Clinics in Mother and Child Health

Primary Peritoneal Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Allison Ebert^* Department of Health Care, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA
^*Correspondence: Allison Ebert, Department of Health Care, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA, Email:

Received: 01-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. CMCH-23-20399; Editor assigned: 03-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. CMCH-23-20399 (PQ); Reviewed: 17-Mar-2023, QC No. CMCH-23-20399; Revised: 24-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. CMCH-23-20399 (R); Published: 31-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2090-7214.23.20.454

About the Study

Primary Peritoneal Ectopic Pregnancy (PPEP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, but not in the fallopian tubes. Instead, the egg implants on the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. This condition is sometimes referred to as an abdominal pregnancy, and it is estimated to occur in about 1 in every 10,000 pregnancies. In this commentary, we will discuss the diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for PPEP.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of PPEP can be challenging because the symptoms can be vague and nonspecific. Women with PPEP may experience abdominal pain, pelvic pain, or vaginal bleeding, which are also common symptoms of other conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or miscarriage. In some cases, PPEP may be discovered during routine ultrasound examinations in early pregnancy, when the fertilized egg is still small and has not yet caused significant symptoms [1].

To confirm a diagnosis of PPEP, doctors may use imaging studies such as ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to visualize the location of the fertilized egg. They may also perform blood tests to measure levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta that is present in high levels during pregnancy. In cases of PPEP, hCG levels may be lower than expected for the stage of pregnancy, indicating that the placenta is not developing properly.

Causes

The exact cause of PPEP is not known, but there are several factors that may increase the risk of this condition. Women who have had pelvic surgery or who have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease may be more likely to develop PPEP [2]. In addition, women who have undergone In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies may be at increased risk of PPEP, as these procedures can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy in general.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PPEP can be similar to those of a normal pregnancy, including missed periods, nausea, and breast tenderness. However, women with PPEP may also experience abdominal pain or discomfort, which can range from mild to severe [3]. In some cases, the pain may be located on one side of the abdomen, and it may be accompanied by vaginal bleeding or spotting.

If left untreated, PPEP can lead to serious complications such as rupture of the peritoneum, which can cause severe bleeding and shock. In addition, if the fertilized egg grows too large, it can damage nearby organs such as the liver or spleen, which can lead to organ failure [4].

Treatment

The treatment of PPEP depends on the size and location of the fertilized egg, as well as the health of the mother. In some cases, PPEP may resolve on its own, especially if the fertilized egg is small and has not yet caused significant symptoms. However, in most cases, treatment is necessary to prevent complications.

One treatment option for PPEP is methotrexate, a medication that is used to stop the growth of the fertilized egg. Methotrexate is administered by injection, and it works by interfering with the development of the placenta. In some cases, additional doses of methotrexate may be necessary to fully resolve the pregnancy [5].

In cases where the fertilized egg is large or causing significant symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery may involve removal of the fertilized egg and surrounding tissue, or it may involve a more extensive procedure to repair any damage to nearby organs or tissues. In some cases, a laparoscopic procedure may be used, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a camera and specialized instruments to remove the fertilized egg and tissue.

References

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