Rupture of ectopic pregnancy following disappearance of serum beta subunit of hCG

Abstract

The introduction of sensitive assays for the beta subunit of hCG (beta-hCG) and improved ultrasound technology for diagnosis and monitoring of ectopic pregnancy have changed the clinical approach to the management of ectopic pregnancy. Only a few reports have been published of patients with ectopic gestation and negative serum beta-hCG levels. None of these described rupture of ectopic pregnancy following the decline of beta-hCG levels to below 10 mIU/mL. We describe a case of ectopic pregnancy, managed expectantly, in which rupture and hemoperitoneum occurred after the decline of beta-hCG levels to below 10 mIU/mL.