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Late complications after systemic methotrexate treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancies: a report of three cases
F Zullo1, M Pellicano, C Di Carlo
1Department of Gynecologic and Pediatric Sciences, Reggio Calabria University, Catanzaro, Italy.
Background:
The use of methotrexate (MTX) by systemic administration in the treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy has been reported as a safe and effective method.
Cases:
We report three cases (one hematosalpinx and two pelvic hematocoeles) of complications after the use of MTX in the treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancies. All three cases came to our observation for pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding and a pelvic mass after an interval of 3-5 months, subsequent to the disappearance of symptoms and normalization of serum human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit (beta-hCG) levels.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that: (a) such complications should be considered before selecting the mode of treatment for ectopic pregnancy; and (b) that an early ultrasonographic control should be performed after MTX treatment even when the decline in beta-hCG levels suggests a successful resolution. This would permit an early diagnosis of these late complications.