Ruptured ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy with copper intrauterine device in place: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy is a rare event, with 72 cases being reported since 1895. Concomitant use of reliable contraception at the time of hysterectomy makes pregnancy extremely unlikely, but, as this case illustrates, does not completely rule out the possibility of post-hysterectomy ectopic pregnancy. CASE: A 30-year-old woman experienced a ruptured fallopian tube ectopic pregnancy four weeks after a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and left salpingo-oophorectomy. At the time of her hysterectomy, a copper intrauterine device was in place. CONCLUSION: Women with ovaries who present with abdominal or pelvic pain should be evaluated for pregnancy regardless of contraceptive use or history of hysterectomy.