Successful management of a patient with ovarian ectopic pregnancy by the end of the first trimester: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2022 May 2;16(1):175. doi: 10.1186/s13256-022-03403-w.

Abstract

Background: Among all ectopic pregnancies, between 0.5% and 3.5% are ovarian ectopic pregnancies, a potentially life-threatening condition when ruptured due to its serious potential for hemorrhaging. A majority of ovarian ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed by the 7th week of pregnancy when the patient becomes symptomatic, and ultrasound can be used to diagnose this condition.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 39-year-old Persian woman in the 12th week of gestation who presented with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain and was diagnosed with ovarian ectopic pregnancy. Her notable laboratory finding was β-human chorionic gonadotropin > 15,000, which indicates definite pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) revealed no evidence of intrauterine pregnancy, but a well-circumscribed gestational sac in the left ovary. The patient was successfully treated with resection of the gestational sac and partial left salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian ectopic pregnancy.

Conclusion: The case emphasizes the ability of ovarian ectopic pregnancy to develop asymptomatically through the course of pregnancy and points to the necessity for high-quality prenatal care and the importance of determining the fetal site during pregnancy.

Keywords: Ectopic pregnancy; Ovary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovary
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic* / surgery
  • Pregnancy, Ovarian* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ovarian* / surgery

Substances

  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human