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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 1/2016

01-07-2016 | Review

Non-tubal ectopic pregnancy

Authors: Victoria Louise Parker, M. Srinivas

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

11 per 1000 pregnancies are ectopic (NICE Guidelines, 2012) with 95 % of ectopic pregnancies being tubal in origin, and 80 % of these occurring within the ampulla (The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust). 5% therefore are non-tubal. In this review we aim to collate literature relevant to non-tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Methods

Literature regarding cornual, ovarian, abdominal, interstitial, cervical and Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy was reviewed using EMBASE and Medline databases.

Results

Non-tubal ectopic pregnancies are often overlooked, diagnosed late and are associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound remains the mainstay of diagnosis in corroboration with clinical features. Management may include medical treatment with methotrexate, surgery or expectancy. There is also an increasing interest in the use of minimally invasive radiological approaches.

Conclusions

Non-tubal ectopic pregnancy is a rare but potentially life-threatening and often misdiagnosed condition. This is particularly pertinent for Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies, the prevalence of which is increasing due to the rising proportion of women having Caesarean sections (Litwicka and Greco, 2011). Practitioners should be aware of non-tubal pregnancies to aid more efficient diagnosis, optimise management and increase patient safety.
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Metadata
Title
Non-tubal ectopic pregnancy
Authors
Victoria Louise Parker
M. Srinivas
Publication date
01-07-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-016-4069-y

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