[Simultaneous intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancy in the presence of inert intrauterine device: a case report].

The authors report a case of simultaneous intra-uterine and ectopic pregnancy in the presence of a Lippes loop (inert intra-uterine device) which appeared to have been well tolerated for four years. Predisposing factors appeared to be infection, evidenced by the peri-adnexal adhesions found at surgery for the ectopic pregnancy, together with spontaneous multiple ovulation. The intra-uterine pregnancy culminated in a spontaneous abortion. Although apparently very rare, the association of intra-uterine pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy in the presence of an intra-uterine device should be born in mind whenever intrauterine contraception fails.