Most emergency physicians will agree that bleeding and abdominal pain in women of child-bearing age is considered an ectopic pregnancy until proven otherwise. Ectopic pregnancy remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. A high index of suspicion is necessary for early intervention and reduction in morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include previous salpingo-oophoritis, ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery or ligation, use of an intrauterine device, hormonal therapy, and, more recently, in vitro fertilization. In addition, this case emphasizes the possibility of ectopic pregnancy in women with a history of hysterectomy without bilateral oophorectomy.
