Heterotopic pregnancy after a single embryo transfer

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

• Heterotopic pregnancy, defined as coexistent intrauterine and ectopic gestation, is a rare but life-threatening condition.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, thereby elevating the incidence of heterotopic pregnancies.
• Single embryo transfer (SET) significantly reduces the likelihood of multiple pregnancies and, consequently, heterotopic pregnancies.

Observation:

• A case of heterotopic pregnancy was observed following a single embryo transfer (SET) in an infertile woman.
• The patient underwent cryopreserved embryo transfer during her natural cycle.
• The heterotopic pregnancy resulted from a coincidental natural conception occurring concurrently with the ART procedure.

Findings:

• The patient presented with a heterotopic pregnancy despite undergoing a single embryo transfer.
• Early diagnosis and successful laparoscopic right salpingectomy were performed.
• The management led to a full-term vaginal delivery.

Implications:

• This case underscores the possibility of heterotopic pregnancy even after SET, emphasizing the importance of considering natural conception during ART cycles.
• It highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and early diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancies in infertile patients undergoing ART.
• Successful management through salpingectomy and subsequent delivery demonstrates effective treatment protocols for this rare complication.