Heterotopic pregnancy from in vitro fertilization.

A case of heterotopic or combined intrauterine and tubal ectopic pregnancy is described following in vitro fertilization and the transfer of five four-cell embryos. The phenomenon is known to be related to ovarian stimulation by gonadotropin therapy, and there is an increased risk with underlying tubal disease. This patient had both variables. Techniques applied at the time of embryo transfer are also implicated, namely, the use of culture medium with 50% maternal serum to convey the embryos to the uterus, the catheterization method, and the position of the patient during transfer.