Case Report: Rupture of Chronic Ectopic Pregnancy in a Patient Presented with an IUD: The Underestimated Risk of IUD

Abstract

Ectopic pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy which the developing fertilized egg implanted outside of the endometrium. The most common anatomic locations of ectopic pregnancy is fallopian tube, however other locations such as interstitial, cervical, abdominal, ovarian and c-section scar pregnancy are also possible (1). Risk factors of ectopic pregnancy lies importantly in diseases or conditions that cause damage to the fallopian tubes include salpingitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic surgery, smoking. Other risk factors are patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology and having IUD. The incidence of IUD patient having an ectopic pregnancy is 0,46 per 1000 woman-years (2).

Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition which required a thorough approach to diagnosis and management. This report highlights the importance of considering ectopic pregnancy as the first differential diagnosis in woman of reproductive age with pelvic symptoms and inconclusive ultrasound findings, regardless of her claimed last menstrual period or contraceptive methods.