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Ectopic Pregnancy Within a Cesarean Section Scar

1305 Ottaburn Road, West Vancouver, BC, V7S 2J9, Canada; shaminrajan{at}gmail.com

A gestational sac implanted in the anterior portion of the lower uterine segment is characteristic of a cesarean delivery scar pregnancy, although it is the rarest of locations for an ectopic pregnancy. More common locations for an ectopic pregnancy include the isthmus of the tube, ovaries, uterine cornua, and abdomen. In addition to sonographic diagnosis, elevated serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels can help to confirm the pregnancy. If detected early, a future pregnancy may be possible; otherwise, the patient is at risk for uterine scar rupture, hemorrhage, and maternal morbidity. Ectopic pregnancies are becoming more prevalent, although it is difficult to say if it is due to an increase in cesarean sections performed, the use of in vitro fertilization procedures, or better diagnosis and documentation. This case illustrates implantation of a pregnancy within the scar of a previous cesarean section delivery, diagnosed with pelvic, endovaginal, and 3D sonography.

Key Words: sonography • ectopic pregnancy • cesarean section • cesarean scar pregnancy

References

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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rajan, S. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?