Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2012 May;55(5):339-342. 10.5468/KJOG.2012.55.5.339.

A case of spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy presenting with heart activity of both embryos

• Jeon HS
• Shin HJ
• Kim IH
• Chung DY

• KMID: 2078151
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/KJOG.2012.55.5.339

Abstract

Heterotopic pregnancy, combined intrauterine and extra-uterine (ectopic) pregnancy, is a potentially fatal condition that rarely occurs in natural conception cycle. There has been a rise of this entity mainly due to ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization performed in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Diagnosis is often delayed causing life threatening situations, since heterotopic pregnancy is still rare and unexpected in natural conception. We report a case of patient with spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy in the first trimester with a review of the literature. Transvaginal ultrasound confirmed heart activity of both embryos in uterus and the right ampulla portion.

Keyword

Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy; Fetal heart activity; Transvaginal ultrasound

MeSH Terms

Embryonic Structures
Female
Fertilization
Fertilization in Vitro
Heart
Humans
Ovulation Induction
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Pregnancy, Heterotopic
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
Uterus

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Transvaginal ultrasound examination shows an intrauterine pregnancy with active fetal heart beat. (B) Doppler ultrasound showing right adnexal mass was containing fetal cardiac activity in the ectopic gestational sac.

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  Fig. 2 Intraoperative finding showing right ampullary pregnancy and hemoperitoneum.

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  Fig. 3 After right salpingectomy, tubal embryo was confirmed by incision of mass.

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