ABDOMINAL PREGNANCY

A DIAGNOSTIC DILEMA

Abstract

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare complication with maternal and even higher perinatal mortality. Objective: To alert physicians and sonologists about features of abdominal pregnancy. To promote awareness about this potentially lethal condition. Study Design: Observational case series. Period: 2000 to 2007. Setting: Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Material & Methods: This study was conducted at department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Eight cases were done during the period 2000 to 2007. There demographic features including age, gestational age, ultrasound findings, operative findings and outcome were noticed. Results: The mean age was 30.125 years (range 23-38). The recorded mean gestational age was 20.62 (range 10-37 wks). Out of 8 cases, 6 patients are more than 25 years age. Four patients (50%) were primi gravida. Maximum parity was of 3. Our 50% of patients were having either one or two abortions. The abdominal pregnancy presents in variable fashion with acute abdominal pain (100%), fainting attacks (25%), shock (25%) and rarely with PIH, fetal distress and loss of fetal movements. Abdominal ultrasound was helpful in diagnosis but not conclusive always. The fetal diagnosis was confirmed per operatively. On laparotomy the placenta was attached to different parts of abdomen as following. Abdominal pregnancy is potentially fetal for mother and fetus. The maternal mortality is 12.5% (1/8). The fetus had 100% Mortality (8/8). Conclusions: Abdominal pregnancy is a rare occurrence but is challenging diagnostically and therapeutically. Awareness of this condition is very important in reducing the associated morbidity and mortality.