Successful medical management of ovarian pregnancy

Ruptured ovarian ectopic pregnancy presenting with an acute abdomen

An ectopic pregnancy occurs in 2% of all pregnancies. A primary ovarian ectopic (OP) is a rare entity and occurs in <2% of all ectopic gestations. It may present in those individuals who take ovulatory drugs, use an intrauterine device or have undergone in vitro fertilisation or embryo transfer. Multiparity and a younger age are other recognised risk factors. Diagnosing an OP pregnancy remains a challenge and it may be misdiagnosed as a bleeding luteal cyst, a haemorrhagic ovarian cyst or a tubal pregnancy by ultrasound scan. The diagnosis is often only established at laparoscopy following histopathological examination. A ruptured OP is a potentially life-threatening condition due to its potential for haemorrhage and hemodynamic collapse. Hence, early diagnosis is crucial to prevent serious morbidity and mortality. The authors present the case of a multiparous woman in her late 30s presenting with a seizure and lower abdominal pain at 6 weeks gestation. Her beta human chorionic gonadotropin was >9000 Miu/mL. A transvaginal ultrasound scan showed no evidence of an intrauterine pregnancy. There was free fluid in the pelvis. She was hemodynamically stable. She underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy, which showed hemoperitoneum and a ruptured left OP pregnancy. She underwent a left oophorectomy. Histology confirmed chorionic villi within the ovarian stroma. This case demonstrates the challenges in preoperative diagnosis of a ruptured OP pregnancy and acts as a cautionary reminder that individuals can present with hemodynamic stability. Rarely, as in this case, an OP pregnancy can occur without the presence of risk factors. Despite its rarity, a ruptured OP pregnancy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women of reproductive age presenting to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain and a positive pregnancy test.

Unruptured ovarian ectopic pregnancy: Two case reports and literature review

In clinical practice, ovarian pregnancy is extremely rare and is always found to be ruptured. A definitive diagnosis for ruptured ovarian pregnancy is difficult to obtain. We present two cases of unruptured ovarian pregnancies detected during laparoscopy and review existing literature to better understand the clinical characteristics of ectopic pregnancies in this rare site. Intrauterine devices, assisted reproductive technology, and intrauterine operations are all high-risk factors in ovarian pregnancy. Moreover, menopause, abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding are clinical manifestations. Ovarian pregnancy can be diagnosed using serum hCG, transvaginal ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Laparoscopy is the treatment of choice for ovarian pregnancy. It is recommended that the intact gestational sac be excised and the ovarian function be protected to the greatest extent possible during the operation. More definitive diagnosis of ovarian pregnancy must be reported in order to gain a better understanding of ovarian pregnancy.

Concurrent Ovarian and Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy After IVF-ET: Case Report and Literature Review

Ovarian pregnancy (OP) coupled with tubal ectopic pregnancy is rare. We present a case of coexistent ovarian and tubal ectopic pregnancies in the same adnexa resulting from in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) for tubal occlusion. The patient presented with mild vaginal bleeding without abdominal pain. OP was diagnosed via sonographic findings of an ectopic gestational sac (GS) and yolk sac that seemed to be inside her left ovary. Laparoscopic exploration confirmed this diagnosis, and ipsilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy was suspected during surgery. The patient underwent left salpingectomy and resection of the ovarian lesion. A subsequent histopathological examination verified the diagnosis of coexistent ovarian and tubal ectopic pregnancy. Though the mechanism underlying concurrent OP and tubal ectopic pregnancy is still unclear, clinicians should be cautious of potential combined ectopic pregnancy when dealing with patients who have received more than one embryo transfer.

Dual extrauterine ectopic pregnancy: double management

A 30-year-old nulliparous woman was referred with suspected left ovarian ectopic pregnancy. She had undergone laparoscopic left salpingectomy for ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy 3 weeks earlier, following treatment with medications for ovulation induction. Sonological examination revealed a left ovarian ectopic pregnancy corresponding to 8 0/7 weeks with cardiac activity. She underwent ultrasound-guided intrasac therapy with intrasac instillation of 3 mEq of potassium chloride followed by 50 mg of methotrexate. She was followed with weekly measurements of serum beta human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) which returned to baseline after 65 days of the intrasac therapy. This case not only highlights the need for continued follow-up of the serum beta hCG after definitive management of an ectopic pregnancy in cases with multiple ovulations, but also the option of medical management in cases of advanced ovarian ectopic pregnancy. It also accentuates the necessity for adequate counselling to avoid conception in a multiple ovulation cycle.

Ovarian ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilisation treated by laparoscopic excision with ovarian preservation

A 42-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain and fainting episodes 36 days after in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed a large amount of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas and no evidence of an intrauterine gestational sac or adnexal mass suggestive of ectopic pregnancy. A presumed haemorrhagic corpus luteal cyst was seen in the left ovary. Laparoscopic exploration revealed a left ovarian haemorrhagic mass, which was excised with preservation of the ovary. Histopathological examination confirmed an ovarian ectopic pregnancy (OEP). OEP is rare but potentially life-threatening, as it can lead to internal haemorrhage. Its diagnosis is challenging as preoperative and intraoperative findings can be evocative of the far more frequent haemorrhagic corpus luteal cyst and histopathology is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Early recognition of OEP is crucial to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, and allow treatment that preserves fertility as much as possible.

Evidence-based management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies

Recent advances in ultrasonography and the use of other modalities including magnetic resonance imaging scans have led to the early and more accurate diagnosis of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies (NTE). As a result, the management of these pregnancies has evolved. This article addresses the management options currently available for NTE. While surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment for ovarian, abdominal and cornual ectopics, there is growing evidence that some of these can be managed medically. Many authors have utilised a combination of medical and surgical approaches in the management of cervical and caesarean section (CS) scar ectopic pregnancies with good outcome. The availability of dedicated early pregnancy units has further improved diagnosis and more importantly the follow-up care for these patients. The rarity of cases and the difficulty of ethically organising randomised trials for NTE remain a problem in formulating consistent pathways for optimum management of women with NTE.

The Unexpected Ovarian Pregnancy at Laparoscopy: A Review of Management

Ovarian ectopic pregnancies are a rare occurrence; however the incidence is on the rise. Preoperative diagnosis remains difficult due to nonspecific clinical symptoms and USS findings. Most patients undergo diagnostic laparoscopy with subsequent surgical management. We present the case of a 32-year-old female who presented with vaginal bleeding and an unsited pregnancy, with a BhCG of 24693. Formal USS described unruptured right tubal ectopic with ovarian pregnancy being diagnosed at laparoscopy. A wedge resection was conducted to preserve ovarian function. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and BhCG levels returned to zero (nonpregnant) in an outpatient setting. Although laparoscopy remains the gold standard of diagnosis and treatment, in this case report we discuss benefits of early diagnosis for fertility conserving management, including nonsurgical options.

Case Report of Ectopic Ovarian Pregnancy Following Fresh Embryo Transfer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian pregnancy is a rare and challenging clinical phenomenon. Recent studies have identified assisted reproductive treatments and infertility as risk factors. However, neither a definite mechanism nor clear risk factors were identified and therefore prevention strategies are yet unavailable.

CLINICAL CASE

In this article, we present a case of ovarian pregnancy occurring following in vitro fertilization treatment and a fresh embryo transfer. The couple was diagnosed with unexplained infertility and no identifiable risk factors for extrauterine pregnancy. The diagnosis of ovarian pregnancy was made during explorative laparoscopy performed due to suspected extrauterine pregnancy. The patient had normal intra- and postoperative course.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian pregnancy is an infrequent and a challenging diagnosis. Yet, late diagnosis and lack of appropriate intervention may have long-term implications. Several mechanisms and risk factors are proposed, and their acknowledgment may improve early diagnosis and prevention of complications.

Ovarian ectopic pregnancy in adolescence

Ovarian pregnancy is one of the rarest types of extrauterine pregnancy. Its preoperative diagnosis remains a challenge since it presents quite similarly to tubal pregnancy and complicated ovarian cysts. Although in most cases, histology is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, we present an ovarian pregnancy in a teenager, correctly diagnosed during ultrasound examination.

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

BACKGROUND

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

FINDINGS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Unusual ectopic pregnancies: sonographic findings and implications for management

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

[Indications for methotrexate in gynecology outside the first-line treatment of ectopic tubal pregnancies]

The objective of this work is to discuss the indications for methotrexate in gynecology outside the first-line treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy. In tubal ectopic pregnancy, the prophylactic use of systemic methotrexate can be discussed when performing laparoscopic salpingotomy. In case of failure of salpingotomy, administration seems justified especially if it avoids re-intervention. The combination of methotrexate with other therapies such as mifepristone, potassium chloride or gefitinib is not recommended in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. For non-tubal ectopic pregnancy, the intramuscular or local administration of methotrexate is an acceptable treatment for uncomplicated interstitial pregnancies. For uncomplicated cervical or cesarean scar pregnancies, the local administration of methotrexate should be considered as a first-line treatment. For ovarian pregnancies, methotrexate should not be a first-line treatment, surgical treatment remains the standard. Asymptomatic women presenting with a pregnancy of unknown location and plateauing serum hCG concentration<2000 UI/L can be managed expectantly: it is recommended to take an additional quantitative hCG serum level after 48 hours. Thus, methotrexate is not recommended in the first intention. Other gynecological indications were discussed: methotrexate is not recommended in the management of first-trimester miscarriages or in the management of placenta accreta.

A primary ovarian pregnancy with a contralateral ruptured corpus luteum: a case report

A primary ovarian pregnancy is one of the rarest varieties of ectopic pregnancies. The conditions which are most commonly confused with an ovarian pregnancy are, a ruptured corpus luteal cyst, a haemorrhagic corpus luteum and a ruptured endometriotic cyst. This case presents the clinical and the histological findings of a ruptured ovarian pregnancy, along with a ruptured corpus luteal cyst in the contralateral ovary.

Accurate preoperative diagnosis of ovarian pregnancy with transvaginal scan

Ovarian pregnancy is a rare variant of ectopic pregnancy, and an accurate preoperative diagnosis is very challenging. Dr. Saint Monnissey described the first reported case of ovarian pregnancy in 17th century. Transvaginal ultrasonography is a valuable tool in identifying an ovarian pregnancy from other types of ectopic pregnancies. Management with laparoscopy or laparotomy is required in all cases, and in almost all cases, ovary can be preserved since implantation is usually superficial (Koo et al.; 2011). A single case of an ovarian pregnancy, consistent with Spiegelberg's criteria is presented here. This case history demonstrates the use of ultrasonography (USG) and surgery in the diagnosis and treatment, respectively, of the ovarian pregnancy. As we step into an era where in vitro fertilization rate is on its hike, one should be aware that incidence of ovarian pregnancy is also increasing, necessitating a high index of suspicion.

Two interesting cases of ovarian pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer and its successful laparoscopic management

OBJECTIVE

To report two interesting and rare cases of ovarian pregnancies, after IVF-embryo transfer, and their successful laparoscopic management.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Fertility Research Centre, G G Hospital, Chennai, India.

PATIENT(S)

Two patients with primary infertility.

INTERVENTION(S)

Detection of ovarian pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Early detection and successful laparoscopic management.

RESULT(S)

Pregnancy outcome following IVF-ET, early detection of ovarian ectopic pregnancy and successful laparoscopic management.

CONCLUSION(S)

The women who conceive after IVF-embryo transfer are at a significantly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Although ovarian ectopic pregnancy is a rare event, the clinician should always keep the possibility in mind as the condition can be easily missed.

Successful treatment of ovarian pregnancy with laparoscopy-assisted local injection of etoposide

OBJECTIVE

To present a case of ovarian ectopic pregnancy successfully treated with laparoscopy-assisted local injection of etoposide.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

University-affiliated teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A 33-year-old woman with the diagnosis of an ovarian pregnancy.

INTERVENTION(S)

Laparoscopically assisted local injection of etoposide.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Successful treatment of the ovarian ectopic pregnancy, with preservation of the ovary.

RESULT(S)

The patient was successfully treated, and she had normal menstruation after surgery.

CONCLUSION(S)

Treatment of ovarian ectopic pregnancy with a laparoscopy-assisted local injection of etoposide might be a less invasive choice that can circumvent the systemic side effects of the medication.

Unruptured ovarian pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization: Missed diagnosis followed by successful laparoscopic management

Ovarian pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization is rare and can be easily missed unless there is a high index of suspicion. Here we present such a case which was missed initially but was later successfully managed laparoscopically.