Abstract
We have presented an unusual case of ectopic pregnancy with the negative urinary pregnancy test and a very low level of serum beta-hCG (11 IU/L). Ultrasound scan revealed right adnexal mass. Medical management and laparoscopic salpingectomy allowed for a favourable outcome.
Highlights
Ectopic pregnancy is a common clinical pathology with possibly serious maternal morbidity and mortality
In case of ectopic pregnancies, negative urine pregnancy test and negative serum beta-hCG are respectively recorded in 3.1% and 2.6% of the cases (Skinner & Jones, 2003)
As the beta-hCG was equivocal, the further management options offered to the patient were a laparoscopy or methotrexate administration
Summary
Ectopic pregnancy is a common clinical pathology with possibly serious maternal morbidity and mortality. It remains the most common cause of maternal death in the first trimester accounting for 55% of early pregnancy deaths [1]. A qualitative urine dipstick test for beta-hCG (urinary pregnancy test) is a quick, easy, and sensitive diagnostic test. It has a sensitivity of 99% at a urine beta-hCG level greater than 25 IU/L [2]. In case of ectopic pregnancies, negative urine pregnancy test and negative serum beta-hCG are respectively recorded in 3.1% and 2.6% of the cases (Skinner & Jones, 2003). In the present case the low and falling serum beta-hCG suggested that the pregnancy was unlikely to be an ectopic pregnancy [4]
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