Heterotopic pregnancy in a natural conception cycle presenting as hematometra

Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Nov;104(5 Pt 2):1195-8. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000142698.17433.cd.

Abstract

Background: Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare event in natural conception cycles. Diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy requires a high index of suspicion. Described herein is a reported case of a heterotopic pregnancy presenting as hematometra.

Case: A young, multiparous woman, with her last menstrual period 6 weeks before presentation, complained of a dark reddish-brown vaginal discharge and progressive left lower-quadrant discomfort during early pregnancy following a natural conception cycle. An intrauterine mass was observed, and subsequently a heterotopic pregnancy complicated by hematometra was diagnosed with the help of transvaginal ultrasonography and 3-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound angiography.

Conclusion: Women with intrauterine fluid accumulation during pregnancy may be at risk for coexistent ectopic pregnancy. High resolution transvaginal color Doppler sonography may be useful to identify a heterotopic pregnancy preoperatively.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Curettage / methods
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Hematometra / diagnosis
  • Hematometra / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hematometra / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Parity
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Tubal / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy, Tubal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pregnancy, Tubal / surgery
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler