Unusual presentation of late-stage ectopic tubal pregnancy (19 weeks' gestation): Case report and literature review

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2024 Apr:295:150-152. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.02.015. Epub 2024 Feb 12.

Abstract

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical condition in which a fertilized egg takes an unexpected detour away from the uterine cavity and the fallopian tube becomes a popular host, with the ampulla being the prime location. However, it can occur in other areas such as cervix, ovaries, or abdomen. The most common risk factors are pelvic inflammatory disease, previous pelvic or abdominal surgery, abnormal anatomy of genital organs, endometriosis, previous ectopic pregnancies, assisted reproductive technologies, endocrine disorders, and even the subtle influence of low-dose progestins from contraceptives. We will present a rare case of unrecognized late-stage tubal ectopic pregnancy. The following case report is of a 25-year-old Caucasian female patient (G2, P0) who presented to the emergency department with a 24-hour abdominal pain syndrome. The patient did not have a gynecological examination for this reason. During the examination, taking into account the clinical and ultrasound findings, a suspicion of pregnancy in a bicornuate uterus was raised, and an MRI of the pelvis was performed. MRI showed ectopic pregnancy in the left fallopian tube with a properly developed fetus that corresponded to a gestation of 19 weeks. An emergency laparotomy was performed and the left fallopian tube with the fetus was removed. The early and late course of recovery went smoothly. The patient was discharged after adequate clinical development.

Keywords: Ectopic pregnancy; Late-stage tubal ectopic pregnancy; MRI; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen
  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adult
  • Fallopian Tubes / diagnostic imaging
  • Fallopian Tubes / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic* / etiology
  • Pregnancy, Tubal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Tubal* / surgery