Caesarean scar pregnancy: a diagnosis to consider carefully in patients with risk factors

Ann Acad Med Singap. 2005 Mar;34(2):216-9.

Abstract

Introduction: Caesarean scar pregnancy is rare. A high index of suspicion is necessary to make the right diagnosis early.

Clinical picture: Two women, each with a history of 1 previous caesarean delivery, were initially diagnosed with spontaneous abortion in progress when ultrasonography scan revealed the gestational sac to be in the lower uterine cavity. Subsequent ultrasound scans showed that the gestational sac was actually in the anterior uterine wall at the level of the uterine isthmus.

Treatment: Both women were managed successfully with intrasac methotrexate injection.

Outcome: We report 2 cases of caesarean scar pregnancies mistaken for spontaneous abortions by experienced ultrasonographers.

Conclusion: This highlights the difficulty in differentiating between these 2 diagnoses and the importance of having a high index of suspicion in women with risk factors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / administration & dosage
  • Abortion, Induced*
  • Abortion, Spontaneous
  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section*
  • Cicatrix*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / therapy*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Methotrexate