Hysteroscopic diagnosis of interstitial ectopic pregnancy

[Cornual pregnancy: Management and subsequent fertility]

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Sonographic Evaluation of Interstitial (Cornual) Ectopic Pregnancy

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy, also referred to as a cornual ectopic pregnancy, is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. The sonographic appearance of interstitial ectopic pregnancy is complex and varied, making an accurate diagnosis difficult and thorough clinical correlation necessary. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies carry an elevated risk of maternal mortality compared with other ectopic pregnancies, making expedient diagnosis and treatment important.