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An unusual presentation of ectopic pregnancy
Author(s) -
Zaki Z. M. S.
Publication year - 1998
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 - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1998.11060456.x
Subject(s) - medicine , presentation (obstetrics) , abdominal pregnancy , abdomen , ectopic pregnancy , acute abdomen , pregnancy , abdominal pain , gestation , obstetrics , surgery , biology , genetics
Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic gestation. When it occurs, its early diagnosis is difficult, owing to the atypical presentation and the low index of suspicion for the condition. The characteristic history is that of abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and symptoms related to the gastro‐intestinal tract. These symptoms are occasionally over‐looked and the diagnosis is often missed. The following report describes a case of a 12‐week abdominal pregnancy presenting as an acute abdomen with placental attachment to the anterior abdominal wall muscle. Transabdominal ultrasound was successfully used to make the diagnosis preoperatively. Surgical intervention resulted in removal of the complete sac together with the placental disc in toto. The important features of this rare but morbid condition are discussed, and the important role of sonographic imaging in cases of acute abdomen in pregnancy is stressed. Copyright © 1998 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology