Abstract | CONTEXT: Though relatively rare, advanced abdominal pregnancy ( AAP) can have dramatic and catastrophic consequences for the foetus and the mother. Difficult to diagnose pre-operatively, AAP presents special challenges to the physician working in remote areas with limited resources for diagnosis and management. ISSUE: CASE REPORT: A case of AAP received in our hospital in Kolofata, Cameroon, is presented and followed by a review of 163 other cases reported from 13 countries since 1946. LESSONS LEARNED: A physician working in a remote district with an active maternity service should expect to encounter several cases of AAP during his or her working lifetime. Pre-operative diagnosis of AAP allows time for thoughtful preparation of the patient, family and medical team; however, to be diagnosed, AAP must first be considered. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, and this should be triggered by any of a number of symptoms and signs reported in many cases of AAP. An unusual echographic appearance of the placenta was present in our case and prompted a more thorough investigation that confirmed the diagnosis. This finding has been reported by others and should be added to the list of signs and symptoms that might lead to a diagnosis of AAP in time to save the surgeon from an unpleasant and dangerous surprise.
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Authors | Daniel Nkusu Nunyalulendho, Ellen M Einterz |
Journal | Rural and remote health
(Rural Remote Health)
2008 Oct-Dec
Vol. 8
Issue 4
Pg. 1087
ISSN: 1445-6354 [Electronic] Australia |
PMID | 19053177
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
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Topics |
- Adult
- Cameroon
- Female
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Maternal Health Services
- Maternal Welfare
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Outcome
- Pregnancy, Abdominal
(diagnosis, surgery)
- Rural Population
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