Pregnancy in liver? How this woman in UP got the shock of her life when she went for an MRI for ‘persistent abdominal pain’ – Times of India

In a shocking and extremely rare incident, a 30-year-old woman from Bulandshahr UP, discovered that she was pregnant, but the fetus was developing not in her uterus, but her liver! Yes, you heard that right. The woman, who was experiencing severe abdominal pain since the last few days, finally got an MRI. The results were astonishing – a live 12-week-old fetus, in the right lobe of her liver.This condition, though extremely rare, is called Hepatic Ectopic Pregnancy, and occurs in only 0.03% of ectopic pregnancies. This type of pregnancy is not feasible, and has to be medically terminated to save the pregnant woman. Let’s learn more about this condition.What is Hepatic Ectopic PregnancyEctopic pregnancy develops when an embryo implants outside the uterus, primarily within the fallopian tubes. Hepatic ectopic pregnancy occurs when this process occurs in the liver. (though any kind of ectopic pregnancy is not feasible, and needs to be terminated) Let’s find out more..What is Hepatic Ectopic pregnancyThe embryo requires the uterus for safe development, after fertilisation occurs. Ectopic pregnancies develop when embryos implant themselves at places, beyond their natural location. The fallopian tube is the most common area for ectopic pregnancy occurrence.The rare condition known as hepatic ectopic pregnancy on the other hand, occurs when an embryo embeds itself on the exterior surface of the liver, outside the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is very rare. According to reports, fewer than two dozen documented cases have occurred throughout the last several decades.

The pregnancy is not viable, as the liver lacks proper structural elements to support embryonic development, thus preventing normal growth. The condition becomes dangerous, because it is difficult to detect early in its development.What leads to Hepatic Ectopic pregnancyThe development of hepatic ectopic pregnancy results from an improper fertilised egg movement. The embryo follows the wrong path into the abdominal space, instead of proceeding to the uterus.Several reasons might contribute, including:A blocked or damaged fallopian tube creates an obstacle for the embryo to travel to the uterus.The development of ectopic pregnancies outside the uterus has been linked to previous pelvic infections, or surgical procedures that modified normal pathways.The process of IVF increases the possibility of ectopic pregnancies occurring beyond the uterus.The specific origins of hepatic ectopic pregnancy remain unclear, because it occurs so rarely.Symptoms of Hepatic Ectopic pregnancyHepatic ectopic pregnancy results in symptoms that can be mistaken for other medical conditions because of its position. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal discomfort specifically located in the liver area, and on the right side.Vaginal bleeding, or irregular bleeding.The symptoms of nausea and vomiting often get mistaken for liver or stomach conditions.Some patients report mild symptoms at first, which develop gradually throughout days or weeks before reaching their peak.The expanding pregnancy can result in a liver surface rupture which then leads to:Severe and sudden pain in the upper abdomen or right side where the liver resides.Internal bleeding inside the abdominal region.The body experiences reduced blood pressure, and symptoms of dizziness, as well as shock.Internal bleeding symptoms include pale skin, together with weakness and fainting episodes.The atypical pregnancy signs might resemble gallbladder disease or liver infection, since pregnancy does not cause these otherwise.Why is it dangerousHepatic ectopic pregnancy poses risks, because the liver contains numerous blood vessels throughout its structure. The embryo attaching to the liver surface, creates the risk of liver tissue and blood vessel rupture.Rupture and heavy internal bleeding: The expanding pregnancy causes liver tissue and blood vessels to stretch until they break, leading to potentially fatal bleeding.Shock: The body enters shock when it loses a large amount of blood, since organs then receive inadequate blood supply and oxygen. This is a medical emergency.The surgical removal of an ectopic pregnancy becomes challenging because the liver’s vital functions and increased bleeding risk, make the procedure more complicated.The difficulty of detecting hepatic ectopic pregnancy in its early stages combined with its rarity, can even cause ruptured organs and severe bleeding.References:Wang et al., Imaging diagnosis of hepatic ectopic pregnancy, 2006Wikipedia, Ectopic pregnancy overviewChen et al., Management of primary hepatic pregnancy: A case reportGuo et al., Primary Hepatic Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Laparoscopic TreatmentTheHealthSite, Hepatic ectopic pregnancy symptomsDisclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice