Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein associated with an asymptomatic tubal pregnancy at 20 weeks' gestation.

BACKGROUND

Most tubal ectopic pregnancies become symptomatic in the first trimester and rarely progress to the second trimester. Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) has rarely been associated with second-trimester tubal pregnancy. We present a case of a 20-week asymptomatic tubal pregnancy identified by elevated MSAFP.

CASE

An asymptomatic 22-year-old woman at 20 weeks' gestation was evaluated with a targeted fetal survey for an abnormally elevated MSAFP. The ultrasound examination revealed an extrauterine gestation. The patient was taken to exploratory laparotomy, and a total salpingectomy was performed.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, a second-trimester ectopic pregnancy must be considered in the differential diagnosis of elevated MSAFP. A careful ultrasound scan should rule out an extrauterine pregnancy.