Delayed Detection of Spontaneous Bilateral Tubal Ectopic Pregnancies After Methotrexate Treatment

Publication date: Available online 9 September 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Nicole E. Brown, Shereen A. Singer, Joe Suyama
BackgroundBilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies are a rare subset of ectopic pregnancy that can pose a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. There is no distinct clinical presentation for bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies, although they are typically associated with assistive reproductive techniques. In addition, there is no single diagnostic feature to help clinicians delineate bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies from other types of ectopic pregnancy prior to passing the discriminatory zone (such as heterotopic pregnancy or twin ectopic [two gestational sacs in one tube]). Diagnosis is typically made via direct visualization intraoperatively and therefore treatment is usually surgical.Case ReportWe present a case of spontaneous bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies diagnosed 7 days apart via transvaginal ultrasound. The patient presented to the emergency department with pelvic pain on the contralateral side of her previously diagnosed ectopic pregnancy and vaginal spotting. Bilateral adnexal masses were visualized on ultrasound and her serum beta–human chorionic gonadotropin level had a 5.9% decline from day 4 to day 7 after methotrexate administration 7 days prior; gynecology was consulted. The patient was successfully treated with an additional dose of intramuscular methotrexate without any complications.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?The implications of this case suggest that diagnosis of bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies requires clinicians to have a high level of suspicion in any pregnant female with a suspected or known ectopic pregnancy who presents with pelvic pain regardless of prior diagnosis or treatment.



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