Unrecognized pregnancy in the overdosed or poisoned patient

A 22-year-old woman was found in bed unresponsive and hypotensive after an apparent overdose. Subsequent workup in the emergency department identified a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and extensive hemoperitoneum. A significant delay occurred when emergency physicians excluded the possibility of pregnancy because of the patientʹs normal menstrual history. A qualitative serum or urine pregnancy test is recommended in all women of child-bearing age who present with poisoning or drug overdose.