrasonographic approach.

Technique

Hysteroscopy was performed under local anaesthesia in the operating room, using a 2.9-mm Hopkins II Forward-Oblique Telescope 30° endoscope with a 4.3-mm inner sheath and 5 FR instruments. A needle was pushed into the cornual region injecting methotrexate solution directly into the gestational sac and into the myometrial tissue tangentially at the four cardinal points. A contemporary transabdominal ultrasound (US) was performed in order to reduce risks of complications.

Experience

Five patients with an US diagnosis of interstitial ectopic pregnancy admitted to our department between January 2016 and September 2019 were managed with a local hysteroscopic injection of methotrexate. The technique was effective in all patients and no surgical complications occurred during or after the procedure. Three patients were evaluated for tubal patency with contrast ultrasonography confirming bilateral tubal patency 9 months from treatment, while one patient had a spontaneous birth 22 months from their initial surgery.

Conclusion

The hysteroscopic ultrasound-guided approach combined with the local injection of methotrexate is a minimally invasive conservative approach that seems to be promising in the management of interstitial ectopic pregnancy.

Successful management of three cases of interstitial pregnancies with local instillation of potassium chloride: avoiding a potential cornuostomy

Here, we present three cases of women with interstitial pregnancy who were managed with local instillation of potassium chloride. These women were in their 20s-30s and presented in stable condition. Of them, two had a history of previous ectopic pregnancy. Interstitial pregnancy was diagnosed by transvaginal sonography which showed an empty uterine cavity with a gestational sac 1 cm away from the lateral edge of the uterine cavity, with <5 mm myometrium surrounding it in all planes. Two of the three cases failed to respond to methotrexate injection. Due to the presence of high-end ultrasound machine and technical expertise, local instillation of potassium chloride was offered as an alternative to surgical treatment, which is definitive, and all three patients had a successful outcome. One patient returned with pain in the abdomen, which required inpatient monitoring and was later diagnosed with urinary tract infection and was given appropriate antibiotics.

Management of interstitial pregnancy in the era of laparoscopy: a meta-analysis of 855 case studies compared with traditional techniques

Interstitial pregnancy is a rare, life-threatening condition that requires high clinical suspicion for diagnosis. Most cases are discovered after complications have occurred. Many authors have described laparoscopic management. Although previous systematic reviews have compared the attributes and complications associated with interstitial pregnancy, we endeavored to complete the first systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the laparoscopic treatment of interstitial pregnancy with the open approach in the modern age of laparoscopic surgery. We systematically searched PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane until June 2020 using relevant keywords and screened them for eligibility. We found a statistically significant difference in blood loss between laparoscopic and open surgery (168 mL compared to 1,163 mL). Further, cumulative meta-analysis has revealed that blood loss in laparoscopy has been decreasing over time from 1991 to 2020. Laparoscopic patients took less operative time (63.2 minutes) compared to laparotomy patients (78.2 minutes). Patients in the laparoscopic group spent less time hospitalized (3.7 days) compared to laparotomy patients (5.2 days). Our findings add strength to the position that laparoscopic approaches to interstitial pregnancy can be considered first-line in most situations. The laparoscopic approach was found to have a mean blood loss of 168 mL, and this blood loss seems to decrease over time. Increased gravidity and duration of amenorrhea are positive factors that increase bleeding during the procedure. We are unable to find enough high-quality data to significantly compare successful pregnancy following surgery or risk of mortality in these populations.

Caution with bilateral salpingectomy and consideration of tubal stump ectopic in IVF

We report a 35-year-old female patient with a history of bilateral salpingectomy from ectopic pregnancies presenting with a positive serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (bhCG) result following in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Apart from per vaginal spotting, she remained asymptomatic. Initial ultrasound showed an empty uterus with a cystic mass on the right side of the uterus. Serum beta-hCG was trended. A follow-up pelvic ultrasound 1 week later showed a live pregnancy in the right adnexa. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, which revealed an unruptured right stump ectopic pregnancy that was successfully removed. As a stump ectopic pregnancy can be a potentially life-threatening occurrence, we emphasise caution with salpingectomy and the consideration of tubal stump ectopic pregnancies following IVF treatment.

To Evaluate and Explain the Occurrence of Recurrent Ectopic Pregnancy after Ipsilateral Salpingectomy, Using the Ultrasound

The current case report evaluated a female patient with a history of right salpingectomy subsequent to right tubal ectopic pregnancy that was presented with amenorrhea followed by vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal severe pain. The transvaginal ultrasound examination revealed the presence of ipsilateral right interstitial ectopic pregnancy. The patient was subjected to cornual wedge resection and uterine repair. The pathology report of the excised specimen revealed decidua, chorionic villi, and blood. Recurrent interstitial ectopic pregnancy after previous ipsilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy managed with salpingectomy is very rare, with only a few cases described in the literature. The current study was to evaluate and explain the occurrence of recurrent ectopic pregnancy after ipsilateral salpingectomy using the ultrasound.

Differentiating pregnancies near the uterotubal junction (angular, cornual, and interstitial): a review and recommendations

Eccentrically located intracavitary pregnancies, which include pregnancies traditionally termed as cornual and/or angular, have long presented complex diagnostic and management challenges given their inherent relationship to interstitial ectopic pregnancies. This review uses the existing literature to discriminate among interstitial, cornual, and angular pregnancies. Current arguments propose the outright abandonment of the terms cornual and angular may be justified in favor of the singular term, eccentric pregnancy. Disparate definitions and diagnostic approaches have compromised the literature’s ability to precisely describe prognosis and ideal management practices for each of these types of pregnancies. Standardizing the classification of these pregnancies near the uterotubal junction is important to unify conservative, yet safe and effective management strategies. We advocate the use of early first trimester ultrasound to correctly differentiate between eccentric pregnancy and interstitial ectopic pregnancy as current research suggests substantially better outcomes with correctly diagnosed and expectantly managed eccentric pregnancies than past investigations may have shown. The expectant management of eccentric pregnancies will often result in a healthy term pregnancy, while interstitial ectopic pregnancies inherently have a poor likelihood of progressing to viability. When the terms and diagnosis of cornual, angular, and interstitial pregnancy are indistinct, there is substantial risk of intrauterine pregnancies to be inappropriately managed as ectopic pregnancies. Until we standardize terms and criteria, it will remain difficult, if not impossible, to determine true risk for pregnancy loss, preterm labor, abnormal placentation, and uterine or uterotubal rupture. The development of best practice guidelines will require standardized terminology and diagnostic techniques.

Effectiveness of conservative medical treatment for non-tubal ectopic pregnancies: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of conservative treatment for the management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies (NTEP) METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in three centers (two referral centers) of patients managed for NTEP diagnosed by 2D or 3D ultrasonograhy. Patients underwent one of the following: expectant management, systemic methotrexate (MTX) injection, local MTX injection, combined MTX injection (local and systemic), local injection of hyperosmolar glucose, or misoprostol administration. The primary endpoint was final success defined by resolution of hCG level without need for emergency surgical treatment. Sixty-four patients diagnosed with NTEP were included: 37 (57%) had an interstitial pregnancy, 23 (35.9%) a cesarean scar pregnancy, two (3.1%) a cervical pregnancy and two (3.1%) an ovarian pregnancy.

RESULTS

Six patients (9.4%) underwent expectant management, 24 (37.5%) a systemic MTX injection, 28 (43.8%) a local injection of MTX, three (4.7%) a combined MTX injection, one (1.6%) a local injection of hyperosmolar glucose (1.6%), and two (3.1%) were administered misoprostol. The median age was 32 years (22-45) and mean follow-up was 41 months. The final success rate overall was 92.2%: 100% for expectant management, 87.5% for systemic MTX, 96.4% for local MTX, 100% for combined injection of MTX, 100% for local injection of hyperosmolar glucose, and 50% for misoprostol. No patient required a hysterectomy. Nine (14.1%) patients required surgery, including five (7.8% (5/64)) following a rupture of the NTEP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that conservative medical management of NTEP is effective and safe and should be the first-line treatment for pauci-symptomatic patients with an NTEP.

Spontaneous Intraoperative Rupture of a Large Interstitial Pregnancy: Laparoscopic Management

We present a case of a large interstitial pregnancy which was intraoperatively ruptured, but was eventually laparoscopically treated. The patient experienced 9 weeks of amenorrhea, and a right cornual pregnancy measuring 6 cm was diagnosed. The patient consented on having a minimal surgical treatment, and a laparoscopic right cornuotomy was decided. During surgery, and prior to any manipulation to the uterus, there was a spontaneous rupture of the ectopic which resulted in excessive bleeding. Temporal pressure at the bleeding site and ligation of the superior branches of the right uterine artery allowed for a careful dissection of the right uterine cornua and achieved hemostasis. The surgery proceeded uneventfully thereafter. Although surgical intervention in such cases entails a high risk of hemorrhage, successful completion of the laparoscopy lies on the meticulous preoperative planning and the controlled precise surgical steps during the procedure.

Laparoscopic Management of 42 Cases of Tubal Stump Pregnancy and Postoperative Reproductive Outcomes

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Tubal stump pregnancy is a rare variant of ectopic pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate laparoscopic surgery for tubal stump pregnancy and to investigate postoperative pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients (n = 42) diagnosed with tubal stump pregnancy.

INTERVENTIONS

Data were extracted from the electronic medical records system of the hospital.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients diagnosed with tubal stump pregnancy between June 2010 and July 2018 were included. Data included demographic characteristics, gravidity and parity, history of pelvic surgery, clinical features, and treatment. All procedures were laparoscopic. Postoperative pregnancy outcomes were identified from electronic medical records or by telephone. Patients' mean age was 30 (range, 21-39) years. Twelve of 42 tubal stump pregnancies (28.6%) had ruptured ectopic pregnancy at the time of operation. The remaining 30 cases had intact stump pregnancy during surgery. Patients were followed for a mean of 31 (range, 10-60) months. Follow-up data were available for 33 of 39 patients (3 with heterotopic tubal stump pregnancy were not included in follow-up data because all resulted in a live births and had no desire for future pregnancy). Eighteen of 28 patients (64.3%) who attempted conception had intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs) during the follow-up period; of these 18 IUPs, 14 (77.8%) resulted in live births. There was 1 case of uterine rupture in a singleton pregnancy at 20⁺⁵ weeks that resulted in fetal death. Three of 18 IUPs (16.7%) ended in the first trimester with spontaneous abortions.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery is a feasible option for tubal stump pregnancy and is associated with favorable pregnancy outcomes.

Interstitial Pregnancy after Ipsilateral Salpingectomy: Analysis of 46 Cases and a Literature Review

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between previous ipsilateral salpingectomy and interstitial pregnancy and report on our experience of laparoscopic cornuostomy for interstitial pregnancy.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective review.

SETTING

University-based hospital.

PATIENTS

All patients who had undergone ipsilateral salpingectomy previously, diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy and treated between July 2010 and September 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Laparoscopy or laparotomy as a treatment for interstitial pregnancy after ipsilateral salpingectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 414 cases of interstitial pregnancy were identified, of which 46 (11.1%) were after ipsilateral salpingectomy. Of the 46 patients, 20 (43.5%) became pregnant by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Ipsilateral salpingectomy was the result of an ectopic pregnancy in 40 patients, hydrosalpinx in 5 patients, and torsion of an ovarian tumor in 1 patient. The laparoscopic approach was used to treat 78.3% of patients with history of previous salpingectomy. Patients who underwent ipsilateral salpingectomy by laparoscopy previously had a shorter interval from salpingectomy to interstitial pregnancy (24 months vs 60 months; p = .038) compared with patients who underwent ipsilateral salpingectomy by laparotomy. Laparoscopic cornuostomy was performed in 38 patients (82.6%); 12 had fetal cardiac activity, 15 had ruptured masses, and 16 used prophylactic methotrexate (MTX) intraoperatively. The median size of the ectopic mass was 2.5 cm (1.0-5.0 cm). At the time of laparoscopic cornuostomy, more patients with interstitial pregnancies with intact ectopic masses were administered prophylactic MTX (81.3% vs 45.5%; p = .043). Only 1 patient with a ruptured ectopic mass, high preoperative human chorionic gonadotropin levels, and without prophylactic MTX administration experienced a persistent ectopic pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a history of ipsilateral salpingectomy should be cautioned regarding the possibility of interstitial pregnancy. Laparoscopic cornuostomy appears to be an appropriate treatment for interstitial pregnancy in patients wishing to preserve fertility, and the use of concomitant prophylactic MTX may reduce the risk of persistent ectopic pregnancy, especially in patients with ruptured masses and high human chorionic gonadotropin levels.

Non-surgical management and obstetric outcomes of heterotopic interstitial pregnancies

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical management for six heterotopic interstitial pregnancies.Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of six women diagnosed with heterotopic interstitial pregnancies who underwent non-surgical treatment at the CHA Bundang Medical Center between January 2007 and December 2017. Three heterotopic interstitial pregnancies were treated with sono-guided potassium chloride (KCl) injections. Two cases were managed expectantly. One heterotopic quadruplet pregnancy with twin, left interstitial, and tubal pregnancy was treated by sono-guided KCl injection and laparoscopic left salpingectomy. Complications and outcomes were measured.Results: Three cases were treated with sono-guided KCl injection and the intrauterine pregnancy continued to term. Intrauterine pregnancies were vaginally delivered without complications. One case that was treated expectantly was delivered at full term, while the other case resulted in spontaneous abortion. Quadruplet heterotopic pregnancy was successfully managed with sono-guided KCl injection and laparoscopic salpingectomy. Intrauterine twin pregnancy was successfully delivered by elective cesarean section at 37 + 0 weeks of gestation with healthy babies. Conclusions: KCl injection under ultrasonographic guidance could be a safer and more effective treatment option than surgical treatment in hemodynamically stable patients with fetal cardiac activity in interstitial pregnancy. Expectant management could be an option for patients with no fetal cardiac activity.