Revisiting ectopic pregnancy: a pictorial essay

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ectopic pregnancy affects 1.4% of pregnancies and causes 15% of pregnancy-related deaths.
• Nonspecific symptoms like pain, bleeding, and adnexal mass necessitate advanced diagnostic tools.
• Early diagnosis is vital due to high mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the sonographic appearance of diverse ectopic pregnancy types.
• To enhance the accuracy and speed of ectopic pregnancy diagnosis through imaging.
• To provide a comprehensive guide for clinicians evaluating pelvic symptoms in pregnant patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of sonographic findings for various ectopic pregnancy presentations.
• Utilizing transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography for initial evaluation.
• Categorization of ectopic pregnancies including tubal, cornual, cesarean scar, cervical, heterotopic, abdominal, and ovarian.

Main Results:

• Ultrasonography is the primary imaging modality for suspected ectopic pregnancy.
• Distinct sonographic features differentiate various types of ectopic pregnancies.
• Imaging plays a critical role in overcoming diagnostic challenges posed by nonspecific symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Accurate and prompt diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is achievable through detailed sonographic evaluation.
• Understanding the sonographic characteristics of different ectopic pregnancy types improves patient outcomes.
• This review serves as a resource for identifying ectopic pregnancies via ultrasound.