Changing Paradigms in the Initial Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy at a University Hospital in Brazil / Mudança de paradigmas do tratamento inicial de gravidez ectópica em um hospital universitário no Brasil

Abstract Objective To evaluate the use of different treatment options for ectopic pregnancy and the frequency of severe complications in a university hospital. Methods Observational study with women with ectopic pregnancy admitted at UNICAMP Womeńs Hospital, Brazil, between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2017. The outcome variables were the type of treatment (first choice) and the presence of severe complications. Independent variables were clinical and sociodemographic data. Statistical analysis was carried out by the Cochran-Armitage test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple Cox regression. Results In total 673 women were included in the study. The mean age was 29.0 years (± 6.1) and the mean gestational age was 7.7 (± 2.5). The frequency of surgical treatment decreased significantly over time (z = -4.69; p < 0.001). Conversely, there was a significant increase in the frequency of methotrexate treatment (z = 4.73; p < 0.001). Seventy-one women (10.5%) developed some type of severe complication. In the final statistical model, the prevalence of severe complications was higher in women who were diagnosed with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy at admission (PR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.61-5.46), did not present with vaginal bleeding (PR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.41-4.25), had never undergone laparotomy/laparoscopy (PR = 6.69; 95%CI: 1.62-27.53), had a non-tubal ectopic pregnancy (PR = 4.61; 95%CI: 1.98-10.74), and do not smoke (PR = 2.41; 95%CI: 1.08-5.36). Conclusion there was a change in the first treatment option for cases of ectopic pregnancy in the hospital during the period of analysis. Factors inherent to a disease that is more difficult to treat are related to a higher frequency of severe complications.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar as diferentes opções de tratamento para gravidez ectópica e a frequencia de complicações graves em um hospital universitário. Métodos Estudo observacional com mulheres com gravidez ectópica admitidas no Hospital da Mulher da UNICAMP, no Brasill, entre 01/01/2000 e 31/12/2017. As variáveis de desfecho foram o tipo de tratamento (primeira escolha) e a presença de complicações graves. As variáveis independents foram dados clínicos e sociodemográficos. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de Cochran-Armitage, teste de qui-quadrado, teste de Mann-Whitney e Regressão de Cox Múltipla. Resulados No total, 673 mulheres foram incluídas no estudo. A idade médica foi de 29.0 anos (± 6.1) e a idade gestacional media foi de 7.7 (± 2.5). A frequencia de tratamento cirúrgico diminuiu significativamente ao longo dos anos(z = -4.69; p < 0.001). Simultaneamente, houve um aumento da frequencia do tratamento clínico(z = 4.73; p < 0.001). Setenta e uma mulheres (10.5%) desenvolveram algum tipo de complicação grave. No modelo estatístico final, a prevalência de complicações graves foi maior nas mulheres que tiveram diagnóstico de gestação ectópica rota à admissão (PR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.61-5.46), que não apresentaram sangramento vaginal (PR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.41-4.25), sem antecedentes de laparotomia/laparoscopia (PR = 6.69; 95%CI: 1.62-27.53), com gravidez ectópica não-tubária (PR = 4.61; 95%CI: 1.98-10.74), e não tabagistas (PR = 2.41; 95%CI: 1.08-5.36). Conclusão Houve uma mudança na escolha do primeiro tratamento indicado nos casos de gravidez ectópica durante o período analisado. Os fatores inerentes a doença relacionados a maior dificuldade de tratamento foram associados a maior frequencia de complicações graves.

The Correlation between Chlamydia Trachomatis and Female Infertility: A Systematic Review / A correlação entre clamídia trachomatis e infertilidade feminina: Uma revisão sistemática

Abstract The impact of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection on female's fertility is not completely established yet, since the level of evidence associating these factors is still weak. Hence, the goal of the present review is to contribute to a better elucidation of this matter. The electronic database chosen was the Medline/PubMed, with the last survey on May 11, 2021. Publication date was used as a filter, with the previous 5 years having been selected. The following describers were used: chlamydia trachomatis AND infertility; chlamydia trachomatis AND tubal alteration AND infertility; chlamydia AND low pregnancy rates. From the 322 studies screened, 293 that failed to meet our eligibility criteria were excluded. Subsequently, we removed seven studies for not having the possible correlation between CT infections and female infertility as its main focus, and three for being about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in general. Moreover, two studies designed as reviews were also excluded. Ergo, we included 17 studies in our qualitative analysis. The authors conducted research individually and analyzed carefully the studies selected. As we retrieved the information needed for our study through reading the texts, no contact was made with the authors of the studies selected. This systematic review corroborates the hypothesis that CT infection potentiates female infertility, as 76.47% of the included studies found a positive correlation between them. We conclude that there is an important association between CT infection and female infertility. Ergo, making CT screening part of the infertility investigation routine is relevant and has a reasonable justification.

Resumo O impacto da infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) na fertilidade feminina ainda não está completamente estabelecido, uma vez que o nível de evidência associando esses fatores ainda é insignificante. Assim, o objetivo desta revisão é contribuir para uma melhor elucidação deste assunto. A base de dados eletrônica escolhida foi a Medline/PubMed, com a última pesquisa em 11 de maio de 2021. Utilizou-se como filtro a data de publicação, sendo selecionados os 5 anos anteriores. Foram usados os seguintes descritores: Chlamydia trachomatis E infertility; Chlamydia trachomatis E tubal alteration E infertility; Chlamydia E low pregnancy rates. Dos 322 estudos selecionados, 293 que não atenderam aos nossos critérios de elegibilidade foram excluídos. Posteriormente, retiramos sete estudos por não terem como foco principal a possível correlação entre infecção por CT e infertilidade feminina e três por tratarem de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) em geral. Além disso, dois estudos concebidos como revisões também foram excluídos. Portanto, incluímos 17 estudos em nossa análise qualitativa. Os autores realizaram pesquisas individualmente e analisaram criteriosamente os estudos selecionados. Como obtivemos as informações necessárias para nosso estudo por meio da leitura dos textos, nenhum contato foi feito com os autores. Esta revisão sistemática corrobora a hipótese de que a infecção por CT potencializa a infertilidade feminina, pois 76,47% dos estudos incluídos encontraram correlação positiva entre eles. Concluímos que existe uma associação importante entre infecção por CT e infertilidade feminina. Portanto, tornar os procedimentos de triagem por CT parte da rotina de investigação de infertilidade é relevante e justificável.

Talin1 is highly expressed in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi to promote trophoblast invasion in tubal pregnancy / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in patients with tubal pregnancy and its role in regulating invasion and migration of trophoblasts.@*METHODS@#Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the localization and expression level of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in patients with tubal pregnancy and in women with normal pregnancy. In the cell experiment, HTR-8/SVneo cells was transfected with Talin1 siRNA and the changes in cell invasion and migration were assessed using scratch assay and Transwell assay. The expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, N-cadherin and Snail in the transfected cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Positive expression of Talin1 was detected in both normal fallopian tube tissues and tissues from women tubal pregnancy, and its expression was localized mainly in the cytoplasm of cilia cells. The expression level of Talin1 was significantly higher in both the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in women with tubal pregnancy than in normal fallopian tube and chorionic villi samples (P < 0.01). In HTR-8/SVneo cells, transfection with Talin1 siRNA significantly inhibited cell invasion (P < 0.01) and migration (P < 0.05), down-regulated the expression of N-cadherin, MMP-2 and Snail (P < 0.05), and up-regulated the expression of MMP-9 in the cells (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi is significantly increased in women with tubal pregnancy, suggesting the association of Talin1-regulated trophoblast cell invasion with the occurrence of tubal pregnancy.

Gravidez heterotópica espontânea: implicações de um diagnóstico tardio / Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy: implications of a late diagnosis

A gestação heterotópica é uma entidade rara, principalmente se resultante de concepção natural. O diagnóstico é ultrassonográfico, porém a gestação intrauterina concomitante contribui para a dificuldade propedêutica. Neste relato de caso, a detecção foi tardia, a ultrassonografia não identificou a gestação heterotópica e apenas durante a avaliação intraoperatória, por meio de uma cirurgia de emergência devido a choque hemorrágico, houve o reconhecimento. A suspeita de uma gestação heterotópica deve ser sempre aventada quando sinais clínicos típicos (sangramento, dor abdominal) estão presentes, mesmo na ausência de fatores de risco ou imagens anômalas na ecografia. Assim, uma intervenção precoce menos invasiva pode ser realizada, reduzindo a morbimortalidade materna e do feto intrauterino. Este relato de caso destaca uma situação incomum dentro dessa patologia rara: diagnóstico tardio, apenas no segundo trimestre de gestação, sem evidência prévia ultrassonográfica, certificada apenas durante o intraoperatório. O manejo cirúrgico preciso permitiu a manutenção da gravidez intrauterina.(AU)

Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare entity, especially if it is resulted from natural conception. The diagnosis is ultrasonographic, but the concomitant intrauterine pregnancy contributes to the propaedeutic difficulty. In this case report, the detection was late, the ultrasonography did not identify heterotopic pregnancy and, only during intraoperative evaluation through emergency surgery, exploratory laparotomy, there was recognition. The suspicion of a heterotopic pregnancy should always be raised when typical clinical signs (bleeding, abdominal pain) are present, even in absentia of risk factors or anomalous images on ultrasound. Thus, a less invasive early intervention can be performed, reducing maternal and intrauterine fetus morbimortality. This case report highlights an unusual situation within this rare pathology: late diagnosis, only in the second trimester of pregnancy, without previous ultrasound evidence, certified only during the intraoperative period. Precise surgical management allowed the maintenance of intrauterine pregnancy.(AU)

Gestação heterotópica espontânea: relato de caso com diagnóstico e manejo oportunos / Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy: a case report with appropriate diagnosis and management

Introdução: A gravidez heterotópica é um fenômeno obstétrico muito raro em concepções espontâneas no qual gestações tópica e ectópica coexistem. O diagnóstico é difícil, mas, se realizado precocemente, o prognóstico é favorável. Descrição do caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, de 35 anos de idade, admitida com quadro de dor abdominal e pequeno sangramento vaginal. Diagnosticada precocemente e tratada cirurgicamente por gravidez heterotópica naturalmente concebida. Como resultado, a gravidez tópica seguiu sem intercorrências. Conclusão: Esse caso enfatiza a necessidade de considerar esse diagnóstico diferencial e analisar clínica e ecograficamente as características globais da pelve, mesmo na ausência de fatores de risco em gestações tópicas.(AU)

Introduction: Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is a rare obstetric phenomenon in spontaneous conceptions in which intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies coexist. The diagnosis is difficult, but, if performed early, the prognosis is favorable. Case description: A 35-year-old woman was admitted with abdominal pain and light vaginal bleeding. She was early diagnosed and surgically treated for a naturally conceived heterotopic pregnancy. As a result, the intrauterine pregnancy went on healthily. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the need to regard HP as a differential diagnosis and analyze the global pelvis characteristics both clinically and in ultrasound scans, even in the absence of risk factors when dealing with intrauterine pregnancies.(AU)

A Rare Case of Bilateral Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy Following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection-Embryo Transfer (ICSI-ET)

Abstract Bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy is a very rare form of ectopic pregnancy. The incidence is higher in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques or ovulation induction. We report the case of bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy. The patient was 30 years old and had a 3-year history of infertility; she was referred to the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program because of tubal factor infertility. A pregnancy resulted from the transfer of two embryos during an artificial cycle. Despite the increase in β-hCG values during the follow-up, 22 days after the embryo transfer, the β-hCG levels were 2,408 U/L and the serum progesterone (P4) level was 10.53 ng/ml. After application with methotrexate, β-hCG levels did not decrease effectively. Moreover, the sonographic screening revealed a suspicious bilateral tubal focus for ectopic pregnancy. A mini-laparotomy was performed and a bilateral tubal pregnancy was found. In the case of unilateral tubal pregnancy after the transfer of two embryos, the situation of the other tube should be systematically checked and β-hCG levels should be monitored.

Spontaneous heterotopic triplet pregnancy with a two viable intrauterine embryos and an ectopic one with right tubal rupture / Gravidez heterópica tripla espontânea com dois embriões intrauterinos viáveis e um ectópico com ruptura da tuba uterina direita

Abstract Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is defined as the simultaneous development of an intra- and an extra uterine gestation. The occurrence of a spontaneous triplet HP is an exceptionally rare medical condition. We report the case of a young woman with spontaneous heterotopic triplets at 8weeks of gestation, with amisdiagnosis of topic twins and acute appendicitis. The ectopic tubal pregnancy was ruptured and a salpingectomy was performed by laparotomy. The intrauterine pregnancy progressed uneventfully. The two healthy babies were delivery by cesarean section at 36 ± 2 weeks of gestation. Heterotopic triplets with ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy represent a special diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the obstetrician. A high rate of clinical suspicion and timely treatment by laparotomy or laparoscopy can preserve the intrauterine gestation with a successful outcome of the pregnancy.

Resumo A gravidez heterotópica é definida como o desenvolvimento simultâneo de uma gestação intra- e extra-uterina. A ocorrência de gravidez tripla heterotópica espontânea é uma condição médica excepcionalmente rara. Relatamos o caso de uma jovem com gravidez tripla espontânea, às 8 semanas de gestação, com um diagnóstico errôneo de gêmeos tópicos e apendicite aguda. A gravidez tubária ectópica estava rota e uma salpingectomia foi realizada por laparotomia. A gravidez intrauterina progrediu sem intercorrências. Os bebês nasceramsaudáveis por cesariana realizada às 36 semanas de gestação.Agravidez de heterotópicos comectopia e rotura tubária é umdesafio diagnóstico e terapêutico.Umalto índice de suspeita e tratamento oportuno por laparotomia ou laparoscopia podem preservar a gestação intrauterina com um resultado bem sucedido da gravidez tópica.

Surgical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy through posterior colpotomy: experience from a Brazilian university hospital

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of posterior colpotomy for the surgical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy in hemodynamically stable women. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records obtained over a period of 18 months. Twelve cases were identified, with the following characteristics: mean gestational age, 7.7 weeks; mean serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level, 7,786 mIU/mL; and greater diameter of the mass, 15–69 mm. Treatment was successful in all cases. Salpingectomy was performed in 10 patients (83.3%) and salpingostomy, in 1 patient. The remaining patient only received peritoneal lavage, as the evidence of ectopic abortion with only a slightly dilated uterine tube was found during surgery. The mean surgical time was 42.5 minutes. In the analyzed cases, posterior colpotomy was found to be a feasible alternative method for the surgical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy in hemodynamically stable women.

Embarazo ectópico tubárico con feto vivo en una adulta joven / Ectopic tubal pregnancy with alive fetus in a young adult woman

Se describe el caso clínico de una paciente de 21 años de edad quien acudió al Cuerpo de Guardia del Hospital Ginecobstétrico Docente Tamara Bunke Bider de Santiago de Cuba por presentar dolor leve en bajo vientre y sangrado en forma de manchas luego de que le fuera realizado un legrado uterino por aspiración 8 días atrás. Se efectuó una ecografía ginecológica que mostró un embarazo ectópico tubárico de 11 semanas en el lado derecho, con el feto vivo, por lo cual se indicó laparotomía exploratoria de urgencia y salpingectomía parcial en la trompa derecha. La paciente evolucionó de manera satisfactoria

The case report of a 21 years patient who went to the emergency room of Tamara Bunke Bider Teaching Gynecological-Obstetrics Hospital in Santiago de Cuba is described. She presented a slight pain in low stomach and bledding in form of stains after a suction curettage 8 days earlier. A gynecological echography that showed an ectopic tubaric pregnancy of 11 weeks in the right side, with alive fetus was carried out, reason why an exploratory emergency laparotomy and partial salpingectomy in the right tube were indicated. The patient had a satisfactory clinical course

A rare case of spontaneous live unilateral twin tubal pregnancy with both fetuses presenting with heart activities and a literature review

Ectopic pregnancy is an extrauterine pregnancy, and 98% of which occur in the fallopian tube. The incidence of twin tubal pregnancy is rare but is increasing due to assisted reproductive technology. Spontaneous unilateral twin tubal pregnancy is extremely rare, and only a small number of case reports have been made. We herein report a rare case of spontaneous unilateral twin tubal pregnancy with both fetuses presenting with heart activities and a literature review. Right salpingectomy was performed in this case. Pathologic and histologic assessment confirmed the 2 distinct pregnancies in the same tube. The twins were dichorionic and diamniotic.

Double trouble: A case of bilateral tubal pregnancy / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Bilateral tubal pregnancy is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy, and in most cases results from assisted reproductive techniques. The incidence of simultaneous bilateral tubal pregnancies has been reported to range from 1 per 725 to 1 per 1580 ectopic pregnancies or approximately corresponds to 1 per 200,000 pregnancies. To date, this is the only case reported in our institution. Bilateral tubal pregnancies are usually diagnosed intraoperatively, but with the advent of diagnostic tools and more readily available diagnostic modalities, an earlier diagnosis can be made to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality.This is a case of a 24-year old female, who came in at the emergency room complaining of severe hypogastric pain. She was admitted as a case of ectopic pregnancy, probably ruptured. Subsequently, emergency exploratory laparotomy was done which revealed bilateral tubal masses, which on histopathological examination confirmed bilateral tubal pregnancy.

Preoperative diagnostic clues to ovarian pregnancy: retrospective chart review of women with ovarian and tubal pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the preoperative diagnostic clues to ovarian pregnancy (OP). METHODS: This study conducted a retrospective chart review of 23 patients with OP and 46 patients with tubal pregnancy (TP) from October 1, 2003 to September 31, 2016 in Hanyang University Hospital. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. The presence of an ectopic gestational sac and hemoperitoneum was significantly higher in the TP group (13.0% vs. 95.7%, P=0.000; 13.0% vs. 54.3%, P=0.001, respectively) in preoperative ultrasonogram. The OP group had more ruptured ectopic gestational sacs than the TP group (73.9% vs. 45.7%, P=0.039) in surgical findings. CONCLUSION: For the patients in whom a gestational sac is not detected in the uterus or the fallopian tubes, it is important to be aware of the possibility of OP and rupture of an ovarian gestational sac to promote early diagnosis and surgical intervention.

Successful laparoscopic management of uterine serosal pregnancy

Uterine serosal pregnancy is an extremely rare form of ectopic pregnancy. This is a report of a 35-year-old primigravida woman who was diagnosed with uterine serosal pregnancy via laparoscopic intervention. A 35-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) was referred from a local clinic for a ruptured left tubal pregnancy at amenorrhea 5+0 weeks with elevated serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (16,618 mIU/mL). A pregnancy on the left posterior wall of the uterine serosa was diagnosed during the operation and successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery as a conservative management strategy to enable fertility preservation. With the advantages of ultrasonography and laparoscopy, an early diagnosis of a primary abdominal pregnancy located on the left posterior wall of the uterine serosa was made, prior to the occurrence of severe intra-abdominal massive hemorrhage, which was then treated laparoscopically as a conservative management strategy enabling the preservation of fertility.

Ruptured Tubal Pregnancy with Massive Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage

Ectopic pregnancy is an implantation of the fertilized ovum on a place except the endometrium. Most of the ectopic pregnancies are located at the fallopian tube. Few cases of retroperitoneal hematoma associated with ectopic pregnancy have been reported on previously; in each the retroperitoneal space had been the site of implantation. In contrast, we treated a patient with an ectopic pregnancy that implanted in the tube and then perforated through into the retroperitoneal space. To our knowledge this is very rare case of retroperitoneal hematoma caused by a ruptured tubal pregnancy.

Pretreatment serum human chorionic gonadotropin cutoff value for medical treatment success with single-dose and multi-dose regimen of methotrexate in tubal ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate individual pretreatment serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) cutoff value for medical treatment success with single-dose and multi-dose regimen of methotrexate in tubal ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: Eighty-five women who received methotrexate for the treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy during 2003 to 2015 were selected. Fifty-three women received a single-dose regimen and 32 women received a multi-dose regimen. Medical treatment failure was defined as necessity of surgical treatment. The medical treatment success rate was estimated in both regimens and the pretreatment serum hCG titer to predict the success was assessed by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. RESULTS: Pretreatment clinical and laboratory parameters were similar between group of single-dose regimen and multi-dose regimen. Treatment success rate was 64.2% in the single-dose regimen group and 71.9% in the multi-dose regimen group (P>0.05). Pretreatment serum hCG titer was an independent prognostic factor for treatment success in each regimen. Serum hCG cutoff value to predict the treatment success was 3,026 IU/L in single-dose regimen group and 3,711 IU/L in multi-dose regimen group. CONCLUSION: We recommend use of single-dose regimen when pretreatment serum hCG <3,026 IU/L but multi-dose regimen may be favored when initial serum hCG level between 3,026 and 3,711 IU/L.

Serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor and depth of trophoblastic invasion in ampullary ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the depth of trophoblastic infiltration and serum vascular endothelial growth factorconcentration in patients with an ampullary pregnancy. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectionalstudy involved 34 patients with an ampullary ectopic pregnancy who underwent salpingectomy between 2012 and 2013. Maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations were measured using Luminex technology. Trophoblastic invasion was classified histologically as follows: stage I, limited to the tubal mucosa; stage II, reaching the muscle layer; and stage III,involving the full thickness. The qualitative data were compared using Fisher's exact test. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to evaluate differences in serum vascular endothelial growth factor among the degrees of trophoblastic invasion. ROC curves were constructed to determine vascular endothelial growth factor cut-off values that predict the degree of tubal invasion based on the best sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Eight patients had stage I trophoblastic invasion, seven had stage II, and 19 had stage III. The median serum vascular endothelial growth factorconcentration was 69.88 pg/mL for stage I, 14.53 pg/mL for stage II and 9.08 pg/mL for stage III, with a significant difference between stages I and III. Based on the ROC curve, a serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration of 25.9 pg/mL best differentiated stage I from stages II and III with asensitivity of 75.0%, specificity of 76.9%, and area under the curve of 0.798. CONCLUSIONS: The depth of trophoblastic penetration into the tubal wall isassociated with serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration in ampullary pregnancies.

Laparoscopic tube-preserving surgical procedures for ectopic tubal pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with laparoscopic tube-preserving surgery for ectopic tubal pregnancy and evaluate its feasibility and efficacy. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 57 consecutive patients with ectopic tubal pregnancies undergoing laparoscopic tube-preserving procedures including salpingotomy, salpingostomy, segmental resection and reanastomosis, and fimbrial milking. The outcome measures were treatment success rates and homolateral patency rates. RESULTS: Of the 57 surgical procedures, 55 (96.4%) were performed successfully without any additional intervention. The number of patients receiving salpingotomy, salpingostomy, segmental resection and reanastomosis, and fimbrial milking were 24 (42.1%), 25 (43.9%), 4 (7.0%), and 2 (3.5%), respectively. Two case was switched to salpingectomy because excessive bipolar coagulation was required to obtain hemostasis at the tubal bleeding bed. Over a mean β-human chorionic gonadotropin resolution time of 18.3±5.9 days, no persistent trophoblast or postoperative complications occurred. A tubal patency test using hysterosalpingography was performed in 15 cases at 3 months postoperatively. Among these, the homolateral tubal patency rate was 75% (11 of 15) and the contralateral patency rate was 80% (12 of 15). CONCLUSION: Tube-preserving surgery is a feasible and safe treatment option for ectopic tubal pregnancy. However, considering that the optimal goal of tube-preserving surgical procedures is not the treatment success, some caution is warranted in interpreting results of this study.

Predictive value of maternal serum beta-hCG concentration in the ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy

Measurement of serum beta-hCG concentration commonly used to diagnose tubal ectopic pregnancy [EP] and follow up patients treated conservatively. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of maternal serum beta-hCG concentration in ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy to help physicians identify those women who are at greatest risk. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on all women with a diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy who were treated in Alzahra Hospital, in Rasht, from March 2002 to February 2011. The data was collected for each woman from medical records and included age, parity, gravidia, gestational age, primary level of serum beta-hCG, rupture status, past history of pelvic inflammation disease, EP, abortion, and intrauterine contraceptive device use. Women with tubal rupture were compared to those without rupture. Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS 19 for Windows. A total of 247 cases of tubal ectopic pregnancy were recorded during the study period. One hundred and ninety seven [79.8%] were cases with unruptured EP and 50 patients [20.2%] were cases with ruptured EP. The mean level of beta-hCG was significantly higher in patients with ruptured EP compared to patients with unruptured EP [p=0.03]. Logistic regression analysis revealed that >1750 IU/ml of beta-hCG levels [OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.18-1.68] was the significant risk factors for tubal rupture. Higher beta-hCG levels seem to be significant risk factors for rupture of a tubal EP

Ectopic Pregnancy Implanted on Uterine Myoma / 이화의대지

Ectopic pregnancy is an implantation of the fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity. Most of ectopic pregnancies are located within the fallopian tube. We describe a rare case of 34-year-old woman complaining of lower abdominal pain and positive urinary pregnancy test. Pelvic ultrasound exam suggested tubal pregnancy with hemoperitoneum. However, pelviscopy revealed the bleeding point was subserosal myoma located just next to the right ovary. Uterus and both fallopian tubes were grossly free. Laparoscopic myomectomy with ectopic mass excision was performed and we observed the serial decrease of beta-hCG level. Patient was well recovered and postoperative finding was not remarkable. Hereby, we report a rare case of ectopic pregnancy on uterine myoma with subserosal type with a brief review of literatures.