Case Report of Ectopic Ovarian Pregnancy following Fresh Embryo Transfer

Abstract

BACKGROUNDOvarian pregnancy is a rare and challenging clinical phenomenon. Recent studies have identified assisted reproductive treatments and infertility as risk factors. However, neither a definite mechanism nor clear risk factors were identified and therefore prevention strategies are yet unavailable.CLINICAL CASEIn this article, we present a case of ovarian pregnancy occurring following in vitro fertilization treatment and a fresh embryo transfer. The couple was diagnosed with unexplained infertility and no identifiable risk factors for extrauterine pregnancy. The diagnosis of ovarian pregnancy was made during explorative laparoscopy performed due to suspected extrauterine pregnancy. The patient had normal intra- and postoperative course.CONCLUSIONOvarian pregnancy is an infrequent and a challenging diagnosis. Yet, late diagnosis and lack of appropriate intervention may have long-term implications. Several mechanisms and risk factors are proposed, and their acknowledgment may improve early diagnosis and prevention of complications.

Ectopic ovarian pregnancy following in vitro fertilization: case report

“…Otto Spiegelberg, a German gynecologist established the diagnostic criteria for ovarian pregnancy based on intraoperative findings: (1) intact fallopian tube on the involved side, (2) the gestational sac is located in the same position as the ovary, (3) the ectopic pregnancy is connected to the uterus by the utero-ovarian ligament, and (4) the ovarian tissue is present in the wall of the gestational sac. 6,7 Several factors have been suggested which result in increased incidence of ovarian ectopic like pelvic inflammatory disease, previous gynecologic surgery, intrauterine contraceptive devices, tubal pathology. 8,9 Factors associated with extrauterine pregnancy in IVF are tubal infertility, fresh embryo transfer compared to frozen, cleavage stage compared to blastocyst stage embryos, and large number of transferred embryos.…”