Ectopic pregnancy in a caesarean scar: a case report

J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2005 Dec;27(12):1102-6. doi: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)30392-9.

Abstract

Background: An ectopic pregnancy developing in a Caesarean section scar is extremely rare. This type of ectopic pregnancy carries with it a high risk of morbidity related to uterine rupture and extensive hemorrhage. Conservative treatment in the form of local or systemic injection of methotrexate or local injection of potassium chloride is preferable to surgical management, as the former is fertility sparing.

Case: A 36-year-old multigravid woman was found to have an ectopic pregnancy in a Caesarean scar at seven weeks' gestation with a significantly elevated beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (Beta-hCG) level. Systemic methotrexate therapy was unsuccessful; subsequently, a local injection of methotrexate was used with resolution of the pregnancy.

Conclusion: An ectopic pregnancy in a Caesarean scar can be managed effectively with local injection of methotrexate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / blood
  • Cicatrix / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
  • Methotrexate