Unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy concurrent with trophoblastic tissue spread to the rectum: a case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Ectopic pregnancy is a term used to describe pregnancies outside of the uterus. If ruptured, persistent trophoblastic tissue can be present at the site of an ectopic pregnancy, which is an unusual complication. In rare cases, the patients may present with primary implants. Case presentation: A 23-year-old woman who was pregnant for the first time complained of abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a 10-week tubal ectopic pregnancy. During laparotomy, trophoblastic implants were discovered in the rectum; however, the pregnancy did not rupture. Clinical discussion: The presented case report highlights a rare and late diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in a 23-year-old primigravida woman with no known risk factors. The patient experienced sudden abdominal pain in the tenth week of gestation, leading to the surgical approach of salpingectomy. Notably, trophoblastic tissue was found in the rectum, indicating local invasion. It was then treated with methotrexate therapy. However, the low-resource setting in Syria limited the use of laparoscopy and resulted in the use of laparotomy. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of considering trophoblastic implantation in the management plan for ectopic pregnancies, even in cases in which the pregnancy has not ruptured. It is crucial to evaluate all possible complications of this disease to ensure proper treatment and care of the patient.