A 32- Weeks Abdominal Pregnancy with Live Foetus Presenting as Acute Abdomen: A Case Report

Abstract

Abdominal pregnancy is a very rare type of ectopic gestation, with its frequency been directly related to the frequency of ectopic gestation in the population1, 2. About 2% of all pregnancies are ectopic and abdominal pregnancy where implantation occurs within the peritoneal cavity is much more uncommon, accounting for 1%-4% of all ectopic pregnancies 2. The incidence of abdominal pregnancy differs in various publications and ranges between 1: 10000 pregnancies and 1:30,000 pregnancies. (3,4) It is more common in developing countries(1) and is life threatening condition that requires early and accurate diagnosis if the severe complications associated with it are to be avoided. (2) It was reported for the first time in 1708 as an autopsy finding and numerous cases have been reported worldwide ever since. In most of these cases, the diagnosis is made on the basis of the ensuing complications such as hemorrhage and abdominal pain. The clinical presentation of abdominal pregnancy is variable and physical examination by its self may be insufficient for the diagnosis.(2, 5)Clinical features such as persistent abdominal pain, painful fetal movements, weight loss, abnormal presentations, uneffaced and displaced cervix, vagina bleeding and, palpation of an abdominal mass distinct from the uterus should raise the suspicion1, 6. To assist in pre-operative diagnosis and reduce errors, an array of diagnostic procedures including oxytocin stimulation, abdominal x-ray, hysterosalpingography and ultrasound scan have been use.7, 8. Most cases of advanced abdominal pregnancy are associated with dead fetuses 2,5,6). A case of abdominal pregnancy with live fetus in 16 years old mother at 32weeks is hereby presented.

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