Emergency surgical procedure for failed methotrexate treatment of cervical pregnancy: a case report

Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2007 Dec;12(4):391-5. doi: 10.1080/13625180701502351.

Abstract

Cervical pregnancy (CP) is a rare and dangerous condition, which may cause a massive haemorrhage. Ultrasonographic diagnosis consists of the visualization of the gestational sac and trophoblastic invasion in an endocervical localization. CP treatment modalities include dilatation and curettage (D&C) usually followed by intracervical tamponade, cervicotomy, angiographic embolization, ligation of the uterine arteries, and chemotherapy with methotrexate (MTX). MTX administration is a very appealing therapeutic modality of CP in the first trimester because of its convenience and efficacy. We report a case of unsuccessful treatment of a CP with systemic MTX administration, which led to an emergency surgical procedure for a sudden massive vaginal haemorrhage. A vaginal ligation of the cervical branches of the uterine arteries was carried out, followed by suction curettage, D&C and insertion of an intrauterine sterile tampon that was removed after 48 hours. The patient did not require a blood transfusion. Histological examination of the specimen confirmed the CP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / administration & dosage*
  • Adult
  • Arteries / surgery
  • Cervix Uteri
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / blood
  • Dilatation and Curettage
  • Emergencies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Ligation
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / surgery*
  • Tampons, Surgical
  • Treatment Failure
  • Ultrasonography
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / surgery*
  • Uterus / blood supply

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin
  • Methotrexate