Conventional B-mode and transvaginal color Doppler in ultrasound assessment of ectopic pregnancy

The study was arranged in two parts. In the first part, 43 of the clinically suspected ectopic pregnancies were sent for a transvaginal color Doppler examination. Both cystic and complex adnexal masses were carefully scanned for their Doppler flow characteristics. The Pourcelot index (RI) was calculated and the RI 0.40 was used as a cut-off point to differentiate the trophoblastic (RI less than 0.40) and the normal blood flow (RI greater than 0.40). The diagnosis was confirmed by the beta hCG serum test. Three false-negative and one false-positive findings were obtained. The transvaginal color and pulsed Doppler study of the flow within ectopic pregnancy has a high degree of sensitivity (87.5%), specificity (94.7%) and accuracy (90.7%). Pelvic sonograms of another 110 patients with proven ectopic pregnancy were reviewed retrospectively. The ectopic gestational sac with the alive embryo was documented in 11.8% cases and without the embryo in 30.4% cases. A mixed, solid or cystic adnexal mass was detected in 57.8% patients. Intrauterine findings showed a pseudogestational sac in 13.6% cases, a cluster configuration in 18.6% cases and a linear configuration in 67.8% cases. Criteria for the ultrasound diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy influencing its specificity, sensitivity and accuracy are discussed.