SPONTANEOUS HETEROTOPIC PREGNANCY WITH UNSTABLE VITALS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

A spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy is a rare obstetric entity which can be life threatening if early diagnosis is missed. There is co-existing intra uterine and extra uterine pregnancy, most often tubal and rarely cervical or ovarian. It is extremely rare in spontaneous conception but incidence is increasing with the use of ART’s. Early diagnosis is difcult probably because of the lacking clinical symptoms. It usually presents as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Timely diagnosis and intervention is of utmost importance to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality. Abdominal pain, swelling, peritoneal irritation, enlarged uterus, vaginal bleeding, pallor, tachycardia, features of shock may be a few presenting features. With the advances in technology, transvaginal ultrasound proves to be a great diagnostic tool in early diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy. Serum beta-hcg levels is of importance. Intervention can be medical or surgical depending on the hemodynamic condition of the patient and the viability of the intrauterine pregnancy. Heterotopic pregnancy is an unusual diagnosis and so is often ignored in the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy. But as it can prove to be life threatening so its diagnosis as a differential should always be kept in mind. Early diagnosis and prompt and effective treatment can save a life or two!