An ectopic pregnancy embedded in the myometrium of a previous cesarean section scar

Delayed diagnosis of a cesarean scar pregnancy: a case report

Background

Cesarean scar pregnancy is rare but may be related to early uterine rupture and may result in massive hemorrhage. Nowadays, most cesarean scar pregnancies are diagnosed early and can be managed properly. However, diagnoses of cesarean scar pregnancies that develop in the obstetrical area are sometimes delayed.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old Asian woman visited our institution because of suspected cesarean scar pregnancy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography confirmed a cesarean scar pregnancy with a live fetus with a crown-rump length of 4.83 cm, corresponding to 11 weeks 6 days of gestation. Initially, we injected 50 mg of methotrexate in the amniotic sac under transabdominal ultrasonographic guidance. However, fetal cardiac activity was still observed 2 days later. We decided to perform open laparotomy because of the possibility of massive bleeding. The gestational sac was removed, as well as most of the trophoblastic tissues that were adherent and invading the wall of the lower uterine segment. She was discharged in good condition 5 days after the operation.

Conclusions

Despite the popular use of ultrasonography in prenatal care, diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy is still delayed. Surgical treatment with local methotrexate injection could be an option for the management of advanced cesarean scar pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy in caesarean section scar: A case report

We report a rare case of ectopic pregnancy occurring in the scar of a previous caesarean section, diagnosed by ultrasonography and confirmed by 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging of pelvis. We present the clinical details and imaging findings, followed by discussion of the etiology, pathogenesis, and imaging of this condition.

Unforeseen consequences of the increasing rate of cesarean deliveries: early placenta accreta and cesarean scar pregnancy. A review

This review concentrates on 2 consequences of cesarean deliveries that may occur in a subsequent pregnancy. They are the pathologically adherent placenta and the cesarean scar pregnancy. We explored their clinical and diagnostic as well as therapeutic similarities. We reviewed the literature concerning the occurrence of early placenta accreta and cesarean section scar pregnancy. The review resulted in several conclusions: (1) the diagnosis of placenta accreta and cesarean scar pregnancy is difficult; (2) transvaginal ultrasound seems to be the best diagnostic tool to establish the diagnosis; (3) an early and correct diagnosis may prevent some of their complications; (4) curettage and systemic methotrexate therapy and embolization as single treatments should be avoided if possible; and (5) in the case of cesarean scar pregnancy, local methotrexate- and hysteroscopic-directed procedures had the lowest complication rates.

The diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cesarean scar pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

The diagnosis and treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic method, treatments, and long-term follow-up of CSP.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective case series of 26 patients between 6-14 postmenstrual weeks suspected to have CSP who were referred for diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed with transvaginal ultrasound. In 19 of the 26 patients the gestational sac was injected with 50 mg of methotrexate: 25 mg into the area of the embryo/fetus and 25 mg into the placental area; and an additional 25 mg was administered intramuscularly. Serial serum human chorionic gonadotropin determinations were obtained. Gestational sac volumes and vascularization were assessed by 3-dimensional ultrasound and used to monitor resolution of the injected site and outcome.

RESULTS

The 19 treated pregnancies were followed for 24-177 days. No complications were observed. After the treatment, typically, there was an initial increase in the human chorionic gonadotropin serum concentrations as well as in the volume of the gestational sac and their vascularization. After a variable time period mentioned elsewhere the values decreased, as expected.

CONCLUSION

Combined intramuscular and intragestational methotrexate injection treatment was successful in treating these CSP.

Ectopic pregnancies in a Caesarean scar: review of the medical approach to an iatrogenic complication

Implantation of a pregnancy within a Caesarean fibrous tissue scar is considered to be the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy and a life-threatening condition. We conducted a computer search of the English literature of all studies since 2002 to gather updated data on the outcome of such pregnancies. Sixty-six new cases were reported since 2002, possibly reflecting the increasing number of Caesareans currently being performed as well as the more widespread use of the transvaginal scan allowing their earlier detection. Analysis of these women's obstetric history revealed that those at risk for pregnancy in a Caesarean scar appear to have a history of dilatation and curettage, placental pathology, ectopic pregnancy, and IVF. Twenty-one out of 39 for which this information was available (54%) had undergone multiple (> or =2) Caesareans and 13 had previous dilatation and curettage, which might also be an associated factor. We review and discuss the features of contemporary work-ups, including a high index of awareness, a detailed history and a skillful ultrasound examination for an early and accurate diagnosis. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with the possibility of untoward sequelae and how a modern work-up can help in guiding conservative options, thus reducing morbidity and preserving fertility.

Cesarean scar pregnancy: issues in management

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of Cesarean scar pregnancy.

METHODS

During a 6-year period, 12 cases of Cesarean scar pregnancy were diagnosed using transvaginal color Doppler sonography and treated conservatively to preserve fertility. Incidence, gestational age, sonographic findings, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin ( beta-hCG) levels, flow profiles of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound, and methods of treatment were recorded.

RESULTS

The incidence of Cesarean scar pregnancy was 1:2216 and its rate was 6.1% in women with an ectopic pregnancy and at least one previous Cesarean section. Gestational age at diagnosis ranged from 5 + 0 to 12 + 4 weeks. The time interval from the last Cesarean section to the diagnosis of Cesarean scar pregnancy ranged from 6 months to 12 years. High-velocity and low-impedance subtrophoblastic flow (resistance index, 0.38) persisted until beta-hCG declined to normal. Patients were treated as follows: transvaginal ultrasound-guided injection of methotrexate into the embryo or gestational sac (n = 3), transabdominal ultrasound-guided injection of methotrexate (n = 2), transabdominal ultrasound-guided injection of methotrexate followed by systemic methotrexate administration (n = 2), systemic methotrexate administration alone (n = 2), dilatation and curettage (n = 2), or local resection of the gestation mass (n = 1). Eleven of the 12 patients preserved their reproductive capacity; the remaining patient, treated by dilatation and curettage, underwent a hysterectomy because of profuse vaginal bleeding. The Cesarean scar mass regressed from 2 months to as long as 1 year after treatment. Uterine rupture occurred in one patient during the following pregnancy at 38 + 3 weeks' gestational age.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided methotrexate injection emerges as the treatment of choice to terminate Cesarean scar pregnancy. Surgical or invasive techniques, including dilatation and curettage are not recommended for Cesarean scar pregnancy due to high morbidity and poor prognosis.