Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy from a tertiary obstetrics hospital in Vietnam: A case series and literature review

Abstract

Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy is an uncommon condition in clinical practice, often associated with misdiagnosis and unconventional treatment. Delayed interventions can lead to poor prognosis and sometimes catastrophic situations. Due to the limited number of reported cases in the literature, an established treatment protocol has yet to be introduced. This case series presents three instances at a tertiary women's hospital in Vietnam. In cases 1 and 2, a single approach—either surgery or a chemo-regimen—was applied. However, the third patient was treated with a combination of both therapies. This series highlights an evolution in management, progressing from incomplete removal of the gestation to a comprehensive combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Additionally, high serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels and suspicious ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are crucial for establishing the diagnosis.