Abstract
Heterotopic pregnancy is the simultaneous occurrence of an intrauterine and ectopic
pregnancy. This study aims to review the current literature regarding heterotopic
pregnancy with a focus on its diagnosis and associations with in-vitro fertilization
(IVF). Studies have shown that ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple embryo
transfer during IVF are associated with an increased risk of heterotopic pregnancy.
Tubal abnormalities such as pelvic inflammatory disease and previous tubal or abdomino-pelvic
surgery have also been identified as risk factors. Diagnosis is challenging as the
falsely reassuring presence of an intrauterine fetus frequently delays early intervention.
Treatment should be individualised, but is often prompt surgical intervention, and
focuses on terminating the ectopic pregnancy while minimizing harm to the mother and
intrauterine fetus.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 04, 2021
Accepted:
September 26,
2021
Received in revised form:
July 18,
2021
Received:
February 7,
2021
Footnotes
☆AM, NK, and CRP are junior doctors in the UK having recently graduated from Queen Mary University (MBBS). EEM is a consultant gynaecologist (MD) and senior lecturer at Newham University Hospital.
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
