Ectopic pregnancy

  • Implantation of the fetus at any site other than the uterus
  • Most commonly the tubes – 90%
  • Occur 1 in every 150 pregnancies
  • Most important predisposing condition is PID with chronic salpingitis
  • Clinical features include severe abdominal pain around 6 weeks after the last period
  • Patient may be in a shock like state if the tube has ruptured
  • In a tubal pregnancy, the placenta is poorly attached to the wall of the tube
  • Intratubal haemorrhage may then occur without tube rupture due to partial placental separation
  • The most common cause of hmatosalpinx is a tubal pregnancy
  • More commonly the placenta invades through the tubal wall and causes intraperitoneal haemorrhage
  • Less commonly the tubal pregnancy may undergo spontaneous regression and reabsortion
  • Even less commonly the tubal pregnancy is extruded through the fimbriated end into the abdominal cavity (tubal abortion)

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Disclaimer: These notes are my own personal study aid - DO NOT use them for medical advice!