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The management of Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy following treatment with methotrexate—a clinical challenge
Author(s) -
Deb S.,
Clewes J.,
Hewer C.,
RaineFenning N.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1002/uog.5149
Subject(s) - medicine , methotrexate , ectopic pregnancy , human chorionic gonadotropin , magnetic resonance imaging , trophoblast , surgery , ultrasound , pregnancy , gestational sac , obstetrics , fetus , radiology , placenta , hormone , genetics , biology
We present a case of Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy, complicated by the persistence of clinical symptoms despite a rapid and complete biochemical response to a single systemic injection of methotrexate. A 34‐year‐old woman with three previous Cesarean sections was diagnosed with a Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy following @ in‐vitro fertilization treatment. The diagnosis was suggested by three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound scan and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Management involved administration of a single systemic injection of methotrexate and follow‐up with serial ultrasound assessments and serum beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) measurements. The main challenge was the persistence of clinical symptoms despite adequate medical treatment, as judged by complete resolution of biochemical trophoblastic activity, which resulted in repeated admissions to the hospital. Serial transvaginal ultrasound scans showed an initial increase in the size of the mass, which led to increasing anxiety in the couple. Eventually, 15 weeks after the administration of methotrexate, the couple requested surgical intervention. An uneventful surgical resection of the abnormal area, which showed appearances suggestive of trophoblastic tissue, was undertaken to good effect. In summary, despite a rapid normalization of serum β‐hCG following the administration of methotrexate, the patient remained symptomatic and had ultrasound appearances suggestive of incomplete resorption of trophoblast, necessitating surgical intervention. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.