Spontaneous Heterotopic Pregnancy Associated with Massive Intraperitoneal Haemorrhage and a Normal Heart Rate, Illustrating the Concept of Relative Bradycardia

Abstract

A 28-year-old, 9 and a half weeks pregnant (spontaneous conception) multigravida presented with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. On examination, her abdomen was diffusely tender, particularly in the right iliac fossa, though guarding was absent. Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated a viable intrauterine pregnancy and large-volume intraperitoneal haemoperitoneum; the right ovary could not be identified. The patient became hypotensive with decreased responsiveness, yet her heart rate remained normal. She proceeded to surgery where a ruptured right tubal ectopic pregnancy was identified and right salpingectomy was performed. Estimated blood loss was 3900ml. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Ultrasound 3 days after surgery demonstrated a viable intrauterine pregnancy of gestational age 9 weeks + 1 day. The patient remains well. Her anomaly scan at 20 weeks and 6 days showed normal growth, amniotic fluid, and Dopplers with no obvious structural defects. She is currently 27 weeks pregnant and will be rescanned at 36 weeks.