Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis and Management Approach: Literature Review

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which the fertilized ovum, or blastocyst, gets faultily implanted at a site other than the uterine endometrium. It is not an uncommon condition. It presents in early pregnancy and could be potentially lethal to the mother. Hence, thorough knowledge of its risk factors, how it happens, how to diagnose it and treat it in the acute setting are of great importance in health care providers. Objective: Our aim is to discuss ectopic pregnancy in terms of anatomical sites, risk factors, clinical presentation, and emergency treatment. Methods: We searched PubMed for ectopic pregnancy, and its anatomical sites, presentation, risk factors, and treatment as keywords. Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially lethal condition that might turn the expected joy of a family into misery. In the vast majority of cases, it is tubal. Yet, extra-tubal ectopic pregnancy is not uncommon. It should be always put at the top of the differential diagnosis, whenever a lady in her childbearing age shows with first-trimester vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain. Once the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, the patient should be first screened for the suitability of medical therapy using methotrexate before choosing a surgical approach.