Case Report

Triplet Heterotopic Pregnancy After Gonadotropin Stimulation and Intrauterine Insemination Diagnosed at Laparoscopy: A Case Report

Authors: Alex J. Childs, MD, Anthony B. Royek, MD, T Brian Leigh, MD, Pamela G. Gallup, MD

Abstract

Heterotopic pregnancy has been traditionally considered a rare event; however, with the use of assisted reproductive technology, the incidence of heterotopic pregnancies is increasing. Diagnosing a heterotopic pregnancy can be challenging. This report describes a 30-year-old female at 11 weeks' gestation with an intrauterine twin pregnancy after gonadotropin stimulation and intrauterine insemination who presented complaining of left lower quadrant abdominal pain with constipation and cramps. The patient was empirically treated for diverticulitis but failed to respond to therapy. A heterotopic triplet pregnancy was ultimately diagnosed at laparoscopy. Heterotopic pregnancy must be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in the first trimester, especially in patients who conceived by means of assisted reproductive technology. Surgical treatment is the most frequently used method of treatment.


Key Points


* Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare occurrence; however, with the use of assisted reproductive technology, the incidence is increasing.


* The diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy must be considered in first-trimester pregnant patients who conceived with assisted reproductive technology and present with abdominal pain.


* Several treatment modalities have been described for heterotopic pregnancies, but surgical treatment remains the most common.

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