Outcomes of Cesarean Scar Pregnancies in Early Gestation According to the New Delphi Consensus Criteria

J Ultrasound Med. 2023 Sep;42(9):2039-2044. doi: 10.1002/jum.16222. Epub 2023 Mar 17.

Abstract

Objectives: Clinical evaluation of the new Delphi consensus definition of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) in early gestation.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 36 women diagnosed with CSP and treated with combined local and systemic methotrexate (MTX) between 2008 and 2021. The CSPs were classified according to the new Delphi consensus criteria into three subgroups based on the depth of the gestational sac herniation in the sagittal plane. Subgroup A included 8 (22.2%) cases in which the largest part of the gestational sac protruded toward the uterine cavity. Subgroup B included 22 (61.1%) cases in which the largest part of the gestational sac was embedded in the myometrium, and subgroup C included 6 (16.7%) cases in which the gestational was partially located outside the outer contour of the cervix or uterus.

Results: The β-HCG level upon admission was significantly lower in subgroup A than in subgroups B or C (11,075 ± 7109, 18,787 ± 16,585, and 58,273 ± 55,267 mIU/mL, respectively, P = .01). All subgroup C patients had repeated courses of MTX and surgical interventions (laparotomy, uterine artery embolization, and operative hysteroscopy) at double the rate of subgroups A or B (100, 50, and 40.9%, respectively, P = .036). The duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in subgroup A than in subgroups B or C (1.9 ± 1.5, 2.1 ± 1.1, and 5.4 ± 4.9 days, P = .01).

Conclusions: The outcome according to Delphi consensus criteria for defining CSP in early gestation has implications for clinical decision-making, patient care, and the follow-up of CSP.

Keywords: Cesarean scar pregnancy; caesarean delivery; ultrasound; uterine niche; uterine scar.

MeSH terms

  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects
  • Cicatrix* / complications
  • Cicatrix* / diagnostic imaging
  • Delphi Technique
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic* / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Methotrexate