Interstitial Pregnancy Research Articles

Management of nontubal ectopic pregnancies - single center experience

Aims: Ectopic pregnancies can be defined as pregnancies in which the growing blastocyst implants outside the endometrial cavity. However, it is assumed that 0.5-1% of all pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies. The most common extrauterine implantation site is the fallopian tube. Non-tubal pregnancies (NTG Non-tubal pregnancies) account for less than 5% of all ectopic pregnancies but cause 8 times higher maternal mortality than tubal pregnancies. The study aimed to determine the frequency of nontubal ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary care unit in Turkey and the differences that may differentiate patients from tubal ectopic pregnancies. Methods: The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze and describe the treatments of patients who were hospitalized for ectopic pregnancy in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Mengücekgazi Training and Research Hospital from May 2014 to May 2024. Obstetric/gynecologic history, risk factors for previous ectopic non-tubal pregnancy, serum-hCG levels at the moment of diagnosis, ultrasound findings, surgical or medical treatment and treatment outcomes were presented. Results: In our institutional records, 240 patients received an ectopic pregnancy diagnosis. and n=23 nontubal ectopic pregnancies were identified. Cervical pregnancy (CP) (n=2), interstitial pregnancy (IP) (n=2), cesarean scar pregnancy (ScP) (n=10), ovarian pregnancy (OvP) (n=9) were detected. Conclusion: It emerges from our sample that NT-EP needs to be diagnosed quickly. This can assist in the conservative use of a medical or minimally invasive method. The significant advance in imaging technologies allows for a faster diagnosis, allowing the patient to be transferred to a referred center from where the best procedures can be selected, reducing the potential impact of surgery on the patient’s fertility.

Case Report: Spontaneous cornual Pregnancy at 7 Weeks: A Gynecological challenge

Introduction and Importance Cornual pregnancy (CP) is a rare and dangerous type of ectopic pregnancy, occurring in 2% to 4% of cases. Due to its atypical location in the uterine horn, it poses a high risk for severe complications, such as rupture of the uterus, and life-threatening bleeding, particularly when diagnosis is delayed. Case Presentation We report the case of a 35-year-old female patient presenting with severe pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, with 12 weeks of amenorrhea. Clinical evaluation revealed elevated β-HCG levels and transvaginal ultrasound showed a 7-week unruptured right cornual pregnancy. Surgical management involved a mini-laparotomy, which confirmed the diagnosis and a cornuostomy along with a right salpingectomy was performed. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and follow-up confirmed complete recovery. Clinical Discussion Cornual pregnancies, though rare, carry a significant risk of serious complications and maternal death due to delayed diagnosis. Risk factors encompass a history of miscarriage, elective abortion, sexually transmitted infections, and smoking, all contributing to abnormal implantation. Early diagnosis is challenging but crucial, with ultrasound being key for detection. Management depends on gestational age, patient stability, and future reproductive plans, with methotrexate or surgical intervention being standard options. Conclusion Cornual pregnancy, despite its rarity, demands prompt and accurate diagnosis to prevent catastrophic outcomes. This case underscores the need for individualized treatment strategies and highlights the importance of early intervention. Ongoing research is vital to improving diagnostic approaches and therapeutic outcomes.

Laparoscopic Cornuostomy: A Conservative Surgical Approach to Interstitial Pregnancy — A Case Report

Interstitial pregnancy accounts for only 2%–4% of all ectopic pregnancies, however, it is associated with higher mortality rates as compared to other ectopic pregnancies, due to the associated risk of uterine rupture, and hemorrhage. A 35-year-old gravida 4 abortion 3 woman reported at the 8th week of gestation for antenatal care with comorbidity of protein C and protein S deficiency and recurrent pregnancy loss with for routine care. She was diagnosed as a case of interstitial pregnancy by transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. She was subsequently managed by laparoscopic cornuostomy. Prompt recognition and definitive management are crucial in averting life-threatening hemorrhage due to this rare condition.

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.

Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy Rupture Early Diagnosis and Treatment: A Case Report

Cornual pregnancy is a severe form of ectopic pregnancy, comprising 2-4% of such cases and presenting a mortality rate 6-7 times higher than typical ectopic pregnancies. It is often confused with interstitial pregnancy which arises from the implantation of the gestational sac in the myometrium’s proximal part. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging and considered medical emergencies due to potential for significant maternal haemorrhage. This is a case report of a 26-year-old woman in hypovolemic shock due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, confirmed via ultrasound and treated with emergency laparotomy, revealing a left corneal ectopic pregnancy, which was successfully repaired.

Laparoscopic cornual resection for interstitial pregnancy: Staying in the Marginal Zone.

Fortunately, interstitial pregnancies are a rare early pregnancy presentation, yet they can be challenging to managed and are associated with a high risk of intra-abdominal haemorrhage. Once detected, surgical laparoscopic resection can be the preferred management method for both patient safety and for definitive treatment. The video presents a new technique for laparoscopic resection of an interstitial pregnancy which enables the procedure to be effectively bloodless. We report on a new technique for laparoscopic cornual resection. As shown in the video, staying in the marginal zone may result in the enblock resection of the gestational sac. Using meticulous applications of bipolar energy and cutting with scissors in the marginal zone, the operation may be completed with almost no blood loss and minimal damage to the adjacent healthy myometrium. The operation lasted 30 min with almost no blood loss. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the first postoperative day. Staying in the marginal zone during dissection permits even less experienced laparoscopists to complete laparoscopic cornual resection with minimal blood loss concomitantly with minimal trauma to the adjacent myometrium.

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy in a patient with absent ipsilateral fallopian tube.

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy in a patient with absent ipsilateral fallopian tube.

Diagnosis and management of heterotopic intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization: an eight-case series.

To analyze the ultrasound characteristics, clinical management, and pregnancy outcomes of heterotopic intramural pregnancies (HIMPs) after embryo transfer. This was a retrospective observational study of women who were diagnosed with HIMPs. The ultrasound characteristics, clinical treatment, and pregnancy outcomes of patients with HIMPs were evaluated. Eight women with HIMPs were included. Among them, 6 patients were diagnosed by transvaginal sonography, and 2 patients were misdiagnosed with heterotopic interstitial pregnancy. The diagnostic accuracy was 75% (6/8). Five patients with HIMPs were diagnosed at the time of the initial scan (5+6-6+3 weeks). An intramural gestational sac was observed in all 6 patients, and an embryo with cardiac activity was detected in one patient on the follow-up scans. Intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs) were revealed in all 6 patients, and embryo(s) with cardiac activity were observed in 5 patients at the time of the initial diagnosis or later. The patients receiving expectant treatment all presented with bagel signs, while patients with embryos with cardiac activity all underwent surgery. Among the 6 diagnosed women, 1 patient was initially treated medically, 4 were treated expectantly, and 1 was treated surgically. Among the 6 diagnosed patients, the IUPs of 5 patients resulted in live infants. Single ET should be recommended to decrease the possibility of HIMP. An accurate diagnosis of HIMP was reached in most cases by detailed ultrasound early in the first trimester. Most IUPs of HIMPs seem to have good outcomes with timely and proper management. Expectant management might be a possible choice for nonviable intramural pregnancies.

Cornual pregnancy: the experience of a level 3 maternity unit in a low-income country

Cornual pregnancy: the experience of a level 3 maternity unit in a low-income country

Cornual Pregnancy with Uterine Rupture

Cornual Pregnancy with Uterine Rupture

Cornual Pregnancy Presenting as Missed Abortion: A Rare Case Report

Cornual Pregnancy Presenting as Missed Abortion: A Rare Case Report

An Almost Ruptured Interstitial Pregnancy That Was Completely Removed by Laparoscopic Linear Cornuostomy

An Almost Ruptured Interstitial Pregnancy That Was Completely Removed by Laparoscopic Linear Cornuostomy

Diagnostic and management dilemmas of pregnancies at the utero-tubal junction: A case series and management algorithm.

A pregnancy at the utero-tubal junction is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy and is associated with high maternal morbidity if it remains undetected. In the present study we discuss four cases of ectopic pregnancies at the utero-tubal junction which caused diagnostic and management dilemmas. Four cases of early pregnancies with the gestational sac (G-sac) implanted near the utero-tubal junction are described. In case 1 this was suspected after a failed attempt at dilatation and curettage at our hospital, cases 2 and 3 presented with amenorrhea and pain abdomen and case 4 was diagnosed on first pregnancy documentation scan after frozen embryo transfer. As initial two-dimensional (2D) transvaginal scan (TVS) failed to diagnose the exact location of the G-sac, three-dimensional (3D) TVS helped to localize the exact location of pregnancy and subsequent individualized management. Case 1 had a partial intramural ectopic pregnancy managed by laparotomy and removal of the ectopic sac. The second and third cases were eccentric uterine pregnancies. The fourth was an interstitial ectopic pregnancy managed by a laparoscopic loop and stitch technique. This case series describes the role of 3D TVS for the evaluation of pregnancies implanted at the utero-tubal junction and individual management of eccentric intrauterine, interstitial ectopic and intramural ectopic pregnancies. A diagnostic algorithm for such types of cases and management options is discussed.

Laparoscopic Management of Short-Interval Interstitial Pregnancy After Recent Tubal Ectopic: A Case Report [ID 2683561

INTRODUCTION: A 24-year-old G6P2032 presents with interstitial pregnancy 3 months after ipsilateral laparoscopic salpingectomy for ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. This case report demonstrates the management of short-interval interstitial pregnancy after recent ipsilateral laparoscopic salpingectomy. METHODS: The patient initially presented with a right-sided ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. Salpingectomy was performed to completely remove the fallopian tube and desiccate it at the cornua, leaving no residual visible tubal remnants. The patient presented with ipsilateral interstitial pregnancy 3 months later and initially underwent systemic methotrexate injection, which failed to resolve the pregnancy. She then underwent laparoscopic cornuostomy and dilation and curettage (D&C). Cornuostomy was performed with injection of dilute vasopressin around the gestational sac to help minimize blood loss followed by hydrodissection and sharp dissection to remove the pregnancy. The myometrium and serosa were closed in layers. There was attention to preserve uterine myometrial tissue integrity at the cornua. The patient did well postoperatively and was discharged on postoperative day 0 (POD0). Her β-hCG trended from 11,902 mIU/mL pre-surgery to 7,726 on POD0, and 289 at 1 week. Pathology showed fragments of chorionic villi, and the D&C showed decidualized secretory endometrium. CONCLUSION: Short-interval interstitial ectopic pregnancies after prior salpingectomy for tubal ectopic are extremely rare. We demonstrated successful management with a minimally invasive laparoscopic cornuostomy after failed methotrexate. Patients should be counseled carefully about the risks of short-interval pregnancy after tubal ectopic even after care is taken to remove all visible portions of the fallopian tube.

Pregnancies at the Uterotubal Junction: A Review of Terminology (Interstitial, Cornual, and Angular) and Recommendations for Management.

Ectopic pregnancies are one of the most common causes of obstetric mortality worldwide. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies, defined as an extracavitary pregnancy within the portion of the Fallopian tube that transverses the myometrium, have reported mortality rates approximately seven times higher than all types of ectopic pregnancy combined. In contrast, intracavitary eccentric gestations, often labeled as "cornual" or "angular" pregnancies, have reportedly high rates of live birth. Unfortunately, the terms "interstitial," "cornual," and "angular" have long been used with varying diagnostic criteria and often interchangeably to describe a pregnancy near the uterotubal junction. The inconsistency in nomenclature and lack of clear diagnostic criteria to distinguish among these pregnancies has resulted in a paucity of data to provide accurate prognostic information and guide appropriate management. This review article aims to provide historical context for the terms "interstitial," "cornual," and "angular;" discuss previous and more recent innovations of diagnostic methods; and provide recommendations for concise terminology and inform management.

Commentary: Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound diagnosis of interstitial ectopic pregnancy in a unicornuate uterus: A case report

A rare case of unicornuate uterus with interstitial ectopic pregnancy (IEP) was diagnosed using three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVUS). The ultrasound revealed a "lancet-shaped" endometrial corona, a gestational sac near the uterus base extending towards the uterine serosa, and visible interstitial lines. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery for a lesion in the right fallopian tube. 3D-TVUS was crucial in precisely locating the gestational sac, aiding in effective treatment. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies risk severe hemorrhaging upon rupture. Rapid, accurate diagnosis is vital for lifesaving treatment and preventing critical complications.

Surgical Outcomes and Trends in Incidence of Ectopic Pregnancy.

We aimed to evaluate the surgical results for ectopic pregnancy (EP) treated at Fukushima Red Cross Hospital for over a 20-year period from 2002 to 2021. We evaluated the incidence, surgical procedures, site of implantation, amount of hemoperitoneum, and the proportion of cases with risk factors of EP. Two hundred and fifty-nine cases of EP were treated surgically. The incidence of EP seemed to be gradually decreasing in recent years. By pregnancy site, 235 (90.7%) of EPs were tubal pregnancies (TPs), 13 in interstitial pregnancies (IPs), 7 in ovarian pregnancies, and 4 in peritoneal pregnancies. For IPs, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were statistically higher than with TP and intraperitoneal bleeding was less than with other EP sites. Thirty-nine patients (15.0%) were with massive hemoperitoneum (>500 mL), and laparoscopic surgery was performed in all patients with massive hemoperitoneum except in two patients. The proportion of cases with risk factors for EP such as Chlamydia trachomatis infection or history of smoking was 5.4% and 40.6%, respectively. Epidemiological research shows that the number of patients with chlamydia infection, rates of smokers, or the occurrence of EP with assisted reproductive technology has been decreasing in recent years in Japan. Appropriate surgical intervention should be selected while considering such as facility capabilities, context, and surgeon skill, especially in critical cases, such as cases involving massive hemoperitoneum and hemorrhagic shock. The recent presumed decrease in the occurrence of EP may partly be associated with the decrease in the occurrence of risk factors.

Hysteroscopic resection of interstitial pregnancy

Hysteroscopic resection of interstitial pregnancy

Successful management of an advanced interstitial ectopic pregnancy in a resource-limited setting: a case report

BackgroundInterstitial ectopic pregnancy is an ectopic gestation developing in the uterine part of the fallopian tube. The condition is rare and presents challenges for clinical as well as radiological diagnosis. This case report presents a rare case of interstitial ectopic pregnancy diagnosed intraoperatively.Case presentationA 36-year-old Black woman, referred from a peripheral health facility, presented at the emergency department with severe abdominal pains, vaginal spotting, nausea, and vomiting, with a 2-month history of irregular menstrual flow. Clinical and laboratory findings were suggestive of an acute abdomen likely due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (ultrasound was not available). An emergency exploratory laparotomy was done, which revealed a right adnexal ruptured interstitial pregnancy of a lifeless female fetus weighing 500 g (estimated mean gestational age of 22–23 weeks). The left fallopian tube looked normal. The site of rupture was repaired, followed by cleaning and closure of the abdomen. The post-operative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 7.ConclusionInterstitial pregnancies are uncommon and rarely attain advanced gestational ages, as in this case, compared with other tubal ectopic pregnancies. However, women presenting with signs of hypovolemic shock and acute abdomen, with a positive pregnancy test, warrant a high index of suspicion.

Ruptured Recurrent Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy Successfully Managed by Laparoscopy.

Ectopic pregnancies are a frequently encountered cause of first-trimester metrorrhagia. They occur when an embryo is implanted and grows outside the normal uterine space. Uncommonly, the embryo can be implanted in the intramural portion of the uterine tube, a condition referred to as interstitial localization. This specific type of ectopic pregnancy may have an unpredictable course, potentially leading to severe uterine rupture and catastrophic bleeding if not promptly diagnosed and managed. We present a rare case of a multiparous 36-year-old female patient who underwent pelvic ultrasonography in the emergency department for intense pelvic pain associated with hypotension and moderate anemia. A history of right salpingectomy for a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy 10 years previously was noted. High beta-HCG levels were also detected. A pelvic ultrasound allowed us to suspect a ruptured ectopic interstitial pregnancy at 8 weeks of amenorrhea. An association with hemoperitoneum was suspected, and an emergency laparoscopy was performed. The condition was confirmed intraoperatively, and the patient underwent a right corneal wedge resection with suture of the uterine myometrium. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fourth day postoperatively. Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare yet extremely perilous situation. Timely ultrasound-based diagnosis is crucial as it can enable conservative management with Methotrexate. Delayed diagnosis can lead to uterine rupture with consecutive surgery based on a transection of the pregnancy and cornual uterine resection.