Ultrasound diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy with viable fetuses

Abstract

Combined pregnancy is an under-estimated and increasing clinical condition. Its recognition is usually made post-operatively. Ultrasound findings are not specific. Diagnosis is possible only when the cardiac activity of the extrauterine and intrauterine fetus can be detected. In the literature, 18 pre-operative sonographic demonstrations of such cases are reported. A correct echographic assessment can show a definite diagnosis or indicate a diagnostic laparoscopy minimizing maternal morbidity and mortality and improving the prognosis of the intrauterine fetus. In this report, ultrasound diagnostic aspects are discussed.