Ectopic Pregnancies in Unusual Locations

Thomas A Molinaro, M.D.; Kurt T Barnhart,M.D.,M.S.C.E.

Disclosures

Semin Reprod Med. 2007;25(2):123-130. 

In This Article

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

The majority of ectopic pregnancies are located within the fallopian tube. Nevertheless, pregnancies have been reported to implant in the cervix, ovary, interstitial tubal segment, and at various intra-abdominal sites. The diagnosis and treatment of these unusual implantation sites presents both diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. The majority of data regarding these unusual ectopic pregnancies come largely from case reports and anecdotal information. In the past, treatment of these ectopic pregnancies used various combinations of surgery and/or systemic and local chemotherapy. In this article, we attempt to summarize the current data regarding diagnosis and optimal treatment of these unusual ectopic pregnancies.

Introduction

Ectopic pregnancy is among the leading causes of mortality among pregnant women.[1] Although the incidence of ectopic pregnancy is estimated to be between 1 and 2%, the majority of these pregnancies are located in the fallopian tube.[2,3] However, pregnancies also occur implanted in the cervix, ovary, previous cesarean scar, and abdomen.[4] The relative infrequency of these sites of implantation makes the study of treatment efficacy difficult. In fact, much of the knowledge surrounding the treatment of these conditions remains largely observational and anecdotal. In this article, we attempt to summarize the many unusual sites of pregnancy implantation and what is known about their treatment.

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