The double corpus luteum: A novel sonographic sign of heterotopic pregnancy

Abstract

Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare and highly morbid condition with simultaneous intrauterine and extra‐uterine pregnancies. The early diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy is difficult, owing to rarity of the condition and nonspecific clinical and laboratory findings. This case report introduces the “double corpus luteum” sign, a new sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging sign which is easily detectable and should raise the index of suspicion for heterotopic pregnancy. We present a surgically confirmed spontaneous heterotopic and angular pregnancy in a young woman without risk factors or assisted reproductive therapy to illustrate the utility of this novel sign.

Spontaneous Heterotopic Pregnancy with Ovarian Localization: Case Report

“…In our case, a less common localization of EUG was present on the patient’s ovary. The mass could already be seen on initial sonography when the patient was admitted in the 6th week of gestation, and the differential diagnosis was mainly a ruptured corpus luteum cyst, a differential diagnosis that was also initially made in comparable case studies 3 10 .…”

Abdominal heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer following bilateral salpingectomy: A case report and literature review

“…Color Doppler imaging showed little improvement for the identification of EP ( 19 , 20 ). A recently described novel sonographic sign, “the double corpus luteum”, may be a characteristic sign for spontaneous HP but not suitable for HP patients after IVF-ET ( 21 ). Magnetic resonance imaging may improve the diagnostic accuracy of HP by detecting abdominal pregnancy more sensitively.…”