Left cornual ectopic pregnancy: what to know

The term cornual is sometimes used for a pregnancy implanted in the uterine corner or in the part of a fallopian tube that passes through the uterine muscle. As the pregnancy grows, bleeding can occur inside the abdomen. Symptoms may include one-sided pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, or fainting, though symptoms can vary. Previous surgery, an altered fallopian tube, or pelvic inflammatory disease may affect risk, but the diagnosis depends on pregnancy tests and imaging rather than symptoms alone.

If pregnancy is possible and you have one-sided pain or bleeding, contact an urgent maternity or emergency service for assessment. Clinicians may use serial pregnancy hormone tests and a transvaginal ultrasound to locate the pregnancy and check for internal bleeding. Treatment is individualised and may involve medicine, a procedure, or surgery such as removal of the affected tube or pregnancy. Do not delay care while waiting for symptoms to become stronger.

Go to emergency care immediately for severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, marked weakness, shoulder-tip pain, or breathlessness. These symptoms can indicate internal bleeding. Even mild symptoms need prompt review when a pregnancy test is positive or pregnancy is possible, because an ectopic pregnancy can worsen without a predictable pattern.

Where is the pregnancy located on ultrasound? Is there evidence of bleeding? Which treatment is safest for my situation? How will treatment affect future fertility and follow-up? What symptoms require emergency care?