Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

A relatively new type of ectopic pregnancy is cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). This is related to the increasing number of cesarean deliveries and the advances in imaging. There are 2 types of CSP: CSP with progression to the cervicoisthmic space or uterine cavity (type I, endogenic type) or with deep invasion of scar defect with progression toward the bladder and abdominal cavity (type II, exogenic type). The endogenic type of CSP could result in a viable pregnancy, yet with a high risk of bleeding at the placental site. The exogenic type could be complicated with uterine rupture and bleeding early in pregnancy. Because early diagnosis and treatment are important for the best outcome, every pregnant woman with a history of cesarean delivery should be screened early in the first trimester of pregnancy. Diagnosis can be achieved with ultrasound and Doppler imaging. To date, there have been only 5 randomized studies on CSP, and evidence-based management remains unclear. Until then, treatment should be individualized according to many factors including clinical presentation, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, imaging features, and the surgeon's skill.

Keywords: Cesarean scar pregnancy; Ectopic pregnancy and cesarean scar; Scar pregnancy.