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Preoperative splenic artery embolization for splenic ectopic pregnancy
Monali Shah1, Prashant Patel2, Ellen Redstone2
1Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2050 Tallokas Rd, Moultrie, GA, 31768, USA.
Radiology Case Reports
|November 17, 2022
Summary
Primary splenic pregnancy, an extremely rare ectopic pregnancy, was successfully treated using trans-arterial embolization before splenectomy. This case highlights embolization as a viable option for managing rare ectopic pregnancies, minimizing blood loss.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
- Radiology
Background:
- Primary splenic pregnancy is a rare extra-tubal ectopic pregnancy.
- Trans-arterial embolization is an emerging treatment for ectopic pregnancy.
- Ectopic pregnancies pose significant risks to maternal health.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old woman presented with vaginal bleeding and elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG).
- Abdominal MRI revealed an ectopic gestational sac at the splenic hilum.
- No intrauterine pregnancy was detected.
Findings:
- Preoperative splenic artery embolization was successfully performed.
- Open splenectomy was conducted for ectopic pregnancy removal.
- The combined approach minimized operative blood loss.
Implications:
- This case validates trans-arterial embolization as an effective adjunctive treatment for ectopic pregnancy.
- The findings support the use of embolization in managing rare ectopic pregnancy locations.
- Minimizing blood loss during surgery for ectopic pregnancy is crucial.
