Heterotopic Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: An Analysis of 20 Cases Following in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer

J Ultrasound Med. 2021 Oct;40(10):2239-2249. doi: 10.1002/jum.15610. Epub 2021 Jan 20.

Abstract

We report a series of 20 cases of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy in this study. The results show that transvaginal sonography offers highly accurate diagnoses of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy during the first trimester. Careful exclusion of cesarean scar pregnancy is of great clinical importance for patients with a history of cesarean section after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, even when an intrauterine pregnancy has been detected. We recommend single embryo transfer for patients with a history of cesarean section. Expectant management may provide the opportunity for a live cesarean scar pregnancy to develop, albeit at high risks of placenta accreta and hemorrhage, and this needs further verification in the future.

Keywords: expectant management; first trimester; heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy; in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer; single embryo transfer; transvaginal sonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects
  • Cicatrix / complications
  • Cicatrix / diagnostic imaging
  • Embryo Transfer
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Heterotopic* / diagnostic imaging