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Chronic ectopic pregnancy. A comparison with acute ectopic pregnancy
European Journal of Radiology
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Chronic ectopic pregnancy, a pelvic hematocele from minor ruptures, presents uniquely. It may have negative beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and distinct sonographic findings compared to acute cases.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Gynecologic Pathology
Background:
- Ectopic tubal pregnancies can present as pelvic hematoceles due to recurrent minor ruptures.
- This condition is often mislabeled as "chronic" ectopic pregnancy, a term describing the mass appearance, not duration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and sonographic characteristics of "chronic" ectopic pregnancy.
- To determine the incidence and diagnostic markers of this entity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 149 ectopic pregnancy cases.
- Evaluation of clinical presentation, operative findings, and sonographic imaging.
- Serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) level assessment.
Main Results:
- "Chronic" ectopic pregnancy (pelvic hematocele) was identified in 28% of cases.
- Fifty percent of patients with this condition had negative serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) levels.
- Sonographic appearance differed significantly from acute ectopic pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- "Chronic" ectopic pregnancy is a distinct entity characterized by pelvic hematocele formation.
- Its diagnosis can be challenging, especially with negative beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and requires specific sonographic recognition.