A case report of pelvic infection as a major risk factor for ectopic gestation

Abstract

Introduction: Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world and ruptured ectopic is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women in their first trimester in Nigeria. This case report is to bring to the fore the importance of pelvic infection as a major cause of ectopic gestation in our environment as well as review other risk factors to help our women recognise and avoid them as well as the dangerous sequelae.

Methodology/ Result (Case report): This is a report of a 35 year old nullipara with 2 previous terminations of pregnancy via dilatation and curettage andprevious history of pelvic inflammatory disease who presented with 8 weeks history of amenorrhoea and 5 dayshistory of abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with right tubal gestation at 8 weeks for which she had rightsalpingectomy without sequelae. The loss of a fallopian tube reduced her chances of subsequently becomingpregnant and carrying the pregnancy to term.

Conclusion: The case highlights the importance of preventing and avoiding possible causes of pelvic infection including induced abortion to minimise the incidence of ruptured ectopic thus reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and infertility both of which remain high in our society.

Keywords: Ectopic gestation, Rupture ectopic pregnancy, Pelvic infection, Nigerian nullipara