Silent yet deadly: a case series of chronic ectopic pregnancies presenting atypically

Abstract

Chronic ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition that is diagnostically challenging because of a variety of clinical presentations. Often, chronic ectopic may pose diagnostic conundrum due to unusual presentations. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a widespread female problem worldwide which could lead to ectopic pregnancy among reproductive age women. This series aims to diagnose it early and assess the co-relation between pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic ectopic pregnancy. This hospital-based case series was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ESIC Model Hospital, Bapunagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat over a period of 4 years from December 2021 to December 2025. A total of 7 patients were included in the study. Data was collected retrospectively and analyzed. We must keep ectopic pregnancy as differential diagnosis in all reproductive age group women presenting with pain in abdomen regardless of other symptom particularly with pelvic mass. Occurrence of ectopic pregnancy has a strong association with pelvic inflammatory disease. Negative urine pregnancy test does not rule out chronic ectopic pregnancy. Use of MTP pills without prior confirmation of intra-uterine pregnancy mask the symptoms and delays the diagnosis of an existing ectopic gestation. Pelvic inflammatory diseases have a strong causal association with chronic ectopic pregnancy.