Cervico-isthmic pregnancy successfully treated with bipolar resection following methotrexate administration: case report and literature review

Reprod Biomed Online. 2013 Jan;26(1):99-103. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.10.005. Epub 2012 Oct 12.

Abstract

Cervico-isthmic pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Recent advances in high-resolution ultrasound have made the diagnosis of early cervico-isthmic pregnancies easier. Early diagnosis allows a more conservative therapeutic approach that avoids hysterectomy and preserves fertility. Here is reported a case of viable cervico-isthmic pregnancy successfully treated with resectoscopy after failed systemic and local (hysteroscopic) methotrexate administration. The resectoscopic excision of the cervico-isthmic pregnancy was carried out with the technique of slicing, using a 27 bipolar resectoscope with a 4-mm loop. The procedure was successful with the complete removal of the ectopic pregnancy, while maintaining satisfactory haemostasis. A literature review shows that no consensus exists for the treatment of cervico-isthmic pregnancies. We report a case of viable cervico-isthmic pregnancy successfully treated with resectoscopy after failed systemic and local (hysteroscopical) methotrexate administration. The resectoscopic excision of cervico-isthmic pregnancy was carried out with the technique of slicing, using a 27 bipolar resectoscope with a 4-mm loop. The procedure was successful with the complete removal of the ectopic pregnancy, while maintaining satisfactory haemostasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Abortion, Induced
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Methotrexate