Mary Catherine Frates MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Peter Michael Doubilet MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hope Elizabeth Peters MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carol Beer Benson MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the frequency of extraovarian adnexal sonographic findings in patients with ectopic pregnancy, using state-of-the-art sonographic equipment.

All patients with pathologic or sonographic confirmation of ectopic pregnancy between July 1, 2008 and August 31, 2011 who underwent transvaginal sonography (TVS) prior to treatment were included. The sonogram performed closest to the point of treatment was retrospectively reviewed for the presence of an extraovarian adnexal mass and for moderate-to-large amount of free fluid. In cases with an adnexal mass, the presence of a tubal ring, yolk sac, or embryonic cardiac activity was recorded.

Our study population comprised 231 patients. A positive finding – adnexal mass and/or free fluid—was present in 220/231 patients (95.2%): adnexal mass in 218/231 (94.4%) and moderate-to-large amount of free fluid in 56/231(24.2%). Among our 231 study cases, sonography demonstrated a tubal ring in 75 (32.5%), a yolk sac in 19 (8.3%) and embryonic cardiac activity in 17 (7.4%). In 140 cases (60.6%), TVS demonstrated a nonspecific adnexal mass (without tubal ring, yolk sac or cardiac activity).

TVS demonstrates an adnexal abnormality in over 95% of patients with ectopic pregnancy. The most common finding is a nonspecific adnexal mass. A tubal ring is found in fewer than half of cases, and yolk sac and cardiac activity in less than 10%.

The most common sonographic finding in ectopic pregnancy is a nonspecific adnexal mass. A tubal ring is found in fewer than half of cases, and yolk sac and cardiac activity in less than 10%.

Frates, M, Doubilet, P, Peters, H, Benson, C, Extraovarian Adnexal Sonographic Findings in Ectopic Pregnancy: A Reappraisal.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12030822.html