Abdominal pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
Ectopic pregnancy continues to be a major complication of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. We report the first abdominal pregnancy occurring after this therapeutic approach. The patient, a 35-year-old female, presented a frozen pelvis with a history of severe endometriosis and a left salpingectomy. After the transfer of four concepti in her second IVF/embryo transfer attempt, she became pregnant. Unfortunately, ultrasound evaluation five weeks later showed an ectopic pregnancy in the cul-de-sac. During laparotomy, it was noticed that implantation had taken place near the mesentery of the sigmoid and rectosigmoid. A right cornual tubal ligation was performed. Although the benefit of IVF/embryo transfer far outweighs the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, it is imperative that physicians who care for patients after IVF/embryo transfer be fully aware of the possibility of this complication in this high-risk population.
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011269:Pregnancy, Abdominal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography