Spontaneous heterotopic triplets - A review of literature

Abstract

Objective: Spontaneous heterotopic triplets, a tubal ectopic pregnancy and a twin pregnancy, are rare disorders. The study aimed to examine all available evidence regarding signs and symptoms, imaging findings, management and newborn outcome of spontaneous heterotopic triplets.

Design: A literature search in Medline and EMBASE databases from 2000 to 2016 was conducted. The following key words were employed: 'spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy', OR 'heterotopic triplets'. Only cases of spontaneous heterotopic triplets without assisted reproduction techniques were included.

Results: Six cases were identified and included in the present review. All cases presented with abdominal pain and one case presented in shock. Hemoperitoneum was present in five cases. Laterouterine mass with adnexal gestational sac is not systematically described (3 cases/6), but was a good ultrasonographic sign of heterotopic pregnancy. All patients had tubal rupture, but anyone had vaginal bleeding. The surgical treatment was made by salpingectomy in five cases to ensure successful treatment. The mean and median gestational age at delivery were 29.9 and 37.54 weeks, respectively (range 6-41 weeks). The neonatal outcome was good for 6 newborns.

Conclusion: Spontaneous heterotopic triplets are rare. Early surgical intervention is the key to successful treatment of heterotopic triplet pregnancy and allows good neonatal outcome.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Hemoperitoneum; Heterotopic triplet pregnancy; Management; Tubal ectopic pregnancy.