report of a case of primary abdominal pregnancy

ectopic pregnancy (ep) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the embryo implants outside the uterine endometrial cavity. abdominal pregnancy is an atypical site wherein the product of conception lies totally outside the reproductive tract. primary abdominal pregnancy is a very rare condition with a high mortality rate. diagnosis is often late or misdiagnosed. the aim of introducing this case report is to present a new case of early primary abdominal pregnancy. despite regular menstrual bleeding and contraception with iud (intrauterine device), this pregnancy occurred in a 24-year old woman. emergency laparotomy was performed because of abdominal pain, unstable condition and positive urine pregnancy test. it revealed more than 1500 ml of blood in the abdominal cavity. the uterus, both fallopian tubes and ovaries were completely intact. a 3x4 cm mass lateral to the left utersacral ligament was observed and resected. since iud strings could not be identified, endometrial currettage was performed and then the iud was removed. histological report of the mass and tissue of uterine cavity was placental villi and secretory endometrium, respectively, which according to studdifords criteria is a new case of early primary abdominal pregnancy. to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, early recognition of ectopic pregnancy is critical. according to review of the literature and the case report, a high index of suspicion is vital for the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy because the signs and symptoms of ep overlap with many surgical and gynecologic conditions. with early diagnosis of ep, we can suggest many therapeutic options and also retain fertility (if desired by patient), while minimizing disease and treatment-related morbidity.