Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 46, Issue 2 , Pages 171-173, June 2007

CUL-DE-SAC Pregnancy Following In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

Accepted 18 July 2006.

Article Outline

Summary 

Objective

We report a case of cul-de-sac pregnancy following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in a patient with primary infertility.

Case Report

A 33-year-old primigravida woman underwent IVF-ET 4 weeks before her presentation. Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) on day 20 after embryo transfer was 901 mIU/mL. Ultrasound examination on day 30 after embryo transfer revealed an ectopic gestational sac with fetal heart beat in the left adnexa, without any evidence of intrauterine pregnancy. Laparoscopy was performed and revealed an ectopic mass in the congenital blind pouch that was connected to the posterior cul-de-sac. The gestational tissue was removed by forceps, and electrocauterization was used for hemostasis under laparotomy. Serum β-hCG fell to 7 mIU/mL after surgery.

Conclusion

Serum β-hCG combined with ultrasound scanning enables early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

Key Word:  cul-de-sac pregnancy , IVF-ET

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References 

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PII: S1028-4559(07)60013-8

doi:10.1016/S1028-4559(07)60013-8

Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 46, Issue 2 , Pages 171-173, June 2007