Surviving Fetus from a Full Term Abdominal Pregnancy

Abstract

Background Abdominal pregnancy refers to a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that has been implanted in the peritoneal cavity. Clinical suspicion combined with ultrasound is important for early diagnosis. A surviving fetus from an abdominal pregnancy is extremely rare. Case Presentation Herein we report on a case of advanced abdominal pregnancy in a Gravida-III Abortion-II mother who presented with worsening abdominal pain of 1 week duration associated with fetal movement and managed successfully with an outcome of a live neonate and no maternal complication. Conclusion A live neonate from term abdominal pregnancy is a rare occurrence. Early diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy is crucial to avoid potentially catastrophic maternal complications even though our patient, fortunately, has a smooth postoperative course. A high level of suspicion combined with ultrasound is helpful in reaching a diagnosis. Skill advancement for radiologists and non-radiology professionals involved in obstetric ultrasound is recommended to avoid misdiagnosis, as in our case. Careful post-operative evaluation is important to look for maternal and fetal complications.

Chronicles of an uncommon term abdominal pregnancy with successful outcome: a case report

“…Although our case had a normal live baby girl delivered with no abnormalities reported after a pediatric team assessment, it is important to note that intra-abdominal pregnancy carries several life-threatening complications to the fetus both during pregnancy and after delivery. A fetal death rate of 40–90% and 21% neonatal deformity rate has been reported [ 22 ]. Lower live birth rates of 8.6% has been reported in a case review of 314 cases [ 18 ].…”