Rare Implantation Sites of Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Series of Ovarian and Hepatic Pregnancy and Review of Diagnostic Challenges.

Background

Ectopic pregnancy remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity in early pregnancy. While most ectopic pregnancies happen within the fallopian tube, implantation may rarely occur in atypical locations such as the ovary or abdominal cavity. These rare forms often present with nonspecific clinical findings and may represent a considerable diagnostic challenge.

Methods

We report a case series of three rare ectopic pregnancies managed at a tertiary referral center. Two cases involved ovarian pregnancy, and one case represented an exceptionally rare hepatic ectopic pregnancy. Clinical presentation, diagnostic pathway, surgical management, and outcomes were analyzed and compared with available literature.

Results

In the first two cases, ovarian pregnancy was confirmed intraoperatively and treated surgically, with ovarian preservation in one patient and adnexectomy in the other due to active bleeding. The third case had an unusual course: initial surgery was performed for hemoperitoneum caused by a ruptured corpus luteum cyst, while persistent β-hCG elevation later led to identification of hepatic ectopic pregnancy, confirmed by imaging and surgery. All patients recovered favorably, with complete β-hCG negativization.

Conclusions

Rare ectopic implantation sites may mimic acute abdominal conditions and remain difficult to diagnose preoperatively. High clinical suspicion, serial β-hCG monitoring, and appropriate imaging are essential. Surgical management remains central, particularly in life-threatening bleeding. Standard algorithms for tubal ectopic pregnancy may not be fully applicable and should be adapted to the clinical context.