Secondary Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis at Autopsy

A 25-year-old female, a third gravida, presented with seven months amenorrhoea and acute pain in abdomen. At the time of admission, foetal heart sounds were inaudible. The woman died within 36 hours of admission before diagnosis could be established and appropriate treatment instituted. A medico-legal autopsy was conducted following allegations of death due to negligence. Autopsy revealed a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (abdominal type).