Interstitial pregnancy

Interstitial pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy where the embryo implants in the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is considered high risk due to the potential for rupture and life-threatening hemorrhage.

Causes

The exact cause of interstitial pregnancy is unknown, but it is thought to occur when the embryo is unable to travel down the fallopian tube and into the uterus as it normally would. This can be due to a number of factors, including pelvic inflammatory disease, previous ectopic pregnancy, or tubal surgery.

Symptoms

The symptoms of interstitial pregnancy are similar to those of other types of ectopic pregnancy and can include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and shoulder tip pain. However, because the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube can expand more than other parts, symptoms may not appear until later in the pregnancy, often around the 12th week.

Diagnosis

Interstitial pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose because it can appear similar to an intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound. However, certain features on ultrasound, such as an empty uterus and a mass in the cornual region of the uterus, can suggest an interstitial pregnancy. A serum beta-hCG test can also be used to help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment for interstitial pregnancy typically involves surgery to remove the pregnancy and repair the fallopian tube. This can often be done laparoscopically. In some cases, methotrexate may be used to stop the growth of the pregnancy.

See also

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Tubal pregnancy
• Methotrexate

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