An abdominal ectopic pregnancy following in vitro fertilization: a rare case report

A significant rise in the incidence of abdominal pregnancy has been reported following in vitro fertilization techniques. Herein, we present a healthy 30-year-old woman, primigravida, conceived through in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer for male factor infertility. Six weeks later, she reported abdominal pain and discomfort. Ultrasonography revealed an empty uterus and a heterogenic abdominal mass in the anterior aspect of the uterus with normal adnexa. Computed tomography scan revealed a mass outside the uterus measuring 11 × 8 cm. Under general anesthesia, laparotomy exposed a gestational sac implanted outside the uterus on the anterior abdominal wall and contained an unviable fetus. Blood clots and pieces of placental tissue were also noticed. The patient had an uneventful course of recovery and was discharged after six days. Therefore, abdominal ectopic pregnancy must be considered in all patients with vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain who have undergone assisted reproductive technology.