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Heterotopic triplets: tubal ectopic and twin intrauterine pregnancy. A review of obstetric outcomes with a case report

  • Materno-fetal Medicine
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Abstract

Introduction

Heterotopic triplets hardly take place, but nowadays the extended use of assisted reproductive technologies is increasing the ectopic pregnancies rate and subsequently the heterotopic pregnancies, leading to a potentially dangerous condition for the woman and the intrauterine pregnancy.

Material and methods

Fourteen cases previously reported in the literature of patients presenting an intrauterine twin pregnancy which became complicated by a tubal ectopic pregnancy have been reviewed. The case of a patient following a homologous intrauterine insemination treatment, resulting in live birth of both twins, is also described.

Conclusion

Although the diagnosis of heterotopic triplets with tubal ectopic is challenging, a timely surgical treatment will preserve intrauterine gestation with a great chance of a successful obstetric outcome for both twins.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, “Puerta del Mar” University Hospital, Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, 11009, Cádiz, Spain

    Fernando Bugatto, Rocío Quintero-Prado, Janette Kirk-Grohar, Victoria Melero-Jiménez, Blas Hervías-Vivancos & José L. Bartha

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  1. Fernando Bugatto
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  2. Rocío Quintero-Prado
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  3. Janette Kirk-Grohar
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  4. Victoria Melero-Jiménez
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  5. Blas Hervías-Vivancos
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  6. José L. Bartha
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Correspondence to Fernando Bugatto.

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Bugatto, F., Quintero-Prado, R., Kirk-Grohar, J. et al. Heterotopic triplets: tubal ectopic and twin intrauterine pregnancy. A review of obstetric outcomes with a case report. Arch Gynecol Obstet 282, 601–606 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1577-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1577-z

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