Abdominal Pregnancy a Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Background: Abdominal pregnancy is a rare condition and potentially life-threatening if not diagnosed early and treated adequately. It has a high maternal and foetal mortality. Two cases of abdominal pregnancy are discussed. Both occurred in mothers aged 35 yrs and were managed as part of the author’s routine work during 2011. In both cases the mother booked for antenatal care, had an ultrasound performed that missed the condition initially. The diagnosis of an abdominal pregnancy was only made in advanced pregnancy. Both were treated with definitive surgery and recovered post operatively. Conclusion: In both cases there was a failure in the diagnosis of an abdominal pregnancy during the initial ultrasound. In both cases the placenta was attached to the outside of the fallopian tube. The latter may be the reason for the initial sonar to appear intrauterine. Surgical removal of an advanced abdominal pregnancy with foetal demise is advocated.