Cesarean Scar Pregnancy Research Articles

Cesarean scar pregnancy: should surgery be the preferred treatment approach?

To compare the characteristics and outcomes of non-surgical and surgical treatments for Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). A retrospective study conducted at a tertiary university affiliated medical center, including all women diagnosed with Cesarean scar pregnancy between 2019 and 2023. Women treated non-surgically (including: methotrexate, uterine artery embolization and balloon catheter) were compared to women treated surgically (including: hysterectomy, hysteroscopy and excision of the pregnancy with or without uterine niche repair). Demographic information, medical history, obstetric and gynecological characteristics, presenting symptoms, imaging findings, management details, surgical characteristics, and follow-up data were collected from the women's electronic medical records. Primary outcome was defined as the β-hCG levels on follow-up visit at 2weeks following treatment. 42 women were diagnosed with Cesarean scar pregnancy during the study period, of them 9 (21%) were treated non-surgically and 33 (79%) were treated surgically. Median age was 33 (30-36) year old and median BMI was 31 (27-35) kg/m2, with no statistical differences in-between the groups. Most of the women had previous two Cesarean sections (n = 12, 28%). 63% of the women were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. On transvaginal ultrasound examination, embryo was demonstrated in 66.7% and cardiac activity was observed in 75%. The median gestational age at diagnosis and β-hCG levels were comparable between the non-surgical and surgical treatment groups (p = 0.22, p = 0.61, respectively). In the surgical arm, the most common surgical procedure was excision of the pregnancy with uterine niche repair, that was performed in 14/42 (33%) of the women. Median hospitalization length was 3 (1-4) and 2 (1-3) days, for the non-surgical and surgical treatment groups, respectively (p = 0.51). The hemoglobin level before discharge was similar between the groups (p = 0.20). Only one woman in each group visited the emergency room before the follow-up visit (p = 0.31). β-hCG levels on follow-up were significantly lower in the surgical group compared to the non-surgical (p = 0.02). Cesarean scar pregnancy can be asymptomatic and should be suspected to enable early diagnosis. Both non-surgical and surgical treatments are viable options, with comparable hospitalization lengths; however, the surgical intervention group is expected to show a significantly faster decrease in β-hCG levels.

Comparation of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion versus uterine artery embolization in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy

Study objectiveThis study is to uncover the advantages of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion in the uterine curettage treatment for patients with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).MethodsTo retrospectively analyze the clinical data of eighty patients with CSP after treatment in our hospital from 01/10/2019 to 01/05/2021. The 80 patients were divided into 2 groups: 41 patients were treated with abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and the control group (n = 39) underwent Uterine artery embolization (UAE). The amount of bleeding during the operation, the operation time of the uterine curettage, the X-ray fluoroscopy time under DSA, the surface dose in radiation, the length of hospital stay (LOS), and the postoperative complications were compared between these 2 groups (type II and type III).ResultsAll the operations successfully retained the uterus. No balloon-related complications occurred in the experimental group. And in the control group, there were 14 cases of fever and 19 cases of pain after UAE. The fluoroscopy time of experimental group and control group were: (type II: (20.3 ± 7.1)s vs. (593.7 ± 284.5)s, p < 0.01), (type III: (21.2 ± 7.2)s vs. (509.8 ± 164.2)s, p < 0.01), the surface dose in radiation: (type II: (1.9 ± 0.7)mGy vs. (248.3 ± 85.9)mGy, p < 0.01), (type III: (2.1 ± 0.8)mGy vs.(252.0 ± 74.9)mGy, p < 0.01), the amount of bleeding during the operation: (type II:30.0(20.0, 50.0)ml vs. 20.0(10.0, 50.0)ml, p = 0.113), (type III:50.0 (17.5,162.5)ml vs. 50.0 (22.5, 72.5)ml, p = 0.623), the operation time of the uterine curettage:(type II: (54.8 ± 19.4)min vs.(43.9 ± 21.9)min, p = 0.071), (type III: (65.2 ± 50.4)min vs.(52.8 ± 20.1)min, p = 0.426), LOS: (type II:(5.4 ± 1.7)d vs.(5.4 ± 1.2)d, p = 0.816), (type III:(5.8 ± 2.4)d vs. (7.0 ± 1.7)d, p = 0.161). The follow-up was more than 3 months. No adverse reaction in the experimental group and 6 patients in the control group presented menstrual volume decrease.ConclusionNo balloon-related complications occurred in the abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and lower radiation exposure for both the operator and patient. And both abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and UAE can effectively reduce the bleeding during uterine curettage in patients with type II and III CSP.

Surgical treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy based on the three-category system: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundCesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), a distinct form of ectopic pregnancy, presents challenges in effective management. It is categorized into three subtypes according to the location of placental implantation and the thickness of the myometrium at the uterine scar. Nevertheless, the optimal choice of treatment modalities for these subtypes remains largely unexamined.MethodsIn this retrospective analysis, we investigated the cases of 130 patients diagnosed with CSP who underwent diverse treatment approaches, namely ultrasound-guided dilation and curettage (D&C), hysteroscopic surgery alone or in combination with laparoscopic surgery (HCoLC), or uterine artery embolization (UAE) followed by curettage. Clinical data were meticulously retrieved from medical records and follow-up data, and a comparative analysis of relevant indicators was carried out across the different CSP subtypes.ResultsFrom January 2017 to December 2021, 35 patients underwent D&C, 85 underwent HCoLC, and 10 received UAE as a pretreatment. In the D&C group, the success rates for Type I and Type II CSP were 64.29% (18/28) and 14.28% (1/7), respectively. Significant differences were observed between the success and failure groups in terms of gestational sac size and clinical classification. Compared to Type I CSP, Type II CSP exhibited significantly longer surgical durations and higher hospitalization costs (P < 0.05). Three patients classified as Type III underwent simultaneous hysteroscopic evacuation of cesarean scar pregnancy and laparoscopic repair of the cesarean scar defect, achieving a 100% success rate in their initial treatment. HCoLC showed no significant differences in surgical duration and hospitalization costs but had higher success rates and shorter hospital stays compared to the D&C and UAE groups (P < 0.05). The UAE group had significantly longer surgical durations, higher hospitalization costs, and a higher incidence of postoperative complications (P < 0.05). However, these factors did not result in improved surgical success rates.ConclusionThe classification of CSP and the measurement of gestational sac are of crucial importance in determining the most appropriate surgical intervention strategy. For patients diagnosed with Type I CSP, D&C and hysteroscopy are reliable treatment choices. In cases with larger gestational sacs or Type II CSP, hysteroscopy, either alone or in combination with laparoscopy, is regarded as a reliable and effective treatment approach. In patients with type III CSP, lesion excision with uterine repair is the recommended treatment.

Potential Risk Factors for Developing Cesarean Scar Pregnancy in Women With a History of Cesarean Section.

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) occurs in 0.2%-0.5% of women with a previous cesarean section globally. Multiple factors influence the development of CSP; however, to date, the critical factors contributing to the development of CSP have not been fully explored due to its relatively low incidence. Moreover, CSP can be clinically categorized into type 1 and type 2 CSP. In this retrospective study with a large sample size, we investigated potential risk factors that could contribute to CSP development. Two hundred-one women diagnosed with CSP, either type 1 or type 2 CSP, and 1700 pregnant women with a history of cesarean section but without CSP diagnosis in subsequent pregnancy were included. Gravidity, previous live birth(s), consecutive cesarean section(s), surgical abortion(s), the interval between the pregnancies, and maternal age were compared between the 2 groups. Gravidity, the number of previous live births, the number of previous consecutive cesarean sections, and the number of surgical abortions were significantly associated with CSP development in women with a past cesarean section. This association was regardless of the subtypes of CSP. Notably, the interval between 2 pregnancies was also significantly associated with CSP development, but this association was only seen in type 2 CSP. However, maternal age was not an independent risk factor for CSP development. Additionally, a higher incidence of CSP was observed in China compared to that reported in the literature. In addition to a previous cesarean section, our study highlights at the number of surgical abortions also contributes to the development of CSP.

Outcome and treatment of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy under ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration.

This study aimed to describe cases of cesarean scar pregnancies that were successfully treated with suction curettage under ultrasound guidance and their outcome. This retrospective, descriptive case-series study was performed on 17 patients diagnosed with cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy in Sulaimani Maternity Teaching Hospital from May 2022 to April 2023. The patients' sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. The patients were treated with suction curettage alone or in combination with local injection of methotrexate under ultrasound guidance. Patients with a viable fetus (n = 4) received local intrinsic methotrexate injection into the gestational sac and suction curettage, while those in whom the fetus had died (n = 13) underwent only suction curettage. Five patients required intrauterine balloon insertion to stop bleeding without further treatment, and only three required a blood transfusion owing to severe bleeding. Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous and complex disorder with an increasing occurrence in recent years. Accurate early diagnosis and effective management are essential to reduce maternal mortality and mortality of this type of pregnancy.

Cesarean scar pregnancy: Case report

Cesarean scar pregnancy is an unusual entity that is classified as a subtype of ectopic pregnancy and in turn in the placenta accreta spectrum. We present a case in whom other diagnoses were initially suspected, which implied management difficulties. It is reported due to its low prevalence and diagnostic difficulty due to low clinical suspicion. In addition, a brief review of the current literature on this pathology is carried out.

Early diagnosis, effective treatment: modern approaches to the management of ectopic pregnancies

Purpose of research: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the diagnosis and management of atypical ectopic pregnancy, with particular reference to pregnancy in the cesarean scar. The importance of early detection and medical intervention will be described, as well as the impact of advanced diagnostic techniques and modern treatments on the curability of patients.This article aims to provide valuable insights into the development of effective strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ectopic pregnancy. State of knowledge: Ectopic pregnancies account for 1-2% of all pregnancies, with the majority (90%) occurring in the fallopian tube. Less commonly, they present as ovarian, cervical or abdominal pregnancies. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have made it possible to identify rare forms such as cesarean scar pregnancy (0.15% of all pregnancies), interstitial pregnancy and recurrent ectopic pregnancy on tubal remnants. Techniques such as transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), MRI and laparoscopy have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. Modern interventions such as transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) and methotrexate have shown promise in terms of safety and efficacy. Conclusions: Ectopic pregnancy and its complications have a significant impact on the psycho-physical health of patients, requiring ongoing research to improve diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes and the coordination of multidisciplinary medical care to further improve diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluation Effectiveness of Pre-Treatment Combined with Ultrasound-Guided Suction Curettage in Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided suction curettage (UGSC) in conjunction with or without high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of three distinct types of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Methods: This was a retrospective study that included subjects diagnosed with CSP in a single tertiary referral centre from January 2015 to December 2020. UGSC associated with/without pretreatment was offered to CSP patients according to the location of pregnancy sac, the depth of implantation and the surrounding blood flowing. The data about baseline characteristics and outcome parameters were analyzed across the three groups. Results: The present study included 434 patients diagnosed with CSP. The majority were cured without severe complication except one case accepted blood transfusion. The baseline data from the three groups did not differ statistically. The UGSC group had the same successful rate of treating type I CSP with a shorter hospital stay (χ2 = 51.771, p = 0.000) compared to the HIFU or UAE groups. Type II CSP presented marked less blood loss (Z = –2.464, p = 0.014) and higher decline ration of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) (Z = –4.728, p = 0.000) in HIFU group. Treatment success was high in patients with type III CSP in both the HIFU and UAE groups, but the rate of β-HCG decline was higher in the HIFU group (Z = –2.255, p = 0.024). Conclusions: This study suggests that UGSC is an effective and safe option for patients with low-risk CSP. HIFU or UAE combined with UGSC has higher efficacy in high-risk CSP. And HIFU may be superior in reducing bleeding and increasing the rate of β-HCG decline.

Clinical efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound combined with ultrasound-guided suction curettage at different time intervals for Cesarean scar pregnancy: a retrospective study

Objective This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of combining high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with ultrasound-guided suction curettage for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) at different time intervals. Methods A total of 115 CSP patients were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the time between HIFU ablation and suction curettage. Group A (n = 50) underwent suction curettage 24-48 h after HIFU ablation, while Group B (n = 65) had suction curettage within 6 h of HIFU ablation. The study compared and analyzed the clinical characteristics, treatment success rates, and intraoperative hemorrhage during ultrasound-guided suction curettage. Results The demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar, with no statistically significant differences observed in HIFU parameters, treatment success rates, blood loss, the use of Foley catheter balloons, or hospital expenses (p > 0.05). Importantly, suction curettage performed within 6 h after HIFU ablation resulted in shorter hospitalization times compared to suction curettage performed 24-48 h after the ablation (p < 0.05). Conclusions Suction curettage within 6 h after HIFU ablation is an effective, safe, and cost-efficient treatment for patients diagnosed with CSP.

Diagnostic value and efficacy evaluation value of transvaginal color doppler ultrasound parameters for uterine scar pregnancy and sub-type after cesarean section

ObjectiveWe aimed to probe the diagnostic value of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound (TV-CDU) parameters in cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and CSP sub-types, and the relevant factors affecting patients’ surgical effects.MethodsSeventy-five CSP patients (all requested termination of pregnancy) were selected as the observation group, and 75 normal pregnant women with a history of cesarean section were selected as the control group. All the study subjects underwent TV-CDU and their cesarean scar muscle (CSM) thickness, minimum sagittal muscle thickness and resistance index (RI) of blood flow in the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment were calculated. The diagnostic value of CSM, minimum sagittal muscle thickness, and RI for CSP and CSP sub-types was analyzed. The patients in the observation group were grouped into the effective group and the ineffective group according to whether the surgical treatment was effective or not, and the independent factors affecting CSP efficacy were analyzed.ResultsThe observation group had lower CSM, minimum sagittal muscle thickness and RI than the control group. CSM, RI, and minimum sagittal thickness in patients with type II CSP were lower than those in patients with type I, and these indicators in patients with type III were lower than those in patients with type II. The area under the curve (AUC) of CSM, RI and minimum sagittal muscle thickness in combination for CSP diagnosis and the AUC for CSP sub-types were higher than those of each indicator alone. Gestational sac size and CSM were independent factors affecting CSP treatment.ConclusionChanges in TV-CDU parameters facilitates CSP diagnosis after cesarean section. CSM, minimum sagittal muscle thickness changes, and RI in combination possesses high value for CSP diagnosis and CSP sub-types. Gestational sac size and CSM are independent factors affecting CSP treatment.

The value of cesarean scar diverticulum in diagnosis of adverse events during dilatation and curettage in patient with cesarean scar pregnancy.

The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between the size of cesarean scar diverticulum (CSD) measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and adverse events during dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedure in patients with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). The MRI of 197 CSP patients from October 2019 to August 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The volume, area, and depth of CSD, residual myometrium thickness (RMT), and gestational sac diameter were recorded and tested for correlation with intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), and operation time and for any association with the intraoperative adverse events (intraoperative massive hemorrhage [39 cases] and D&C procedure failure [15 cases]). The Spearman test was used to characterize the correlation between the five MRI variables and both the EBL and operation time. The correlation between the five MRI variables and intraoperative adverse events was evaluated with student's t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Diagnostic power of the MRI variables was evaluated by the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The volume, area, and depth of CSD and gestational sac diameter were positively correlated with both EBL and operation time, with the CSD volume having the highest correlation with them (r = 0.543 and 0.461, respectively). Conversely, the RMT displayed a negative correlation with the EBL and operation time. All five MRI variables were significantly associated with both intraoperative massive hemorrhage and D&C failure (all P < 0.001). The CSD volume demonstrated the highest AUC for diagnosing intraoperative massive hemorrhage and D&C failure at 0.893 (95% CI: 0.82-0.92) and 0.901 (95% CI: 0.85-0.94), respectively. The optimal cutoff values for CSD volume in predicting massive hemorrhage and D&C failure were determined to be 5.41 and 8.92 cm3, respectively, with corresponding sensitivities/specificities of 92.31/74.68 and 93.33/82.42, respectively. Quantifying the size of CSD based on preoperative MRI could aid in evaluating risk during D&C in CSP patients, with CSD volume possessing higher diagnostic efficacy than the other four MRI indicators.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Indices Could Be Additional Predictive Markers for Cesarean Scar Pregnancy.

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is characterized by a gestational sac fully or partially implanted in the scar from a previous cesarean section. Systemic immune-inflammation indices (SIIs) have recently been discussed as additional diagnostic markers in placenta accreta and preeclampsia. CSP shares a similar pathogenesis with these diseases, suggesting that assessing the SIIs and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could enhance additional predictability in diagnosing CSP. In this study, we analyzed the complete blood counts between 264 women who were confirmed with CSP by ultrasound and 295 women who underwent elective termination. The mean counts of total white cells and neutrophils were significantly higher, whereas the counts of monocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets were significantly lower in the CSP group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Additionally, the SII, systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), or NLR was significantly higher in the CSP group compared to the control group (p<0.0001). Given the limited effect of SII and SIRI on the increased risk of developing CSP, the optimal cut-off value for NLR in predicting CSP was 2.87 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.656, 68% sensitivity). The optimal cut-off value for NLR in predicting type 2 CSP was 2.91 (AUC 0.690, 71% sensitivity). Although ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging images are a gold standard for visualizing the gestational sac's location in the diagnosis of CSP, assessing peripheral blood tests is cost-effective, and NLR may provide additional diagnosis value for CSP.

Objective Analysis of Predictive Value of Ultrasound Quantitative Scoring System for Treatment Method Selection in Cesarean Scar Pregnancy.

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using the ultrasound quantitative scoring system to guide the selection of surgical methods for a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSEP). A retrospective analysis was conducted of the medical records of 117 cases of patients with a CSEP. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination before treatment, and the ultrasound results were compared with the results of surgical exploration. The treatment methods that were delivered for the 2 patient groups with CSEP were analyzed, and agreement between the predicted and actual treatment protocols was tested using the kappa consistency test. Residual myometrial thickness at the scar site was mainly concentrated above 3 mm in the low-risk group, with 70 cases accounting for 76.9%, while in the high-risk group, this was primarily in the range of 1-3 mm with 18 cases accounting for 69.2%. The grading of nourishing blood supply to the gestational sac showed that 96.7% of patients in the low-risk group had Grade I and Grade II blood flow, while 84.6% of the high-risk group had Grade I and Grade II blood flow; Grade II blood flow was predominant in the high-risk group. The majority of patients in both the low- and high-risk groups experienced intraoperative blood loss of ≤50 mL (93.9% vs 80.6%, respectively). The consistency test between the actual and predicted treatment methods yielded a kappa coefficient of 0.644, indicating consistency between the two. For patients with CSEP in the low-risk group (score <4), the ultrasound quantitative scoring system could provide individualized assessment and offer clinically valuable treatment protocols.

Treatment of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy Using a Double Balloon System

Cesarean scar pregnancies are increasing in incidence, with ill-defined management options. We applied a newly published cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy clinical classification system to our previously published, now expanded, case series of cervical double-balloon catheter management to inform this option as a potential surgical treatment strategy. We found that cervical double-balloon catheter management of cesarean scar pregnancies is an efficacious and safe option when utilizing the newly published clinical classification system. Of our 34 recorded cases, only 5.9% (2/34) of patients required additional procedures after initial cervical double-balloon catheter. Cervical double-balloon catheter should be considered as potential management in future classification systems.

Obstetric outcomes in the expectant management of cesarean scar pregnancy with fetal heart activity: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a high-risk complication characterized by the implantation of a pregnancy within a cesarean scar resulting from a previous delivery. Currently, clinical indicators guiding the expectant management of patients with CSP are lacking. We thus aimed to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among women who underwent expectant CSP management and to investigate whether sonographic signs correlated with obstetric outcomes. We retrospective reviewed the electronic medical records and first-trimester transvaginal ultrasonography reports of consecutive patients diagnosed with CSP in the first trimester at the West China Second University Hospital from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2022. Pregnancy outcomes (emergency surgery, blood loss, and rescue) and neonatal outcomes (gestational age at delivery, neonatal weight, and Apgar scores) were examined. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors that could predict severe complications. The final analysis included 54 patients. The mean age of the pregnant women was 34±4 years. Among the 54 patients, 14 (25.9%) did not progress to 20 weeks of gestation. Pregnancy continued beyond 20 weeks in 40 patients, with 37 live births (92.5%) and 3 stillbirths (7.5%). Moreover, 7 (17.5%) and 33 (82.5%) patients delivered before and after 34 weeks, respectively. Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and placenta previa were confirmed in 29 (72.5%) and 17 (42.5%) patients, respectively. Hysterectomy, emergency cesarean section, and rescue surgery were performed in 5 (12.5%), 15 (37.5%), and 22 (55.5%) patients, respectively. Patients with a visible niche were significantly more likely to have preterm labor, PAS, placenta previa, low-birth-weight newborns, higher blood loss, intraoperative rescue, blood transfusion, and first-trimester vaginal bleeding than were those without one (all P values <0.05). Our study showed that expectant management of CSP to achieve live birth might be feasible. Patients with a visible niche exhibited worse outcomes, with a higher incidence of severe delivery complications.

Diagnosis on dilemma: Arteriovenous malformation with scar pregnancy with old retained product of conception

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is described as the placement of a gestational sac within the scar from a previous cesarean operation and is considered an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy situated in a cesarean section scar is a rare but potentially life-threatening event. Because of its rarity, there are no universal guidelines to manage this condition. CSP has no pathognomonic signs or symptoms and its presentation varies considerably. Here, we report a case of scar pregnancy containing an old retained product of conceptus.

Systematic Review on Cesarean Scar Pregnancy (CSP) Diagnosis, Treatment and Management

Systematic Review on Cesarean Scar Pregnancy (CSP) Diagnosis, Treatment and Management

Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Case Report on an Increasingly Common Condition with Limited Management Options

Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Case Report on an Increasingly Common Condition with Limited Management Options

Prevalence, Determinants, and Management Options of Scar Site Pregnancy in Women With Previous Cesarean Section: A Study From the Al-Qassim Region.

Pregnancy located outside the uterine cavity following a cesarean section has become more prevalent in recent years due to the increase in cesarean section delivery. This study sought to investigate the prevalence, determinants, and treatment options of scar site pregnancy among women who sought maternal and child health services in a hospital in Buraydah, Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Utilizing a quantitative retrospective case-control design, 50 women were recruited and assigned to the two groups evenly. Demographic data and risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 at a 95% confidence interval and presented intables and figures. Fifty-eight percent of the participants were aged 35 years and above, with 38% reporting a parity of 1-3. Logistic regression revealed that parity (odds ratio (OR) = 10.975, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.887-135.861, and p-value = 0.062), the interval between the last and present pregnancies (OR = 0.056, 95% CI = 0.005-0.668, p-value = 0.023), intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) use in the last year(OR = 0.070, 95% CI = 0.006 -0.780, p-value = 0.031) were statistically significant in predicting cesarean scar pregnancy. Combined methotrexate and aspiration were the most prevalent treatment options for scar site pregnancy in this study. Scar site pregnancy is a maternal health complication that affects women across all healthcare settings, and its prevalence is not clear due to underdiagnosis and underreporting. The risk of scar site pregnancy increased with an increase in the number of childbirths (parity) and the interval between the last and current pregnancies.

How to perform standardized sonographic examination of Cesarean scar pregnancy in the first trimester.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) are crucial to prevent severe complications, such as uterine rupture, severe hemorrhage and placenta accreta spectrum disorders. In this article, we provide a step-by-step tutorial for the standardized sonographic evaluation of CSP in the first trimester. Practical steps for performing a standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination to diagnose CSP are outlined, focusing on criteria and techniques essential for accurate identification and classification. Key sonographic markers, including gestational sac location, cardiac activity, placental implantation and myometrial thickness, are detailed. The evaluation process is presented according to assessment of the uterine scar, differential diagnosis, detailed CSP evaluation and CSP classification. This step-by-step tutorial emphasizes the importance of scanning in two planes (sagittal and transverse), utilizing color or power Doppler and differentiating CSP from other low-lying pregnancies. The CSP classification is described in detail and is based on the location of the largest part of the gestational sac relative to the uterine cavity and serosal lines. This descriptive classification is recommended for clinical use to stimulate uniform description and evaluation. Such a standardized sonographic evaluation of CSP in the first trimester is essential for early diagnosis and management, helping to prevent life-threatening complications and to preserve fertility. Training sonographers in detailed evaluation techniques and promoting awareness of CSP are critical. The structured approach to CSP diagnosis presented herein is supported by a free e-learning course available online. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.