Heterotopic Quadruplet Pregnancy. Literature Review and Case Report

Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 May 12;57(5):483. doi: 10.3390/medicina57050483.

Abstract

Heterotopic pregnancy is the condition where both intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy are present. It rarely occurs after natural conception, but is more common with assisted reproductive techniques, when more than one embryo is transferred. Quadruplet heterotopic pregnancy is exceedingly rare.

Methods: A literature review was conducted aiming to highlight the diagnosis difficulties and the management options in heterotopic quadruplet pregnancies.

Results: Nine relevant studies were identified by researching PubMed up to 2021 for "heterotopic quadruplet pregnancy", "quadruplet intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy", "synchronous intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy".

Conclusions: In this paper, we present a case of heterotopic quadruplet pregnancy and address the difficulty in diagnosing this condition and make formal recommendations.

Keywords: heterotopic quadruplet pregnancy; quadruplet intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy; synchronous intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Heterotopic*
  • Pregnancy, Quadruplet*
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted