Heterotopic abdominal pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer presenting as massive lower...

We present a case that, as far as we know, is the first report of lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage as a complication of heterotopic pregnancy induced by artificial reproductive technology. The heterotopic abdominal pregnancy caused erosion of the intestinal wall and massive rectal bleeding, 8 weeks after in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer. The source of the bleeding could not be identified despite comprehensive investigation including gastroscopy, ultrasonography, sigmoidoscopy, 99Tc (technetium) scanning and angiography. Tagged-erythrocyte isotope scanning revealed an abnormal concentration in the left lower quadrant, compatible with active bleeding in the area of the terminal ileum. Laparotomy disclosed a heterotopic abdominal pregnancy, causing erosion of the intestinal wall at this site. As assisted reproductive technologies become more and more common this rare complication of intestinal erosion should be kept in mind in case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.