Diagnosis and management of ectopic ovarian pregnancy: a rare case report

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. Its incidence is 0.5% to 1% of all ectopic gestations, or 1 in 7000 to 40,000 live births. The diagnosis is intricate and based on surgical and histopathological observations. Traditional risk factors for ovarian ectopic pregnancy are similar to those for tubal pregnancy, but use of an IUD seems to be disproportionately associated. CASE REPORT: We report a rare case of spontaneous ectopic ovarian pregnancy of a 40-year-old woman, diagnosed with a ovarian pregnancy by ultrasound and treated by laparotomy in emergency obstetrical department of Ibn Rochd University Hospital of Casablanca. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Ovarian ectopic pregnancies occur through fertilization of an egg retained in the peritoneal cavity leading to implantation on the surface of the ovary. The increased incidence of ovarian ectopic pregnancies is associated with the increased use of artificial reproductive technologies (ART) and intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). The diagnosis is difficult and a constant challenge for the gynecologist. Its management remains surgical therapy despite the progress in medical treatment. CONCLUSION: Ovarian pregnancy is a rare entity that has some special features. Its diagnosis is difficult and relies on criteria based on intraoperative findings. Its management remains surgical therapy despite the progress in medical treatment.