Ectopic pregnancy (mri radiology)

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilised ovum outside of the uterine cavity.

The overall incidence has increased over the last few decades and is thought to affect 1-2% of pregnancies.

Ectopic pregnancy radiology assistant

The risk is as high as 18% for first-trimester pregnancies with bleeding ¹⁵.

Risk factors

The classic presentation is abdominal pain and bleeding. In practice, the symptoms are not necessarily severe - often there may be only mild pelvic pain and spotting in early pregnancy (5-9 weeks of amenorrhea ⁵).

Nonetheless, monitoring of hemodynamic status is crucial, as hemorrhage can be life-threatening.

Location

In the vast majority of cases, the ectopic implantation site is within a fallopian tube.

Markers

Serum beta HCG levels tend to increase at a slower rate.

Whereas a normal doubling rate in early pregnancy is approximately 48 hours, an increase of 50% or less in 48 hours is strongly suggestive of a non-viable (either intra- or extrauterine) pregnancy ¹¹. Rarely the urinary and/or serum b-HCG will be negative despite an ectopic pregnancy ¹³.

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will a ct scan show an ectopic pregnancy

can scan detect ectopic pregnancy