The diagnostic performance of ultrasound in the detection of ectopic pregnancy.

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.