A case report of heterotopic pregnancy
Heterotopic pregnancy is the presence of both intrauterine and extrauterine (ectopic) implantation as described by Reece in 1983 and is extremely rare. It accounts for 1 per 30000, in natural cycles and 9 per 10000, in assisted reproduction cycles. The aim of this report is to introduce this case as it poses a challenge to diagnosis due to its complex clinical and laboratory findings. A primigravida aged 30 at 6 weeks period of gestation, reported with minimal bleeding per vaginum. On performing a physical examination her vitals were stable and no significant findings were noted except for an enlarged uterus corresponding to 6 weeks with posterior forniceal fullness. Her beta-hCG was 23765 IU/ml and ultrasound showed a live intrauterine gestation with left adnexal mass- likely ectopic gestational sac. Laparoscopy showed a left tubal pregnancy and salpingectomy was done. The postoperative period was uneventful and she was discharged with a single live intrauterine gestation of 6-7 weeks. She carried on with her pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby at term. The diagnosis is possible only in cases when there is a high index of suspicion by the treating clinician. The adnexa must be inspected carefully in the confirmatory ultrasound. The early timely diagnosis gives a good maternal outcome and hence crucial in the management.