A Case of Combined Pregnancy Following IVF-ET

Lee, D W; Song, J; Kim, D S; Lee, J S; Lim, B D; Cho, S J

Abstract

Heterotopic[combined] pregnancy, simultaneous intra- and extrauterine gestation, is a relatively rare condition with an estimated incidence of 1 in 30000 pregnancies. The incidence of heterotopic pregnancies increased in recent years because of the escalating use of new reproductive technologies in infertile patients and has stabilized at approximately 1 : 100 pregnancies with these procedures. The main reasons for development of such a condition in these patients are past tubal or pelvic disease and multiple ovulations or multiple ET. It is very difficult to diagnose a heterotopic pregnancy during the last two decades, mainly because of development of ultrasonographic techniques, especially transvaginal utrasonography. Treatment of heterotropic pregnacy should be prompt to avoid maternal morbidity and mortality from extensive intraperitoneal bleeding. The authors experienced one case of the combined pregnancy following IVF-ET and this case is presented with a brief review of literatures.