Retrospective analysis of effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound in the detection of ectopic pregnancy

Czech version

Authors: B. Kubešová; P. Líbalová; V. Simonová; J. Bucharová; J. Záhumenský
Authors‘ workplace: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika 3. LF UK a FNKV, Praha, přednosta doc. MUDr. E. Kučera, CSc.
Published in: Ceska Gynekol 2013; 78(4): 338-341

Overview

Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasonographic (US) scan in own group of patients.

Design:
Retrospective analysis.

Setting:
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Faculty Hospital Kralovské Vinohrady, Prague.

Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated the history, laboratory and ultrasound findings in a group of 115 patients, that have undergone a surgical procedure due to a positive diagnose or suspicion of ectopic pregnancy (EP). In all cases the diagnose of ectopic pregnancy was histologically confirmed.

Results:
67% of our patients were nulliparous, 10% of patients had a positive personal history of previous ectopic pregnancy, only 5% of pacients had a record of pelvic inflammatory disease in the past. Histological examination confirmed 96.5% (111/115) tubal, 1.7% (2/115) interstitial, 0.9% (1/115) ovarian and 0.9% (1/115) cervical ectopic pregnancy. Our transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) scan was successful in 76.5% (88/115). A pathological adnexal mass was visualised in 67% (77/115) cases. A negative ultrasound finding was observed in 23.5% (27/115) cases.

Conclusion:
The US detection of ectopic pregnancy by a single TVUS examination was successful in 76.5% (88/115) cases. Early detection of ectopic pregnancy by TVUS decreases the risk of rupture of different types of EP, decreases the rate of surgical interventions and also promotes conservative management of ectopic pregnancies.

Keywords:
diagnosis – ectopic pregnancy – transvaginal ultrasound – blob sign – bagel sign

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