Examination of curettage material for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

The histological characteristics of curettage material are described which raise the suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. In the period 1966 to 1975, 464 surgically removed pregnant uterine tubes and in 143 patients curettage material was also examined. On the basis of the curettage material, the suspicion of ectopic pregnancy arose in 109 cases (76%). In 34 curettage materials (24%) no histological sign referring to ectopic pregnancy was detected. Thus in three-fourth of cases examination of the endometrial specimen was of diagnostic value and indicated the necessity of surgery.