Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse
Published on: October 24, 2017
The diagnostic performance of ultrasound in the detection of ectopic pregnancy
Lee Young1, Cecilia Barnard2, Elisabeth Lewis3
1Radiology Registrar, Department of Radiology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton.
Background:
Accurate diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is essential in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is the accepted imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (EP).
Aims:
To assess the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in the detection of EP in consecutive women presenting for ultrasound to a radiology department with a clinical suspicion of EP.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 585 women presenting for TVUS over a 2.5-year period was performed. Women were classified as having a confirmed EP on the basis of surgery and histology. Women with a suspected EP who were treated medically or expectantly were also included.
Results:
Eighty-seven women had a confirmed EP and 29 women had a suspected EP. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for the detection of confirmed EP was 88.5% and 96.5% on the initial TVUS and 93.1% and 95.7% with an additional rescan.
Conclusion:
TVUS in the radiology setting of a tertiary hospital has excellent diagnostic performance for the detection of EP.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:24Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography