ADVANCED ABDOMINAL ECTOPIC PREGNANCY WITH PROLONGED FETAL DEMISE AND ACUTE OBSTRUCTIVE ABDOMEN: A RARE CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov17n3-189Keywords:
Lithopedion, Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy, Fetal Demise, Acute Abdomen, Laparotomy, Social VulnerabilityAbstract
We report a rare case of advanced abdominal ectopic pregnancy with prolonged fetal demise that progressed to acute obstructive abdomen in a 39-year-old multiparous woman living in a socially vulnerable setting and with a history of polysubstance use. The case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of abdominal ectopic pregnancies, a condition associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality, in which early detection is often hindered by nonspecific symptoms and the absence of prenatal care. The diagnosis was initially suggested by ultrasonography and subsequently confirmed by exploratory laparotomy, which revealed a deceased fetus freely located within the abdominal cavity, a thrombosed placenta, and extensive intestinal adhesions, consistent with acute intestinal obstruction. A multidisciplinary surgical approach, involving both obstetrics and general surgery teams, enabled safe removal of the retained fetus, adhesiolysis, and resolution of the obstructive process, resulting in a favorable maternal outcome. This case underscores the importance of continuous obstetric surveillance, comprehensive women’s healthcare, and strengthened care networks for socially vulnerable populations, in whom severe conditions may remain undetected for prolonged periods.
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