Embryology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Embryology, including details on stem cells, reproduction, transplants, cloning.

Ectopic twin pregnancy in cesarean scar after in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer: case report.

Chueh HY, Cheng PJ, Wang CW, Shaw SW, Lee CL, Soong YK

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan, and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.

OBJECTIVE: To present two cases of ectopic twin pregnancy in a Cesarean section scar following IVF-embryo transfer. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Tertiary referral case center. PATIENT(S): Two women who had ectopic twin pregnancy in a Cesarean section scar, in both cases following IVF and embryo transfer. INTERVENTION(S): Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound and diagnostic hysteroscopy were performed for early recognition and treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Prevention of pregnancy complications such as hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and preservation of fertility. RESULT(S): Case 1: diagnosis was made in a 31-year-old woman after IVF; she was managed with laparotomy excision of the twin pregnancy. Case 2: an early such pregnancy was diagnosed in a 37-year-old woman following IVF. She was treated successfully with hysteroscopy and laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION(S): Because ectopic pregnancy in a Cesarean scar carries high risk of uterine rupture and uncontrollable hemorrhage, such a twin pregnancy presumably carries similar risks. Focused application of high-resolution ultrasound and diagnostic hysteroscopy may help lead to early recognition of ectopic twin pregnancy in a Cesarean scar and prevention of complications such as hemorrhage and uterine rupture.

Published 18 February 2008 in Fertil Steril.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Embryology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.