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Primary application of three-dimensional ultrasonography to early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
G Harika1, R Gabriel, F Carre-Pigeon
1Clinique Obstétricale et Gynécologique Université de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, France.
Objective:
Preliminary evaluation of three-dimensional (3D) imaging for early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
Study Design:
Twelve asymptomatic patients before six weeks of amenorrhea and with no feature of intrauterine nor of ectopic pregnancy at traditional bidimensional ultrasonography were considered. Laparoscopy showed ectopic pregnancy in 9 cases.
Results:
3D transvaginal ultrasonography preceding laparoscopy showed small ectopic gestational sac in 4 cases. Moreover the fallopian tube on the side of ectopic pregnancy could be imaged in all cases. This was possible because the fallopian tube was surrounded by a fine hypoechogenic border, an apparently specific feature which had not been reported previously.
Conclusion:
These preliminary data suggest that 3D ultrasonography is an effective procedure for early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in asymptomatic patients before six weeks of amenorrhea.