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Transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in surgically verified ectopic pregnancy
K A Burry1, A S Thurmond, T D Suby-Long
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098.
Objective:
Our purpose was to evaluate transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in ectopic pregnancies for positive ultrasonographic sign(s).
Study Design:
Eighty-nine patients admitted with an ectopic pregnancy from September 1987 through September 1989 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-nine had undergone transvaginal ultrasonography within 10 days before surgery. The ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed by four radiologists.
Results:
Ultrasonography revealed adnexal masses in 54 patients (78%). Thirty-six masses had an appearance consistent with an adnexal ring. Twenty-four adnexal rings demonstrated a thin sonolucent area surrounding the ring, a "halo sign" (67%). A control group of 116 intrauterine pregnancies were evaluated by ultrasonography. Forty-one women had adnexal cysts. Twenty-seven of these had an adnexal ring; only two of these had halos.
Conclusion:
The halo sign is presumptive evidence of a living ectopic pregnancy and, when identified, may allow earlier diagnosis and intervention.