TWO LIVES, ONE JOURNEY: SPONTANEOUS RESOLUTION OF HETEROTOPIC PREGNANCY
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Heterotopic pregnancy, characterized by the presence of both intrauterine and extrauterine gestations, is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that poses significant diagnostic challenges.
Methodology: We report the case of a 29-year-old woman, G4P2+1, who presented at 9 weeks of gestation with vaginal bleeding, passage of clots, and abdominal pain. Initial evaluation revealed a viable intrauterine embryo and a left adnexal anembryonic gestational sac. Due to the rarity and risks associated with this condition, the patient was managed conservatively with weekly antenatal visits, including serial ultrasounds, urine, and blood tests.
Results: By 14 weeks, ultrasound findings confirmed a viable second-trimester pregnancy and indicated the resolution of the ectopic component. The pregnancy continued uneventfully to 37 weeks, culminating in an elective cesarean section and the delivery of a healthy female neonate with good APGAR scores. Postoperative recovery was satisfactory, and the patient was discharged after five days.
Conclusion: This case highlights the possibility of spontaneous resolution in heterotopic pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring and a high index of suspicion in women presenting with abdominal pain during early gestation.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
How to Cite
References
Anozie, O. B., Esike, C. U., Eze, J. N., Mba, U. E., Nwafor, J. I., Ukaegbe, C. I., & Mamah, J. E. (2019). Heterotopic pregnancy in a natural conception presenting as an acute abdomen: Management and delivery of a live baby at term. International Journal of Case Reports and Images, 10, 101011Z01OA2019. https://doi.org/10.5348/ijcri-2019194-CR-2019
Ayyash, M., Shaman, M., Craig, B., & Khangura, R. (2022). Expectant management of a heterotopic interstitial pregnancy: A case report. Case Reports in Women’s Health, 34, e00414. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crwh.2022.e00414
Chan, A. J., Day, L. B., & Vairavanathan, R. (2016). Tale of 2 pregnancies: Heterotopic pregnancy in a spontaneous cycle. Canadian Family Physician Medecin de famille canadien, 62(7), 565–567.
Kajdy, A., Muzyka-Placzyńska, K., Filipecka-Tyczka, D., Modzelewski, J., Stańczyk, M., & Rabijewski, M. (2021). A unique case of diagnosis of a heterotopic pregnancy at 26 weeks – case report and literature review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 21(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03465-y
Kumar, R., & Dey, M. (2015). Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy with tubal rupture and pregnancy progressing to term. Medical Journal, Armed Forces India, 71(Suppl 1), S73–S75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mjafi.2013.02.017
Michał, M., Marian, M., Marek, M., & Ewa, W. O. (2011). Heterotopic pregnancy in the absence of risk factors—diagnostics difficulties. Ginekologia Polska, 82(11), 866–868.
Perkins, K. M., Boulet, S. L., Kissin, D. M., Jamieson, D. J., & National ART Surveillance Group. (2015). Risk of ectopic pregnancy associated with assisted reproductive technology in the United States, 2001–2011. Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Weerakkody, Y., Knipe, H., Shah, V., & Shah, A. (2024). Heterotopic pregnancy. Radiopaedia.org. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-13338