Laparoscopic Management of Unruptured Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy in a 22-Year-Old Primigravida: A Case Report.

Cornual ectopic pregnancy, though rare, presents significant challenges in diagnosis and management. This case report details the clinical presentation and successful treatment of a 22-year-old primigravida experiencing symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, ultimately diagnosed with an unruptured left cornual ectopic pregnancy. Employing a multidisciplinary approach involving clinical suspicion, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) measurements, and transvaginal ultrasound findings, we underscored the importance of timely intervention to avert adverse outcomes. The patient underwent laparoscopic partial salpingectomy, resulting in minimal intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications. Our experience highlights the effectiveness of laparoscopic intervention in managing cornual ectopic pregnancy and underscores the necessity of tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient circumstances. By adhering to established guidelines and advancing research efforts, we can further enhance outcomes for patients grappling with this challenging condition. This case emphasizes the critical role of early diagnosis, prompt intervention, and ongoing vigilance in the management of cornual ectopic pregnancies.

Ruptured Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy: A Rare and Challenging Obstetric Emergency.

Cornual pregnancy is an infrequent form of ectopic pregnancy characterised by the implantation of the embryo at the intersection between the fallopian tube and the uterus. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is higher in the ampullary region of the fallopian tube. Nevertheless, cornual (interstitial) pregnancy is observed in approximately 2-4% of cases involving ectopic pregnancies. A cornual gestation is considered to be a highly perilous and potentially life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy, with a mortality rate that is two to five times more than that of other types of ectopic pregnancies. Due to the myometrium's capacity for stretching, the presentation of these cases typically occurs at a later stage, typically between seven and 12 weeks of gestation. Haemodynamic instability is typically observed in patients with ruptured cornual ectopic pregnancy. This study presents a case of a 40-year-old woman, G5P4L1D3, who arrived at the labour room of GMERS (Gujarat Medical Education & Research Society) Medical College and Hospital, Valsad, experiencing shock at eight weeks of gestation. Based on the clinical examination and ultrasound report, a preliminary diagnosis of ruptured cornual ectopic was established. The patient was resuscitated followed by an emergency laparotomy as a critical intervention to preserve their life. The primary approach for addressing maternal mortality caused by cornual pregnancy involves early detection and intervention.

Hysteroscopic resection as a safe minimally invasive technique for the management of cornual pregnancy: A case report and literature review.

Hysteroscopic resection of ectopic cornual pregnancy following MRI imaging is a safe and effective treatment option without significantly impacting fertility potential or increasing the risk of future obstetrical complications.

Ruptured Left Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Cornual ectopic pregnancies are rare with a mortality rate that is significantly higher than that of other ectopic pregnancy types. Due to the cornual region's location on the fallopian tube, rupture of a cornual gestation may lead to massive maternal hemorrhage resulting in hypovolemia and shock. Here, we report a 39-year-old female who presented to Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Florida Healthcare's emergency department (ED) in a state of hypovolemic shock. She was six weeks pregnant based on an unknown and unsure last menstrual cycle. The diagnosis of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy was suspected based on a positive urine pregnancy test and a pelvic ultrasound that revealed an empty uterus and a copious amount of free fluid within the abdomen. Significant hematoperitoneum and hemodynamic instability required emergent exploratory laparotomy with findings of a ruptured left cornual ectopic pregnancy. A left cornual resection and repair was done with an uneventful postoperative period. With cornual ectopic pregnancies being a rare entity, our case emphasizes the importance of early detection and management to help prevent fatal complications.

Vasopressin Injection Purse-String Ectopic Resection technique for laparoscopic management of cornual ectopic pregnancy.

Although cornual pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, the associated mortality rate is considerably higher than that of ectopic pregnancy overall. Historically, cornual ectopic pregnancy has been treated via laparotomy. With advancements in technology, equipment, and technique, laparoscopy offers a safer approach for the management of cornual pregnancy. However, laparoscopy of this nature requires excellent technique. The Vasopressin Injection Purse-String Ectopic Resection technique serves as an effective strategy for the laparoscopic management of cornual ectopic pregnancy. First, dilute vasopressin is administered into the myometrium surrounding the pregnancy. Next, a purse-string stitch is placed in the myometrium circumferential to the pregnancy. Finally, the pregnancy is excised by cornual wedge resection, and the defect is repaired using the attached remaining suture from the purse-string stitch. The Figure shows the graphical depiction of the Vasopressin Injection Purse-String Ectopic Resection technique, and the Video shows a laparoscopic recording of the Vasopressin Injection Purse-String Ectopic Resection technique. Between 2012 and 2022, 17 patients underwent a laparoscopic cornual ectopic pregnancy resection at a high-volume academic hospital and its affiliated community hospital. This case series revealed a mean operative time of 107 minutes, with a mean estimated blood loss of 41 mL for nonruptured ectopic pregnancies and 412 mL for ruptured ectopic pregnancies. No case was converted to laparotomy. Our findings suggest that the integration of the vasopressin administration and the pursue-string stitch placement minimizes blood loss and mitigates the risk of conversion to laparotomy for both nonruptured and ruptured cornual ectopic pregnancies.

Case of Cornual Uterine Rupture in Subsequent Pregnancy Following Laparoscopic Removal of Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy.

Uterine rupture during pregnancy is a critical obstetric complication associated with maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. We present a case of uterine rupture at 27 weeks of gestation, following a previous cornual pregnancy managed laparoscopically. Our case report underlines the importance of multilayered uterine wall repair following the resection of cornual ectopic pregnancy to avoid such potentially catastrophic sequelae.

Laparoscopic Management of Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy: A Step-by-step Approach.

Interstitial and cornual pregnancies are dangerous, yet rare, forms of ectopic pregnancy, accounting for 2%-4% of all ectopic pregnancies. A 38-year-old female, para 1, gravida 3 had undergone another in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle (a salpingectomy performed elsewhere for treating a hydrosalpinx before a previous IVF attempt). Duration of pregnancy is 6 weeks and 5 days, a transvaginal ultrasound revealed an embryo with a positive foetal heartbeat, located in the left cornuum. As no conservative treatment option could be followed, we proceeded with laparoscopic removal of ectopic pregnancy through cornual resection. Since a specific surgical methodology has not yet been established, presenting more step-by-step surgical approaches that can be used in clinical practice is of high importance. We present a step-by-step surgical approach that we have implemented in cases of cornual pregnancy in our department.

Embarazo cornual de 31 semanas con ruptura uterina. Reporte de caso / 31-week cornual pregnancy with uterine rupture. A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El embarazo cornual es un reto diagnóstico debido a que la capacidad de estiramiento del miometrio hace que la manifestación sea tardía y con alta mortalidad debido al riesgo de choque hemorrágico que llega a suceder, incluso, hasta en un tercio de las pacientes. OBJETIVO: Hacer hincapié en la importancia del adecuado control prenatal para el diagnóstico oportuno de embarazo ectópico y la consecuente disminución de complicaciones asociadas. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente primigesta, de 20 años de edad, originaria y residente de Guadalupe, Nuevo León. Sin antecedentes heredofamiliares o personales médicos o quirúrgicos relevantes. Ingresó a la sala de urgencias de Obstetricia con un cuadro de choque hipovolémico y 31 semanas de embarazo. En la revisión la cavidad abdominal se encontró con un embarazo cornual izquierdo, con ruptura uterina y acretismo placentario. Por lo anterior, se procedió a la histerectomía obstétrica, salpingectomía bilateral y ooforectomía izquierda, con reporte de 1000 mL de hemoperitoneo. La evolución posquirúrgica fue satisfactoria. CONCLUSIONES: El embarazo cornual debe sospecharse en toda mujer con amenorrea, dolor abdominal y sangrado transvaginal, con búsqueda intencionada de los hallazgos ultrasonográficos de cavidad uterina vacía, saco coriónico separado por lo menos 1 cm desde el borde lateral de la cavidad uterina, capa del miometrio delgada (menos de 5 mm) que rodea el saco gestacional y signo de la línea intersticial (visualización de una línea ecogénica que se extiende desde la cavidad endometrial hasta la región cornual, contigua al saco gestacional). El diagnóstico temprano de estos embarazos evita complicaciones y afectaciones al futuro obstétrico.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Cornual pregnancy is a diagnostic challenge because the stretching capacity of the myometrium makes the manifestation late and with high mortality due to the risk of hemorrhagic shock that occurs in up to one third of patients. OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the importance of adequate prenatal care for the timely diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and the consequent reduction of associated complications. CLINICAL CASE: Primigestation patient, 20 years old, native, and resident of Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon. No relevant heredofamilial or personal medical or surgical history. She was admitted to the obstetrics emergency room with hypovolemic shock and 31 weeks of pregnancy. On examination the abdominal cavity was found to have a left cornual pregnancy, with uterine rupture and placental accretism. Therefore, obstetric hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy and left oophorectomy were performed, with a report of 1000 mL of hemoperitoneum. The postoperative evolution was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Cornual pregnancy should be suspected in any woman with amenorrhea, abdominal pain and transvaginal bleeding, with purposeful search for ultrasonographic findings of empty uterine cavity, chorionic sac separated at least 1 cm from the lateral border of the uterine cavity, thin myometrial layer (less than 5 mm) surrounding the gestational sac, and interstitial line sign (the visualization of an echogenic line extending from the endometrial cavity to the cornual region, contiguous with the gestational sac). The early diagnosis of these pregnancies avoids complications and affects the future obstetrician.

Minimally invasive surgical management of a cornual ectopic pregnancy, with and without a concurrent intrauterine pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe techniques for resection of a cornual heterotopic pregnancy. DESIGN: This video demonstrates a surgical technique for excision of a cornual heterotopic pregnancy with narrative video footage using two case examples. SETTING: The incidence of cornual heterotopic pregnancy is unknown; however, the incidence of heterotopic pregnancy itself has increased through the use of assisted reproductive technologies and the majority of cornual heterotopic pregnancies occur after assisted reproductive technologies use. These cases have been treated traditionally using exploratory laparotomy and cornual wedge resection with good outcomes. With advancements in minimally-invasive surgical techniques, laparoscopic resection of cornual heterotopic pregnancies has been demonstrated to be safe and feasible. PATIENT(S): A patient with an 8-week cornual heterotopic pregnancy and a patient with a 10-week cornual ectopic pregnancy. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic resection of the cornual ectopic pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Feasibility of a "purse-string" technique for the resection of a heterotopic cornual pregnancy. RESULT(S): Robotic-assisted laparoscopic resection of a cornual heterotopic pregnancy can be performed with minimal blood loss with the use of the "purse-string" technique in settings where vasopressin cannot be used for hemostasis. This technique includes the use of a 2-0 V-Loc suture in a circumferential fashion around the ectopic pregnancy, which allows for faster suturing and immediate tension at the myometrium. The same suture is then used to close the defect, which allows for a simpler and efficient closure with minimal entry into the myometrium. CONCLUSION(S): In this video, we demonstrate the successful resection of cornual heterotopic pregnancy using a "purse-string" surgical technique. This technique allows for minimal blood loss in cases where additional techniques for hemostasis cannot be used, such as injection of vasopressin and uterine artery ligation.

Outcomes in subsequent pregnancies after wedge resection for interstitial ectopic pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in patients with a history of wedge resection for interstitial ectopic pregnancy (WRIEP). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of pregnancies with a history of WRIEP from 2000 to 2013 at two inner city hospitals in Detroit, MI. Pregnant-matched controls (1:3) were selected and included patients with history of surgically treated tubal ectopic pregnancy and delivered patients without history of ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes, including a composite, were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Eighty-three cases of interstitial pregnancy were identified. Sixty-three (75.9%) underwent WRIEP from which 19 (30.2%) had a subsequent pregnancy and 11 (57.9%) carried it ≥20 weeks. No difference in subsequent pregnancy outcomes including the composite was found among patients with prior WRIEP and patients with history of surgically treated tubal ectopic pregnancy except for a longer interpregnancy interval. Compared with delivered patients without a history of ectopic pregnancy, no difference in late obstetric outcomes was found including the composite, gestational age at delivery in weeks (38.2 versus 38.1, p = .955), preterm delivery rate (30% versus 21%, p = .674), and proportion of term vaginal (40% versus 52%, p = .721) or cesarean deliveries (60% versus 30%, p = .137). The most common indication for cesarean among patients with a history of WRIEP was a history of such (5/6, 83.3%) and there were no cases of abnormal placentation. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that a history of WRIEP is not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Ultrasound Features of Rudimentary Horn Ectopic Pregnancies.

Rudimentary horn ectopic pregnancies are uncommonly encountered in women with müllerian duct anomalies. The clinical presentation of this entity is nonspecific, giving ultrasound a critical role in making the diagnosis. Timely diagnosis and management of rudimentary horn ectopic pregnancies are pivotal in reducing the high rates of uterine rupture and maternal mortality historically associated with this condition.

Ruptura uterina secundaria a embarazo ectópico cornual del segundo trimestre / Uterine rupture secondary to ectopic pregnancy in the second trimester

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El embarazo ectópico cornual es poco común. La prevalencia estimada es de 2% y debido a su ubicación cercana a las arterias uterinas, el índice de mortalidad materna es de 10%. CASO CLINICO: Paciente de 42 años, con embarazo de 20.2 semanas, quien acudió al servicio de Urgencias por dolor pélvico opresivo, intenso, de 24 horas de evolución. A la exploración física se encontraron: tensión arterial 80-70 mmHg, frecuencia cardiaca de 112 latidos por minuto y signo de Murphy positivo. La biometría hemática reportó leucocitosis de 22.4/mL y hemoglobina de 10.7 g/dL. El ultrasonido evidenció un feto vivo de 21 semanas, con frecuencia cardiaca de 152 latidos por minuto, placenta grado 0-1, líquido amniótico normal, con abundante líquido libre en el espacio retroperitoneal. Los estudios de control de hemoglobina mostraron descenso a 5.38 g/dL, por lo que se decidió efectuar una laparotomía exploradora, en la que se encontró un embarazo ectópico cornual izquierdo; se extrajo el feto. Se practicó histerectomía subtotal, se trasladó a la paciente a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, donde su evolución fue satisfactoria. CONCLUSION: El diagnóstico de embarazo ectópico cornual sigue siendo difícil de establecer, su cuadro clínico puede simular otras alteraciones, con posibilidad de falla en 50-90% de los casos, dependiendo de la destreza del médico ultrasonografista y la sospecha clínica.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The cornual ectopic pregnancy has an unusual location representing 2% of the prevalence and because of its location close to the uterine arteries it has a maternal mortality of 10%. CLINICAL CASE: A 42-year-old patient with a pregnancy of 20.2 weeks of gestation attended the emergency department for oppressive, intense pelvic pain of 24 hours of evolution; physical examination: blood pressure of 80/70 mmHg and heart rate 112 beats per minute in addition to Murphy positive, laboratory studies were collected with blood count that reported leukocytes: 22.4/mL) and hemoglobin of 10.7 g/dL. An ultrasonographic scan was performed, finding a single 21-week live product with a heart rate of 152 beats per minute, placental grade 0-1, normal amniotic fluid, with abundant free fluid in the retroperitoneal space. Control of hemoglobin was requested with decrease to 5.38 g/dL, so it was decided to go to exploratory laparotomy, finding broken left cornual ectopic pregnancy, which was extracted product of conception and subtotal hysterectomy was performed and subsequently moved to the Intensive Care Unit achieving an adequate evolution. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of cornual ectopic pregnancy continues to be difficult to perform among medical entities, its clinical picture can simulate other entities with possibility of failure in the diagnosis by 50-90% depending on the skill of the ultrasonographer and clinical suspicion.

Embarazo ectópico cornual recurrente: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Recurrent cornual ectopic pregnancy: clinical case and literature review

OBJETIVO: Reportar un caso de embarazo ectópico cornual recurrente, al que se le realizó manejo por laparoscopia. Realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre este tema. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 34 años, con embarazo cornual recurrente a quien se le realizó manejo exitoso por laparoscopia. MÉTODO: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos con las palabras clave: pregnancy, intersticial y cornual ectopic en Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Data base, Ovid, Hinari, Scielo y Bireme. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial arrojó 311 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 116 y posteriormente 74 artículos, que estaban relacionados con el tema a revisar, finalmente se escogieron 38 artículos con texto completo. CONCLUSIÓN: El embarazo ectópico cornual o intersticial tienen los mismos factores de riesgo que el embarazo tubárico. El avance en ecografía y los niveles de ßHCG han permitido un diagnóstico precoz, lo que permite realizar tratamientos médico o quirúrgico más conservadores, donde la laparoscopia ha empezado a tener un papel muy importante.

OBJECTIVE: To report a recurrent cornual ectopic pregnancy who underwent laparoscopic management and review the literature on this topic. CASE REPORT: 34 year-old patient with a recurrent cornual ectopic pregnancy who underwent successful laparoscopic management. METHOD: A literature search was performed in databases Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Data Base, Ovid, Hinari, Scielo and Bireme, with the keywords: pregnancy, interstitial and cornual ectopic pregnancy. Results: The initial search yielded 311 articles of which 116 were selected and then 74 who were related to the subject to review, finally 38 full text articles were selected. CONCLUSION: Cornual or interstitial ectopic pregnancy has the same risk factors that tubal pregnancy. Advances in ultrasound and ßHCG levels have allowed earlier diagnosis allowing more conservative treatments either medical or surgical treatment where laparoscopy has begun to play an important role.

[Interstitial pregnancy: experience at Rouen's hospital]. / Grossesses interstitielles : traitement chirurgical, fertilité et devenir obstétrical. L'expérience rouennaise.

OBJECTIVE: Presenting our experience concerning interstitial pregnancies (IP) surgical management and to evaluate our patients' subsequent long-term fertility. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twenty patients underwent surgical treatment of IP in our department over 15 years. In this retrospective study, we present symptoms that led to diagnosis, treatments, fertility and obstetrical outcome. RESULTS: Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 8SA, with a median BHCG rate of 7411 IU/L, and a patient mean age of 30 years. Ninety percent of patients had at least one risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. Pain or bleeding were the most common symptoms at admission, 4 patients were admitted in an hypovolemic shock status. Location of the interstitial ectopic pregnancy was discovered during surgery in 45 % of cases. Six patients had a large hemoperitoneum bigger than 1L, 5 patients had an IP of uterine stump after salpingectomy for a previous ectopic pregnancy. The most used surgical technique was in 60 % of cases the excision by Endo GIA stapling(®) with salpingectomy. Regarding fertility, 12 patients wished pregnancy in the aftermath of the intervention, 10 had at least one pregnancy, among them there is an ectopic contralateral ampullary pregnancy, and a contralateral recurrence of interstitial pregnancy. Four patients were delivered by cesarean section and 4 patients were delivered vaginally, some several times. No uterine rupture occured. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Interstitial pregnancy is a rare ectopic pregnancy. Its diagnosis is difficult and may involve maternal life-threatening and fertility. In subsequent pregnancies, the clinician has to be careful concerning the risks of interstitial pregnancy recurrence and uterine rupture.

An ectopic pregnancy in the tubal interstitium: beware!

An interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare and a dangerous form of an ectopic pregnancy. It presents late clinically and it is difficult to be imaged radiographically. We are presenting a case of an interstitial pregnancy which was a surprise intra operative finding.As Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures are becoming popular, the incidence of ectopic pregnancies is likely to increase. The clinicians should be well equipped to diagnose and to treat this unusual form of ectopic pregnancies at the earliest.

Intact Left Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Cornual ectopic pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy but has catastrophic presentation when diagnosis is missed. It is usually misdiagnosed as degenerated myoma at uterine fundus but can be differentiated by positive pregnancy test, absence of intrauterine gestational sac and diagnostic laparoscopy when necessary. In this case, we present a case of cornual ectopic pregnancy diagnosed by serial serum beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, vaginal ultrasound and diagnostic laparoscopy, which was managed by evacuation of the cornual ectopic by laparotomy, excision of the tube and then suturing the pedicle adjacent to the uterine wall.

Embarazo Ectópico Cornual: Reporte de un Caso / Ectopic Pregnancy: a Case Report

En el embarazo ectópico cornual el saco gestacional se implanta en el cuerno uterino. Son factores de riesgo: infecciones genitales, tabaquismo, cirugía abdomino-pélvica previa, embarazo ectópico previo, tratamientos de esterilidad, técnicas de reproducción, fármacos, endometriosis, edad materna y la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica. Se diagnostica por: anamnesis clínica, exploración física, marcadores plasmáticos placentarios, ecografía transvaginal y punción saco de Douglas. En el tratamiento médico se recomienda administrar metotrexate, si se acompaña de hemorragia se realiza laparotomía con resección cornual o histerectomía. Les presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente de sexo femenino de 28 años, con diagnóstico de embarazo cornual de 16 semanas de gestación, con antecedentes de presentar dos abortos y un embarazo ectópico previo. Presentaba: taquicardia, taquipnea e hipotensión. Al examen físico se evidencia sangrado transvaginal. La paciente fue sometida a cirugía, donde se interrumpió la gestación y se procedió a regularizar bordes y tejido desvitalizado.

In the cornual pregnancy the gestational sac is implanted in the uterine horn. Risk factors for the existence of ectopic pregnancy include: genital infections, smoking, previous abdomino-pelvic surgery, contraceptive use, previous ectopic pregnancy, infertility treatment and reproductive techniques, drug administration, luteal insufficiency, endometriosis, maternal age and pelvic inflammatory disease. Cornual pregnancy is diagnosed by anamnesis, clinical examination, placental plasma markers, transvaginal ultrasound and Douglas sac puncture. The medical treatment recommended for interstitial pregnancy is the administration of methotrexate. In case of bleeding caused by the cornual pregnancy is recommended laparotomy surgery whit cornual resection or hysterectomy. We present the case of 28 years old female patient diagnosed with a 16 weeks cornual ectopic pregnancy. With a history of four pregnancies; two of them end in abortion and one in a previous ectopic pregnancy.The review of vital sign showed tachycardia, tachypnea and hypotension. Physical examination evidence transvaginal bleeding. The patient was submitted to surgery where the ectopic pregnancy was interrupted and proceeded to regularize the edges and devitalized tissue.