Transvaginal sonographic features in ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

A retrospective review of the transvaginal sonograms of 37 women with confirmed ectopic pregnancy was performed to characterize the findings from transvaginal sonography and correlate operative findings with sonographic features. Thirty-six of the 37 ectopic pregnancies were tubal pregnancies. Intrauterine findings showed an absence of gestational sac in all cases and a pseudosac in 1 case (7.14%). An ectopic gestational sac with a live embryo was documented in 2 cases (5.41%) and with embryo or yolk sac in 6 cases (16.22%) and nonspecific adnexal mass in 30 cases (81.08%). Fluid in the cul-de-sac was found in 22 cases (59.46%). Transvaginal sonography provides better access to the pelvic organ and allows a clear view of the uterus and adnexa, with no need to fill the bladder. Excellent visualization of the endometrial cavity permits the detection of even a very early intrauterine pregnancy and clearly shows the gestational sac where it is outside the uterine cavity. Blood and other fluids in the cul-de-sac can also be seen easily. This technic has reduced patients' risk by minimizing delay in diagnosis and treatment.