Diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy by retrograde selective salpingography and intraluminal methotrexate...

Selective retrograde trans-cervical salpingography was carried out in four patients in whom ectopic pregnancy was suspected. The Fallopian tube was catheterized using a catheter set designed in our centre. The 6F catheter was placed in the cornua and an inner coaxial catheter was easily introduced into the proximal portion of the Fallopian tube, guided by tactile impression. Contrast medium was then injected and a round haloed mass was seen. Thereafter, the Fallopian tube was catheterized using a metallic guidewire until its tip was adjacent to the ectopic pregnancy. The coaxial catheter was then advanced along the guidewire and after removal of the latter, 5-35 mg of methotrexate was injected into the Fallopian tube. This new procedure was simple, well tolerated and had no side effects. A tubal pregnancy was demonstrated and surgery was avoided in all cases.