Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and management of unruptured interstitial pregnancy

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis and management of suspicious unruptured interstitial pregnancy. Material and Methods Only patients with unruptured interstitial pregnancy evaluated by MRI and observed for at least a year after surgery were included. Initial evaluation was performed by measurement of serum β-human chorionic gonadotrophin level and ultrasonography. In suspicious cases, emergency MRI was performed to diagnose interstitial pregnancies with the exclusion of rudimentary horn pregnancy and angular pregnancy. Three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) angiography was additionally performed if the uteroplacental neovascularization needed to be evaluated. Then, management procedures were individually determined along with the need for preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for immediate devascularization, and for the local or systemic administration of methotrexate. Either laparoscopic cornuostomy or cornual resection was chosen to excise the gestational mass. Results Five consecutive women with unruptured interstitial pregnancy were enrolled. One case each of rudimentary horn pregnancy and angular pregnancy was excluded. Three-dimensional CT angiography was performed in three cases due to increased vascular flow on color Doppler ultrasonography. Preoperative devascularization by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was performed in two cases, in which a prominent neovascularized gestational mass was identified. Uterine preservation was achieved by cornuostomy or cornual resection in all cases. Two patients with a desire to become pregnant conceived spontaneously thereafter, followed by successful cesarean birth. Conclusion This small case series emphasizes that precise localization of gestational products in the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube by MRI can facilitate the minimally invasive management of unruptured interstitial pregnancy for uterine preservation.