Rare Case of Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy Managed at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar

Kharghar: A team led by Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, successfully treated a 33-year-old woman who became pregnant just seven months after a C-section delivery.

The patient, Mrs. Harshali Shriniwas Palsodkar, had a history of complicated pregnancies, including an ectopic pregnancy, and her rare cornual ectopic pregnancy went unnoticed until a routine check-up. Timely diagnosis and laparoscopic surgery helped address the condition and prevent serious complications.

Mrs. Harshali Shriniwas Palsodkar, an IT professional residing in Navi Mumbai, had a challenging journey to motherhood. In 2020, she experienced a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, leading to the removal of one fallopian tube.

She later conceived again and delivered her baby boy via C-section. Just seven months after this birth, she discovered she was pregnant again and sought care from Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha.

Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha explained, “After seven months postpartum, the patient realized her periods were delayed. A pregnancy test confirmed she was pregnant. During the vaginal and abdominal sonography, the pregnancy was difficult to detect. Even ultrasound did not show pregnancy inside the uterus or fallopian tubes, leading to a suspicion of ectopic pregnancy or another complication. The beta HCG test was done for further evaluation. A repeated ultrasound, performed after a week, revealed the pregnancy was in the cornual part of the uterus, a rare location, particularly on the same side where the fallopian tube had been previously removed.”

Cornual ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition where the embryo implants in the upper part of the uterus near the fallopian tubes. Although the pregnancy was outside the uterine cavity, it was still within the uterine wall, making detection difficult. Interstitial pregnancy accounts for approximately 2-4% of ectopic pregnancies, occurring in about 1 in 2500 to 1 in 5000 pregnancies.

“Cornual ectopic pregnancy can be mistaken for other conditions, such as fibroids or polyps, especially if the ultrasound is not detailed. In this case, the fertilized egg may have migrated towards the cornual region after fertilization.

Such pregnancies are high-risk as they can cause rupture of major blood vessels after 8-10 weeks, leading to severe internal bleeding. For this patient, frequent follow-up exams, beta hCG tests, and high-quality sonography were essential to detect the pregnancy early and prevent complications,” said Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha.

The patient was scheduled for laparoscopic surgery to remove the pregnancy and prevent rupture. The surgery was performed successfully, and the uterus was preserved. The procedure was carried out under the guidance of Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha, Dr. Ujjwal Mahajan, and Dr. Anita Roy at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar.

Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha emphasized the importance of awareness and regular check-ups, especially for women with a history of complicated pregnancies. “Even if you are lactating or not having regular periods, it is important to take a pregnancy test if there is any suspicion. Hormonal changes during lactation can mask pregnancy symptoms, so tracking any unusual signs and seeking medical attention is essential. Regular follow-ups, beta hCG monitoring, and detailed ultrasounds are critical in detecting potential risks like cornual ectopic pregnancy early.”

Sharing her experience, Mrs. Harshali Shriniwas Palsodkar said, “My pregnancy journey has been challenging. Conceiving during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was difficult due to restricted hospital access. I often felt dizzy and was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy at nine weeks with enlarged fallopian tubes. Although surgery was planned for the following month, my fallopian tube ruptured the next day, requiring immediate surgery and removal of my left tube. I had lost hope of conceiving again, but I unexpectedly became pregnant in December 2023 and delivered my baby boy in August 2024.

In December 2024, I conceived again, but ultrasounds could not detect where the sac had developed, despite positive HCG levels. After consulting Dr. Surabhi, detailed tests confirmed a rare cornual ectopic pregnancy, requiring immediate laparoscopic surgery. Thanks to the timely intervention at Motherhood Hospital, I received the necessary care.

My journey has been difficult, but I am now recovering well. To all mothers, I recommend not ignoring even minor symptoms—preventive checkups and consultations are important. Early detection through routine ultrasounds, HCG tests, and gynaecological screenings can help diagnose complications like ectopic pregnancies before they become severe.”

This case underscores the role of early detection, regular monitoring, and medical intervention in managing rare and high-risk pregnancies like cornual ectopic pregnancy. With timely diagnosis and laparoscopic surgery, the team at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, successfully managed the condition and prevented complications.