A scary complication: single-center study on management and outcome of cesarean scar pregnancy

Abstract A cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a scary and life-threatening complication of cesarean section (CS). Nevertheless, the incidence of CS is constantly growing. The CSP incidence is 0,15% of pregnancies after CS which represents 6,1% of all ectopic pregnancies in women with condition after CS. Therefore, it should be more present in the clinical daily routine. From mild nonspecific symptoms to hypovolemic shock, diagnosis and therapy must be performed quickly. With the progressive growth of the scar pregnancy, a uterine rupture involves the risk of severe bleeding, and an emergency hysterectomy could be necessary. Prolongation of pregnancy has been successful only in a few cases.We report 11 cases from our hospital in the past 10 years. In the discussion, treatment options of this complication with an increasing incidence, which is associated with serious morbidity and mortality, are presented based on the current literature. Treatment options include drug therapy, but also surgical or combined procedures with radiological intervention.

Cuatro años de experiencia en tratamiento médico del embarazo ectópico en el departamento de Paysandú / Four-year experience in medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy in the department of Paysandú / Quatro anos de experiência no tratamento de gravidez ectópica no departamento de Paysandú

Resumen: Introducción: en los últimos años se viene presentando un fenómeno de disminución en las defunciones vinculadas al embarazo ectópico gracias a los avances en el diagnóstico precoz, lo que a su vez abrió las puertas al tratamiento médico con metotrexate en pacientes seleccionadas. El objetivo del presente trabajo es reportar la experiencia del tratamiento con metotrexate en el departamento de Paysandú y determinar secundariamente la satisfacción de las usuarias frente a éste y su fertilidad posterior. Método: se presenta un estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de los embarazos ectópicos tubarios tratados con metotrexate en Paysandú, durante el período del 1º de enero de 2014 al 31 de diciembre de 2017, comprendiendo cuatro años. Se consideró fracaso del tratamiento médico cuando fue necesario tratamiento quirúrgico y se definió como fertilidad futura al tiempo que transcurrió hasta lograr una gestación intrauterina espontánea. Resultados: se registraron 67 embarazos ectópicos en cuatro años, 13 recibieron metotrexate intramuscular con un porcentaje de éxito de 69,2%. Se determinó una fertilidad posterior de 25%. Conclusiones: el uso de metotrexate en el embarazo ectópico se practica en Paysandú desde hace casi una década con buenos resultados y una buena aceptación por parte de las usuarias.

Summary: Introduction : In recent years there has been a decrease in deaths related to ectopic pregnancy, thanks to progress made in early diagnosis, which in turn allowed for medical treatment with methotrexate in selected patients. The study's first objective is to report the experience of methotrexate treatment in the Department of Paysandú and its secondary objective is to determine users' satisfaction towards this treatment and find about their subsequent fertility. Method: a retrospective, observational study is presented of tubal ectopic pregnancies treated with methotrexate in Paysandú, from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017, during a 4-year period. Failure of medical treatment was defined as the cases requiring surgical treatment and subsequent fertility was defined as the time it took to achieve a spontaneous intrauterine gestation. Results: 67 ectopic pregnancies were recorded in four years, 13 of which received intramuscular methotrexate with a success rate of 69.2%. Subsequent fertility was found to be 25%. Conclusions: methotrexate has been used to treat ectopic pregnancies in Paysandú for almost a decade, with good results and acceptable rates of user satisfaction.

Resumo: Introdução: nos últimos anos, observou-se uma diminuição dos óbitos relacionados à gravidez ectópica, graças aos avanços no diagnóstico precoce, que por sua vez abriram as portas para o tratamento médico com metotrexato em pacientes selecionadas. Objetivo: o objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a experiência do tratamento com metotrexato no Departamento de Paysandú e determinar secundariamente a satisfação das usuárias com o mesmo e sua consequente fertilidade. Métodos: apresenta-se um estudo retrospectivo e observacional de gestações ectópicas tubárias tratadas com metotrexato em Paysandú, durante o período de 1º de janeiro de 2014 a 31 de dezembro de 2017. Considerou-se como falha do tratamento médico quando o tratamento cirúrgico foi necessário e definiu-se fertilidade futura como o tempo decorrido até a obtenção de uma gravidez intrauterina espontânea. Resultados: foram registradas 67 gestações ectópicas em quatro anos, 13 receberam metotrexato intramuscular com taxa de sucesso de 69,2%. Uma fertilidade subsequente de 25% foi determinada. Conclusões: o uso do metotrexato na gravidez ectópica é praticado em Paysandú há quase uma década com bons resultados e boa aceitação pelas usuárias.

Tratamiento del embarazo ectópico en cicatriz de cesárea: revisión de la literatura a propósito de 3 casos / Treatment of ectopic pregnancy in a cesarean scar: review of the literature regarding 3 cases

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El embarazo en cicatriz de cesárea previa (ECC) es una entidad poco frecuente que puede tener graves consecuencias. Hasta la fecha no existen esquemas estandarizados de tratamiento y su manejo óptimo sigue siendo controvertido. Nuestro objetivo es realizar una revisión de la literatura publicada sobre el manejo del ECC y proponer un algoritmo. También exponemos tres casos de ECC resueltos con diferentes tratamientos en el Hospital Universitario Infanta Elena MÉTODOS: Búsqueda de la literatura en bases de datos utilizando las palabras clave: "embarazo en cicatriz cesárea"," gestación ectópica en cicatriz cesárea", "tratamiento", "manejo". RESULTADOS: Las opciones terapéuticas pueden ser médicas, quirúrgicas o una combinación de ambas. Los tratamientos quirúrgicos tienen altas tasas de éxito, sin embargo, son más invasivos y no están exentos de riesgo. La combinación de tratamientos parece aumentar la tasa de éxito, no obstante, podría implicar un mayor riesgo de efectos secundarios y costes. CONCLUSIONES: El manejo de los ECC debe de ser individualizado, basado en la evidencia científica, en los medios disponibles y la experiencia de los profesionales en los distintos procedimientos, guiándonos por el tipo de ECC y su grado de vascularización e invasión, grosor del miometrio, niveles de beta-hCG, presencia de actividad cardiaca, clínica y estabilidad hemodinámica de la paciente. Deben tenerse en cuenta las circunstancias y patología intercurrente de la mujer, así como su deseo genésico o de preservación del útero.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare entity that can cause serious consequences. Up to now, there are no standardized treatment schemes, and its optimal management remains controversial. Our objetive is to review the literature regarding CSP management and propose an algorithm. We also present three cases of CSP resolved with different treatments at Hospital Universitario Infanta Elena. METHODS: Literature search in databases using the following keywords: pregnancy with cesarean section, ectopic pregnancy with cesarean section, treatment, management. RESULTS: The therapeutic options can be medical, surgical or a combination of both. Surgical treatments have high success rates; however, they are more invasive and are not without risk. The combination of treatments seems to increase the success rate; however, it could imply a higher risk of side effects and costs. CONCLUSIONS: The management of CSP must be individualized; based on scientific evidence, on the means available, and on the experience of the professionals in the different procedures; guided by the type of CSP and its degree of vascularization and invasion, by the thickness of the myometrium, beta-hCG levels, presence of cardiac activity, and by clinical and hemodynamic stability of the patient. The circumstances and intercurrent pathology of the patient must be considered, as well as her desire for future pregnancy or preservation of the uterus.

Actualización del enfrentamiento y manejo del embarazo ectópico tubario / Update of the confrontation and management of tubal ectopic pregnancy

INTRODUCCÍÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El embarazo ectópico es una condición potencialmente mortal, con una incidencia del 1 al 2%. El 97% se produce en las tubas uterinas, y el 80% de éstos se encuentran en la región ampular. El objetivo de esta revisión es exponer una actualización del enfrentamiento y manejo del embarazo ectópico tubario. MÉTODOS: Mediante el uso de la base de datos Epistemonikos, Scielo, Cochrane y Pubmed, se revisó la literatura existente sobre embarazo ectópico tubario. RESULTADOS: El diagnóstico de embarazo ectópico tubario implica una combinación de síntomas clínicos, serología y ultrasonido. El manejo médico es una opción segura y efectiva en la mayoría de las pacientes hemodinámicamente estables. En caso de fracaso de tratamiento médico, paciente incapaz de mantener seguimiento, embarazo ectópico roto o embarazo heterotópico, debe ser manejado con tratamiento quirúrgico idealmente por laparoscopía. Independiente del tratamiento utilizado, existe gran probabilidad de éxito y escasas complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Esta actualización describe la incidencia, factores de riesgo, diagnóstico, y manejo del embarazo ectópico tubario. Es importante un diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano, para reducir complicaciones asociadas a esta patología.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ectopic pregnancy is a potencially lethal condition, it has an incidence of 1-2%. 97% occurs in uterine tubes, and 80% in the ampulla. The objetive of this review is to update management of this pathology. METHODS: Existent literature was reviewed in different data base: Epistemonikos, Scielo, Cochrane and Pubmed. RESULTS: Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnostic implies a combination of clinical features, serology and ultrasound. Medical management is a safe and effective alternative in most of hemodinamically stable patients. When medical treatment fails, or patient is not able to stay in observation, or ectopic/heterotopic pregnancy is diagnosed, surgical management is needed specially by laparoscopy. Regardless of the treatment, there is a high chance of success and low rate of complications. CONCLUSIONS: This update describes incidence, risk factors, diagnostic and management of tubal ectopic pregnancy. An early diagnostic and treatment are crucial to reduce complications due to this pathology.

Actualización del enfrentamiento y manejo de localizaciones poco frecuentes del embarazo ectópico / Update of the confrontation and management of unusual locations of ectopic pregnancy

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El embarazo ectópico no tubario es una condición poco frecuente, asociado a una alta morbimortalidad materna. Existe escasa información que abarque de forma completa los distintos tipos de EE no tubarios. El objetivo de esta publicación es describir una actualización del enfrentamiento y manejo de los distintos tipos de embarazo ectópico. MÉTODOS: Mediante el uso de la base de datos Epistemonikos, Scielo, Cochrane y Pubmed, se revisó la literatura existente sobre embarazo ectópico tubario, cornual/intersticial, abdominal, ovárico, cervical y cicatriz de cesárea. RESULTADOS: Para realizar el diagnóstico, hay que considerar la clínica y antecedentes de las pacientes. Se deben medir los niveles de β-hCG y complementar esto con ultrasonido transvaginal. Sin embargo, muchas veces el diagnóstico se realiza con laparoscopía. En el embarazo ectópico en cicatriz de cesárea, ovárico, abdominal e intersticial, el manejo quirúrgico laparoscópico es de elección. No se recomienda el metotrexato como primera línea. En el embarazo ectópico cervical, el metotrexato es de elección. En inestabilidad hemodinámica o sospecha de embarazo ectópico roto, es necesaria una laparotomía exploratoria. En el embarazo heterotópico, el metotrexato tiene contraindicación absoluta, siendo la salpingectomía vía laparoscópica el abordaje de primera línea recomendado. CONCLUSIONES: Esta actualización describe la incidencia, factores de riesgo, diagnóstico, y manejo de los distintos tipos de embarazo ectópico no tubario. Es importante recalcar la baja tasa de sospecha clínica de esta patología. Un diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano son fundamentales para reducir complicaciones asociadas a esta patología.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Non tubal Ectopic Pregnancy is a rare condition, associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality. There is little information that completely covers the different types of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy. The objective of this publication is to describe an update on the assessment and management of the different types of ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: By using the database Epistemonikos, Scielo, Cochrane and Pubmed, we reviewed the existing literature on tubal, cornual/interstitial, abdominal, ovarian, cervical and caesarean section scar EE. RESULTS: To make the diagnosis, it is necessary to consider the clinical feature and history. β-hCG levels should be measured and supplemented by transvaginal ultrasound. However, the diagnosis is often made with laparoscopy. In caesarean section scar, ovarian, abdominal and interstitial ectopic pregnancy, laparoscopic surgical management is of choice. Methotrexate is not recommended as first line treatment. In cervical ectopic pregnancy, methotrexate is the first choice. In hemodynamic instability or suspected broken ectopic pregnancy, an exploratory laparotomy is necessary. In heterotopic pregnancy, methotrexate has an absolute contraindication, with laparoscopic salpingectomy being the recommended first line approach. CONCLUSIONS: This update describes the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of the different types of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy. It is important to emphasize the low rate of clinical suspicion of this pathology. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce complications associated with this pathology.

Retrospective evaluation of patients treated for ectopic pregnancy: Experience of a tertiary center

Abstract Objective In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of ectopic pregnancies; therefore, it is important for tertiary centers to report their approaches and outcomes to expand and improve treatment modalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the general characteristics, treatment and outcomes of cases diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy. Methods In total, 432 patients treated for ectopic pregnancy between February 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Results Overall, 370 patients had tubal pregnancy, 32 had cesarean scar pregnancy, 18 had pregnancy of unknown location, 6 had cervical pregnancy, and 6 had interstitial pregnancy. The most important risk factors were advanced age (> 35 years; prevalence: 31.2%) and smoking (prevalence: 27.1%). Thirty patients who did not have any symptoms of rupture and whose human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels were ≤ 200 mIU/ml were followed-up with expectant management, while 316 patients whose β-hCG levels were between 1,500 mIU/ml and 5,000 mIU/ml did not have an intrauterine gestational sac on the transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, did not demonstrate findings of rupture, and were treated with a systemic multi-dose methotrexate treatment protocol. In total, 24 patients who did not respond to the medical treatment, 20 patients whose β-hCG levels were > 5,000 mIU/ml, 16 patients who had shown symptoms of rupture at the initial presentation, and 6 patients diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy underwent surgery. Patients with cervical and scar pregnancies underwent ultrasound-guided curettage, and no additional treatment was needed. Conclusion The fertility status of the patients, the clinical and laboratory findings, and the levels of β-hCG are the factors that must be considered in planning the appropriate treatment.

Experiencia y manejo del embarazo ectópico cervical: revisión del tema / Experience and management of cervical ectopic pregnancy: topic review

Introducción y Objetivos: El Embarazo Cervical (EC) corresponde a una patología de muy baja frecuencia y tasa de sospecha. En la literatura actual se han propuestos diferentes tratamientos, pero se recomienda el manejo médico con Metotrexato como primera línea. Los objetivos de este estudio son describir las características relevantes de los casos de EC en el servicio de Ginecología del Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río y realizar una revisión actualizada del tema. Métodos: Estudio Retrospectivo de todas las pacientes hospitalizadas en la unidad de Ginecología entre 2004 y 2020. Análisis descriptivo de las pacientes con diagnóstico de Embarazo Cervical. Resultados: Se revisaron 33740 pacientes. 1910 presentaron diagnóstico de Embarazo ectópico, de las cuales 6 corresponden a embarazo cervical, 5 casos se sospecharon desde el ingreso y sólo 1 caso ingresó con el diagnóstico de aborto en evolución. La mayoría fue manejada con Metrotrexato, con buenos resultados y sin complicaciones. Conclusiones: El Embarazo cervical es una patología poco frecuente. El manejo médico con Metrotrexato es la opción de primera línea en pacientes hemodinámicamente estable posibilitando la fertilidad posterior.

Introduction and Objectives: Cervical Pregnancy is known as a pathology of very low frequency and suspicion rate. Different treatments have been proposed in the current literature, but medical management with Methotrexate is recommended as the first line. The objectives of this study are to describe the relevant characteristics of cervical pregnancy cases in the Gynecology Department of the Dr. Sotero del Rio Hospital and to carry out an updated review of the subject. Methods: Retrospective study of all hospitalized patients in the Gynecology unit between 2004 and 2020. Descriptive analysis of patients diagnosed with Cervical Pregnancy. Results: 33740 patients were reviewed. 1910 presented a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, of which 6 correspond to cervical pregnancy, 5 cases were suspected from admission and only 1 case entered with the diagnosis of abortion in progress. Most were managed with Methotrexate, with good results and without complications. Conclusion: Cervical pregnancy is a rare disease. Medical management with Methotrexate is the first line option in hemodynamically stable patients enabling subsequent fertility.

Incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment of ectopic pregnancy in the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals in Cameroon

Introduction: ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy in our environment. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment of ectopic pregnancy in the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: this was a retrospective nested case control study carried out from December 2006 to December 2016. A ratio for control vs cases of 3:1 was obtained. Any pregnancy implanted outside the normal uterine cavity was considered as an ectopic pregnancy. Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables and Pearson's Chi-square test for categorical variables. The association between EP and the demographical and clinical variables was estimated using logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p-values<0.05.Results: a total of 247 cases of EP were registered out of 17221 deliveries giving an incidence of 1.43% in ten years. History of pelvic inflammatory disease (OR = 3.10, CI (1.76-5.44), p < 0.001), previous EP (OR = 10.22, CI (2.61-14.82), p < 0.001), History of induced abortion (OR = 2.68, CI (3.32-9.73), p< 0.001), history of adnexa surgery (OR = 4.37, CI (2.17-10.32), p < 0.001) and history of appendectomy (OR = 2.16, CI (0.99-6.64) p< 0.001), were also found to be associated with increased risk of EP. More than five percent (5.52%) of the patients were in shock at presentation. Diagnosis was confirmed mainly by use of ultrasound (78.53%) and treatment was principally by laparotomy (97.55%) with salpingectomy (95.60%). Most (90.18%) of ectopic pregnancies were ruptured at presentation. Only 2.45% of cases were manage medically with the use of methotrexate. Conclusion: the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in our environment is within the global range (hospital-based incidence of 1.43%) and is rising. Late presentation, lack of modern diagnostic and management tools have made laparotomy with salpingectomy the principal method of management of ectopic pregnancy in our environment

Non-surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy

In the past few decades, ectopic pregnancy has been termed by medical practitioners has a global epidemic. With the questions lingering on everbody minds how this menace can be tamed. In a bid to reduce the mortality and financial burden brought by this evolving growing health concern, the medic has developed non-surgical alteratives to deal with ectopic pregnancy, i.e., treatment using methotrexate. In a bid to explore this topic further, these study goals were to share the experience of treating mothers who have un-ruptured ectopic pregnancies traditionally. Mothers who were found to have an ectopic pregnancy and fit the medical care were encompassed in the program, a total of 37 women. For instance, those with serum beta HCG in the range of 1000 mIU per liter were treatment expectantly whereas those with a level more than a thousand were given an injection of methotrexate. To monitor the response of experiment, beta HCG levels were monitored for each mother. The results of the current study established that 88.0% of women who underwent the study, only 12.0% of them exhibited full rsolution while the remaining lot resolved only after a sole dose of methotrexate. From the results of this study, it is evidently clear that a lot of pregnant mothers would be greatly helped if they are enrolled in such therapy at early days

Pregnancy of unknown location

Pregnancy of unknown location is a situation in which a positive pregnancy test occurs, but a transvaginal ultrasound does not show intrauterine or ectopic gestation. One great concern of pregnancy of unknown location is that they are cases of ectopic pregnancy whose diagnosis might be postponed. Transvaginal ultrasound is able to identify an ectopic pregnancy with a sensitivity ranging from 87% to 94% and a specificity ranging from 94% to 99%. A patient with pregnancy of unknown location should be followed up until an outcome is obtained. The only valid biomarkers with clinical application and validation are serum levels of the beta fraction of hCG and progesterone. A single serum dosage of hCG is used only to determine whether the value obtained is above or below the discriminatory zone, that means the value of serum hCG above which an intrauterine gestational sac should be visible on ultrasound. Serum progesterone levels are a satisfactory marker of pregnancy viability, but they are unable to predict the location of a pregnancy of unknown location: levels below 5 ng/mL are associated with nonviable gestations, whereas levels above 20 ng/mL are correlated with viable intrauterine pregnancies. Most cases are low risk and can be monitored by expectant management with transvaginal ultrasound and serial serum hCG levels, in addition to the serum progesterone levels. To minimize diagnostic error and intervene during progressive intrauterine gestation, protocol indicates active treatment only in situations when progressive intrauterine pregnancy is excluded and a high possibility of ectopic pregnancy exists.

Pregnancy in Non-Communicating Unicornuate Uterus: Diagnosis Difficulty and Outcomes - a Case Report / Gestação em útero unicorno não comunicante: dificuldade diagnóstica e desfechos - relato de caso

Abstract Approximately 1 in every 76,000 pregnancies develops within a unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn.Müllerian uterus anomalies are often asymptomatic, thus, the diagnosis is a challenge, and it is usually made during the gestation or due to its complications, such as uterine rupture, pregnancy-induced hypertension, antepartum, postpartum bleeding and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In order to avoid unnecessary cesarean sections and the risks they involve, the physicians should consider the several approaches and for how long it is feasible to perform labor induction in suspected cases of pregnancy in a unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn, despite the rarity of the anomaly. This report describes a case of a unicornuate uterus in which a pregnancy developed in the non-communicating rudimentary horn and the consequences of the delayed diagnosis.

Resumo Aproximadamente 1 em cada 76 mil gestações se desenvolvememútero unicorno sem comunicação com o colo uterino. Anomalias müllerianas uterinas são, na maioria das vezes, assintomáticas, tornando difícil o diagnóstico, que geralmente é esclarecido durante a gestação ou por conta das complicações gestacionais, como ruptura uterina, hipertensão gestacional, parto pré-termo, hemorragias pós-parto e crescimento intrauterino restrito (CIUR). Com o intuito de evitar cesáreas desnecessárias e os riscos que esse procedimento envolve, considerações devem ser feitas quanto aos diferentes métodos utilizados, e por quanto tempo é viável induzir o parto na possibilidade de útero não comunicante, mesmo sendo uma anomalia rara. Este relato descreve um caso de uma gestação que se desenvolveu em um útero unicorno não comunicante com o colo uterino e as consequências do diagnóstico tardio.

Profil épidémiologique et prise en charge de la grossesse extra-utérine à l'hôpital de l'Amitié Sino-Congolaise de N'djili, Kinshasa - RDC

Introduction: La grossesse extra utérine (GEU) est une affection redoutable du fait de son caractère morbide et d'une mortalité élevée. Elle est considérée comme un problème de santé publique dans tous les pays du monde, quel qu'en soit le niveau de développement, en raison de sa fréquence et ses répercussions sur la fertilité des patientes. Déterminer la fréquence hospitalière et l'issue de la grossesse extra ­utérine (GEU) à l'hôpital de l'Amitié Sino ­Congolaise de N'djili (HASC) sont l'objectif de la présente étude. Matériel et Méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude transversale descriptive conduite du 1er janvier 2008 au 31 décembre2012. Ont été incluses dans cette étude, toutes les patientes admises pour GEU confirmée par le test de grossesse et l'échographie ou constatée en per opératoire Résultats: La fréquence de la GEU était de 1,56%. L'âge moyen des patientes était de 26,3 ± 4,1 ans. Etaient plus représentées les patientes paucipares. Les antécédents suivants ont été retrouvés: infection sexuellement transmissible, avortement provoqué, GEU antérieure, port de dispositif intra-utérin et chirurgie antérieure. Les GEU ont été le plus souvent de localisation ampullaire ou isthmique et rompues. La chirurgie radicale a été pratiquée dans 78,9% des cas.66,6% des patientes ont bénéficié d'une transfusion.Conclusion: La GEU reste une pathologie assez fréquente. La présente étude a montré que le diagnostic tardif au stade de complication offre peu de choix thérapeutique avec des mutilations lourdes, diminuant ainsi les chances de fécondités ultérieurs des patientes

Interventional radiology and endovascular surgery in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies / Radiologia intervencionista e cirurgia endovascular no tratamento das prenhezes ectópicas

The advent of interventional radiology enabled remarkable advances in diagnosis and treatment of several situations in obstetrics and gynecology. In the field of obstetrics, these advances include temporary occlusion of the iliac arteries to the management of placenta accreta and/or prior, arteriovenous fistulas after embolization of uterine curettage and management of ectopic uterine and extra-uterine pregnancies. The non-tubal ectopic pregnancy, either cervical, abdominal, ovarian or in a cesarean scar, often represents major therapeutic challenge, especially when exists a desire to maintain fertility. Despite the systemic methotrexate therapy and surgical resection of the ectopic gestational sac be the most used therapeutic options, the interventionist approach of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies, direct injection of methotrexate in the gestational sac and intra-arterial chemoembolization of uterine arteries constitute in the currently literature viable, safe, effective modalities with low morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and rapid clinical recovery. Because of little variety of materials used, and the increase in training of specialists in the area, the radiological intervention as a treatment option in ectopic pregnancies is financially viable and present considerable accessibility in the world and at most of Brazilian medical centers.

O advento da radiologia intervencionista tornou possível avanços notáveis no diagnóstico e no tratamento de diversas situações, na área de ginecologia e obstetrícia. No campo da obstetrícia, esses avanços incluem oclusão temporária das artérias hipogástricas para o manejo de placenta acreta e/ou prévia, embolização de fístulas arteriovenosas após curetagem uterina e manejo de prenhezes ectópicas uterinas e extrauterinas. A gravidez ectópica não tubária, seja cervical, abdominal, ovariana ou na cicatriz de cesárea, muitas vezes representa grande desafio terapêutico, principalmente quando há desejo de manutenção da fertilidade. As opções terapêuticas mais utilizadas para o tratamento de prenhez ectópica não tubária, são: terapia sistêmica com metotrexato e ressecção cirúrgica do saco gestacional ectópico; porém a abordagem intervencionista com injeção direta de metotrexato no saco gestacional ou quimiembolização intra-arterial das artérias uterinas, apresentam-se na literatura recente, como modalidades terapêuticas viáveis, seguras, eficazes, com baixa morbidade, menor tempo de internação e rápida recuperação clínica. Devido ao diminuto arsenal de materiais utilizados e à crescente formação de especialistas na área, a intervenção radiológica, como opção de tratamento nas prenhezes ectópicas, é financeiramente viável e apresenta acessibilidade considerável no mundo e na maioria do centros médicos brasileiros.

Gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea: uma complicação emergente / Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: an emerging complication

Entre as complicações de longo prazo da operação cesariana, destacam-se o acretismo placentário (placenta acreta, increta e percreta) e, mais recentemente, a implantação embrionária na cicatriz uterina de cesárea prévia. A denominada gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea persiste como um evento pouco divulgado em função da sua raridade; porém, apresenta incidência crescente devido principalmente ao aumento global das taxas de cesariana. Os atrasos no diagnóstico e no tratamento podem resultar em ruptura uterina, hemorragia grave, necessidade de histerectomia e elevada mortalidade materna. Dessa forma, os objetivos principais na condução dos casos de gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea devem incluir o diagnóstico ultrassonográfico precoce e acurado e a prevenção de hemorragias graves, além da preservação da fertilidade. Entretanto, devido à sua raridade, ainda não há consenso acerca da melhor forma de tratamento dessa complicação.(AU)

Among the long-term complications of cesarean section stand out the pathologically adherent placenta (accreta, increta and percreta) and, more recently, the embryonic implantation in the uterine scar from previous cesarean. The so-called cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy remains a little known event due to its rarity. But it shows increasing incidence due mainly to the overall increase in cesarean rates. The delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in uterine rupture, severe hemorrhage, need for hysterectomy and high maternal mortality. Thus, the main objectives in the management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy should include early and accurate ultrasound diagnosis and prevention of severe blood loss, and the preservation of fertility. However, due to its rarity, there is no consensus about the best treatment for this complication.(AU)

Tratamento conservador da gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea: relato de caso / Conservative management of ectopic pregnancy in cesarean scar: case report

A implantação da gravidez na cicatriz de cesárea é considerada uma forma rara de gestação ectópica com uma alta taxa de morbidade e mortalidade. Este tipo de gestação ectópica pode causar complicações graves, em função dos riscos de ruptura e hemorragia volumosa, que pode resultar em histerectomia e comprometimento do futuro reprodutivo da mulher. Reportamos um caso de uma gestação ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea em uma mulher de 28 anos que foi tratada com sucesso com a combinação de três métodos: metotrexate, embolização da artéria uterina e curetagem guiada por ultrassom. Dessa forma foi preservada sua fertilidade.

Implantation of a pregnancy within a cesarean delivery scar is considered to be the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy, with a high morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy in a cesarean delivery scar may cause catastrophic complications which may result in hysterectomy and compromise the reproductive future of a woman. We report an ectopic pregnancy in cesarean scar case in a 28-year old pregnant woman that was treated with success with the association between three treatment modalities (methotrexate, uterine artery embolization and curettage) and preserve her fertility.

Different pattern of presentation of ectopic pregnancy and its management

To determine the clinical presentations and the management options for ectopic pregnancy. Descriptive study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Liaquat National Hospital Karachi, from 13[th] August 2011 to 12[th] August 2012. A total of 40 cases diagnosed with ectopic gestation were included in this study. Information was retrieved from the case notes and labor ward registers. The data was analyzed with simple descriptive statistics. During the study period the total number of gynecological admissions were 1126 and 1618 deliveries conducted. Forty patients had ectopic gestations accounting for 2.4% of all deliveries and 3.5% of all gynecological admissions. The peak age group was 20-30 year [62.5%]; 95% [n=38] were married. Cases of ectopic pregnancy found more in primigravida 45% [n=18] patients. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom in 92.5% [n=37] of patients whereas history of amenorrhea present in 75% and vaginal bleeding was found in 45% of patients. Commonest clinical sign was cervical excitation present in 82%. Identifiable risk factors were present in 52.5% of cases, the most frequent being previous miscarriages in 22.5%. Surgical management was done in 95% patients while 5% managed medically. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy was seen in 85%. Tubal ectopic pregnancy was present in 92.5% [n=37], ovarian 2.5%, and heterotopic pregnancy in 2.5%. Salpingectomy was performed in 89% while salpingotomy done in 7.8% cases. Hysterectomy was done in one patient. Blood was transfused in 75% [n=30] patients. There was no maternal death related to ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy was found more in primigravida. Abdominal pain was the single most consistent feature of ectopic pregnancy. Most cases presented late making tubal conservation treatment inapplicable.

Pregnancy at an unusual location: a case report with review of literature

Implantation of the embryo at the site of a previous Caesarean scar is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy, with a high risk of maternal complications. The incidence of CSP [caesarean scar Pregnancy] is estimated in a recent series as 1:2226 of all pregnancies. A delay in establishing a diagnosis and in starting treatment can result in uterine rupture, massive hemorrhage and serious maternal morbidity, and may require hysterectomy. Several options are available to treat CSP if diagnosed early, although there are no evidence-based guidelines recommended due to its rarity. The management should be tailored to the individual situations. Little is known about the future pregnancies, outcomes and recurrences after fertility-preserving treatments following CSP. We report a case of suspected CSP in a 28 year old Gravida 2, Para one, who was referred to us for the management of incomplete miscarriage. Her previous delivery was six years back and was by Cesarean section. Ultrasound examination revealed that the patient had a large anterior lower uterine segment vascular mass of 9.3x8.2x9cms, suspected to be a persistent trophoblastic tissue invading the anterior uterine wall, though a degenerating fibroid could not be ruled out. The patient underwent dilatation and curettage as she had been bleeding for more than a month and still 3HCG being positive. The procedure was also used to establish a histopathological diagnosis. A follow up MRI and Ultrasound revealed a heterogenous mass. With a strong clinical suspicion based on history and early ultrasound reports, the diagnosis of an anterior uterine wall mass probably due to penetrating trophoblastic tissue on previous caesarean scar was made. The patient has been referred for either uterine artery embolisation or a laparoscopic removal in order to preserve her fertility

Ectopic pregnancies at unusual locations: diagnosis and management with limited resources

The majority of ectopic pregnancies are located within the fallopian tubes. Nevertheless, pregnancies can be implanted in the cervix, interstitial tubal segment, ovary and at various intra-abdominal sites. The diagnosis and treatment of these unusual implantation sites present both diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. The majority of data regarding these unusual ectopic pregnancies came largely from case reports. In the past, for the treatment of these ectopic pregnancies various combinations of surgery and systemic and local chemotherapy were used. In this article, we attempt to share our experience with three unusual types of ectopic pregnancies, their presentation, diagnosis and management with limited resources