Expectant management of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy

Chin Med J (Engl). 2012 Apr;125(7):1341-4.

Abstract

Background: Heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy (HCSP) is a very rare but life-threatening entity and there is no optimal management strategy. Here we report a successfully managed case of HCSP with expectant treatment in a tertiary referral hospital.

Methods: A woman with HCSP after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer opted for expectant treatment after five days of mild bleeding and ultrasound demonstrated cardiac activity disappearance of the scar pregnancy at 8(+4) weeks of gestation.

Results: The patient had mild to moderate bleeding during close monitoring. Three days later, speculum examination revealed the gestational mass was partly protruding at the os of the cervix and it was removed with forceps without massive hemorrhage. A healthy male baby was delivered by cesarean section at gestational age of 36(+4) weeks.

Conclusions: The expectant method might be an alternative option for a HCSP with loss of cardiac activity of the scar pregnancy, when applied under supportive management and with available emergency surgery facilities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Embryo Transfer
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography