Fertility-preserving Management of Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

<jats:p>Cervical Ectopic Pregnancies (CEPs) are commonly associated with adverse outcomes due to diagnostic and treatment challenges. This report describes the successful management of an initially misdiagnosed CEP. A 30-year-old G4P2+1(Alive 2) presented to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, with vaginal bleeding following 11 weeks amenorrhea. The patient was haemodynamically stable, with minimal bleeding per vaginam, and ultrasonography had previously diagnosed complete miscarriage. However, transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated classical hour-glass uterus. The ballooned cervix contained a gestational sac and foetal node without cardiac activity. The patient was managed with a single dose of intramuscular methotrexate injection. Her serum B-HCG concentration declined from 460.8mIU/ml at presentation to &lt;5mIU/ml on the 10th day post-methotrexate injection, with a complete clinical and ultrasonographic resolution of the features. A high index of suspicion and appropriate ultrasonographic skills are necessary for prompt diagnosis of a CEP. Medical management could minimise the risk of intractable haemorrhage and hysterectomy.</jats:p>