Abdominal ectopic pregnancy
An abdominal ectopic pregnancy is an extremely rare type of ectopic pregnancy.
Epidemiology
It is thought to represent ~ 1.4 % of all ectopic pregnancies 6 with an estimated incidence of ~ 1 : 1000 - 10,000 births.
Pathology
It is often thought that they most frequently result from a tubal rupture with subsequent re-implantation of the conceptus onto bowel, omentum or mesentery (on very rare situations primary abdominal ectopic may also occur). Uncommon cases when it develops as a result of a scar rupture have also been reported 3.
It typically develops around the ligaments of the ovary (although is can implant anywhere within the abdominal cavity). It can then obtain blood supply from the omentum and abdominal organs. At times these pregnancies migrate out of the pelvis and are seen in the upper abdomen. The placental attachment can also be at unusual sites including the anterior abdominal wall 7.
Radiographic assessment
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is often frontline of imaging. Sonographically the pregnancy is seen separate from the uterus, adnexa, and ovaries.
Fetal MRI
May have a role in better delineation of anatomy and relationships especially when the pregnancy is advanced.
Complications
- intra-abdominal haemorrhage with massive haemetoperitoneum
Treatment and prognosis
It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition maternal mortality associated with intra-abdominal pregnancy estimated at ~ 7.7 times that of other locations of ectopic pregnancy 6.
Treatment is by often by means of placental embolisation followed by a laparotomy or laparoscopy. While an abdominal pregnancy can result in a life-threatening emergency, especially when diagnosed late in gestation, it can also result in a live birth by means of a laparotomy 1.
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