Abdominal pregnancy following in vitro fertilization in a patient with previous bilateral salpingectomy

Abstract

Background: We present the first case of abdominal pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in a patient without oviducts.

Case: A 38-year-old woman, who previously had had two salpingectomies because of two tubal pregnancies, was admitted to our department with intermittent vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, 21 days after embryo transfer. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a moderate amount of blood in the peritoneal cavity and a mass consisting of blood clots and tissue fragments attached to the posterior aspect of the right broad ligament. Pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy.

Conclusion: Abdominal pregnancy may be the outcome of embryo transfer and should hence be considered a potential complication of the procedure.