title: Abdominal pregnancy presenting as a missed abortion at 16 weeks' gestation.
abstract: We report on an abdominal pregnancy that presented as a missed abortion at 16 weeks' gestation and review the literature on the management of abdominal pregnancy. The clinical presentation of abdominal pregnancy varies, and the diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion. Ultrasonography is useful for early diagnosis of the condition. The management depends on the gestation at presentation; for advanced abdominal pregnancy, surgical intervention is recommended. The treatment of the placenta is a matter of controversy. In general, expectant management is suggested. When the placenta is left behind, the use of prophylactic methrotrexate is not advocated. An awareness of abdominal pregnancy is very important for reducing associated morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, 3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: K Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Kun
authors.forename: P Y
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D000030:Abortion, Missed / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011269:Pregnancy, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal