gynecology and obstetrics
Ectopic Pregnancy
Introduction
Ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of a pregnancy in a site other than the endometrial lining of the uterine cavity—ie, in the fallopian tube, uterine cornua, cervix, ovary, or abdominal or pelvic cavity. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition for a pregnant woman; such pregnancies cannot be carried to term and eventually rupture or involute. Early symptoms and signs include pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. Hemorrhagic shock can occur with rupture. Diagnosis is by measurement of the beta subunit ofhuman chorionic gonadotropinand ultrasonography. Treatment is with laparoscopic or open surgical resection or withmethotrexate. Ectopic pregnancy can cause life-threatening hemorrhage, and if it is suspected, the patient should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible. Incidence of ectopic pregnancy is approximately 2/100 diagnosed pregnancies ( General reference ). Patients with possible ectopic pregnancy or other cause of early pregnancy failure often present with symptoms early in pregnancy, when ultrasonography is not able to confirm the anatomic location or viability of the pregnancy. Therefore, these pregnancies are referred to as pregnancy of unknown location. 