[The importance of ultrasound in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy]

Ultrasonography was applied on 305 patients where ectopic pregnancy was suspected. In 65 (21.3%) the diagnosis was later confirmed and 240 (78.7%) patients did not conceive outside of the uterus. Ultrasonographic findings were classified as positive, suspect, negative, false positive, and false negative. A positive predictive value (79%) and a negative predictive value (91%) of ultrasonography were determined. The false positive rate was 2.9% and the false negative rate 29.2%. A combined use of ultrasonography and beta HCG determinations offers new possibilities for a more reliable diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.