Demonstration of the route of embryo migration in retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography

• Published in: The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research Vol. 40; no. 3; pp. 849 - 852
• Main Authors: Liang, Changhu, Li, Xueli, Zhao, Bin, Du, Yinglin, Xu, Shifeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia 01.03.2014
• Subjects: Abdominal Pain - etiology; Adult; Contrast Media; ectopic pregnancy; Embryo Implantation, Delayed; embryo migration; Embryo Transfer; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Vessels - physiopathology; Lymphatic Vessels - surgery; Models, Biological; Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Postoperative Complications - physiopathology; Postoperative Complications - surgery; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Ectopic - diagnostic imaging; Pregnancy, Ectopic - etiology; Pregnancy, Ectopic - physiopathology; Pregnancy, Ectopic - surgery; Prenatal Diagnosis; retroperitoneal space; Retroperitoneal Space - diagnostic imaging; Salpingectomy - adverse effects; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1341-8076; 1447-0756
• DOI: 10.1111/jog.12233

Retroperitoneal abdominal pregnancy is exceptionally rare. An unusual retroperitoneal pregnancy has a high risk of severe bleeding. Abdominal ultrasonography and whole abdominal computerized tomography scanning should be performed for the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. A case of retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy located very close to large retroperitoneal blood vessels and treated with resection is presented. Many unusual features of retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy were highlighted as providing further evidence in support of the main proposed embryo migration mechanism via lymphatic vessels.