Trophoblastic tissue spread to the sigmoid colon after uterine perforation

Abstract

Background: Trophoblastic tissue spread following uterine perforation during dilation and curettage is rare. We present a case of trophoblastic spread to the sigmoid colon following uterine perforation, which was treated by surgical removal of the implants and intramuscular administration of methotrexate.

Case: A woman presented 3 weeks after curettage for a blighted ovum. Laparotomy performed for suspected intra-abdominal bleeding revealed bleeding trophoblastic implants in a perforation tract and the anterior uterine wall and on the appendix epiploica of the sigmoid colon. The implants were surgically removed and methotrexate was administered for persistently high beta-hCG levels. The patient fully recovered.

Conclusion: Extrauterine trophoblastic implants should be considered in women evaluated for abdominal pain whose pregnancy test is positive after uterine perforation. Conservative treatment with methotrexate in nonacute patients may be considered.