title: Heterotopic pregnancy presenting with acute left chest pain.
abstract: Heterotopic pregnancy is the simultaneous existence of intrauterine and ectopic gestations. Heterotopic pregnancy is an extremely rare entity in natural cycle; however, it is increasing due to widespread use of assisted reproductive techniques. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in avoiding short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, early diagnosis is often difficult due to the presence of intrauterine pregnancy that impedes the diagnosis and early treatment for ectopic component. Clinical symptoms are not generally helpful in diagnosis, and signs of the ectopic pregnancy usually predominate. Patients will most likely present with abdominal pain, adnexial mass, enlarged uterus, peritoneal irritation signs, and a positive pregnancy test. We present a case, admitted to the emergency department, with atypical symptoms including acute left chest pain radiating to left shoulder, at 5 weeks' gestation.
authors.affiliation: Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey. fbildik@gazi.edu.tr
authors.forename: Fikret
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bildik
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Demircan
authors.forename: Ayfer
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keles
authors.forename: Gul
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pamukcu
authors.forename: Aydan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Biri
authors.forename: Emine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bildik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012489:Salpingostomy