Broad ligament ectopic pregnancy at 18 weeks: diagnosis and management in a resource-limited setting (a case report)

Abstract

Broad ligament ectopic pregnancy is a relatively rare condition described in the literature. We did not find enough data concerning this subject in Cameroon. It is therefore important to know about its existence because late management can lead to increased maternal mortality. This paper reports the case of a 22-year-old lady at 18 weeks gestation who had generalized abdominal pain for two months. Prior to her arrival at our service, an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound done revealed a viable singleton 18-weeks intra-abdominal pregnancy with a moderate amount of abdominal fluid collection. The diagnosis of haemorrhagic shock complicating an abdominal pregnancy at 18 weeks of gestation was retained. An emergency laparotomy was done, and a right total salpingectomy and oophorectomy with resection of the right broad ligament were carried out. After surgery, dissection of the mass revealed a non-viable male foetus weighing 218 grams. In conclusion, there´s a very high morbidity and mortality rate associated with broad ligament pregnancies. Due to the fact that there is late access to antenatal care, the prognosis of pathologic pregnancies is endangered.