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Outcomes of ultrasound diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Dependence on observer experience
J C Wojak1, M J Clayton, T E Nolan
1Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans 70112, USA.
Background:
The effect of examiner experience on the detection of ultrasound findings in ectopic pregnancy was assessed in a retrospective study.
Methods:
Records and examinations of 267 consecutive patients with surgically proven ectopic pregnancy were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) those who were examined by faculty during the day (182 examinations) and (2) those who were examined by resident physicians at night (85 examinations).
Results:
A statistical difference was found in the incidence of adnexal mass, free fluid, sac within the mass, and corpus luteum cyst.
Conclusion:
Examiner experience has a strong effect on the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound examination. Adnexal abnormalities may be difficult to identify because of confusion with loops of bowel or other pelvic structures. Faculty follow-up and review are important in patient management.