Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:04
Guide Wire Assisted Catheterization and Colored Dye Injection for Vascular Mapping of Monochorionic Twin Placentas
Published on: September 5, 2011
Spontaneous triplet, tubal ectopic gestation
1Memorial Hospital of Converse County, Douglas WY 82633, USA. o.nwanodi@juno.com
Journal of the National Medical Association
|June 17, 2006
Summary
This rare case of spontaneous triplet ectopic pregnancy highlights a potential link between prior cesarean sections and ectopic gestation. Early diagnosis and salpingostomy led to successful resolution.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Ectopic pregnancies, particularly multiple gestations, are rare and pose significant risks.
- Spontaneous triplet ectopic gestations are exceedingly uncommon, with only six prior reported cases.
- Assisted reproductive technologies are a known risk factor for multiple ectopic gestations.
Observation:
- A seventh case of spontaneous, unilateral, triplet ectopic gestation is presented.
- The patient had a history of term stillbirth and cesarean section for breech presentation.
- Quantitative beta-hCG levels were normal for gestational age, masking the extent of the abnormal pregnancy.
Findings:
- The increased trophoblastic mass in multiple gestations can lead to beta-hCG levels mimicking a singleton intrauterine pregnancy.
- Salpingostomy was performed for resolution of the ectopic gestation.
- This case was spontaneously conceived, distinguishing it from ART-associated gestations.
Implications:
- This case supports a potential association between prior cesarean section and the risk of ectopic gestation.
- Highlights the importance of considering multiple gestation in cases of elevated beta-hCG, even when seemingly normal for dates.
- Underscores the diagnostic challenges and management of rare ectopic pregnancy presentations.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Fertilization
During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:24In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...