Ultrasound diagnosis of an unruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy with placenta accreta: a case report.

Background: Rudimentary Horn Pregnancy (RHP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that can closely resemble abdominal pregnancy both clinically and on ultrasound imaging. Therefore, prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent severe complications. Case presentation: This report describes a case involving a primiparous woman at 20 weeks of gestation. A routine antenatal ultrasound revealed a fetus within a right rudimentary uterine horn with placental implantation. During the early stages of pregnancy, the patient exhibited no symptoms. However, she developed abdominal pain, necessitating an emergency laparotomy. Surgical management included the excision of the right rudimentary horn along with the fallopian tube. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and the timely surgical intervention prevented the potential complications of uterine rupture and severe hemorrhage. Discussion: Early diagnosis of RHP poses a significant challenge, making ultrasound an essential tool for detection and diagnosis. As pregnancies within a rudimentary horn are at high risk for rupture, especially during the second or third trimester, timely diagnosis before rupture is imperative. In this regard, regular ultrasound screening during early pregnancy can improve the likelihood of identifying this condition at an earlier stage, reducing the potential for severe complications. Conclusion: This case highlights the crucial role of ultrasound in diagnosing RHP and underscores the importance of enhanced clinical awareness. Prompt identification and management are important for minimizing maternal and fetal risks associated with this rare condition.