Application of ultrasound in hepatic pregnancy: a case report and literature review

Abstract

As an ectopic pregnancy, hepatic pregnancy is extremely rare. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent acute bleeding caused by the invasion of trophoblasts into maternal hepatic vessels. Here, we report a case of hepatic pregnancy diagnosed by ultrasonography in early pregnancy. Diagnostic laparoscopy, followed by laparotomy, was carried out and the intrahepatic mass was excised, and pathological results confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. Based on a current literature review, this report aims to investigate the ultrasonic features of hepatic pregnancy and summarize the application of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic pregnancy.

Keywords

• abdominal pregnancy
• ectopic pregnancy
• ultrasonography
• hepatic pregnancy
• preoperative diagnosis