Ectopic pregnancy: a resident's guide to imaging findings and diagnostic pitfalls.

Houser, Margaret; Kandalaft, Nadeem; Khati, Nadia J.

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a term used to describe any pregnancy which does not implant into the uterine cavity. There are several types of EPs: tubal, interstitial, ovarian, abdominal, heterotopic, cervical, and cesarean scar. Ectopic pregnancies can acutely rupture and are the number one cause of maternal death in the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, prompt recognition and accurate localization have significant clinical implications on patient outcome. Unfortunately, EPs have many mimickers, which can make the diagnosis challenging in certain cases. In this review, we aim to describe and illustrate sonographic findings of each type of EP, as well as present mimickers and various imaging pitfalls. We will clarify how to avoid potential misdiagnoses that could adversely affect patient outcomes. Lastly, we will briefly address management of each type of EP and discuss potential complications.

ECTOPIC pregnancy; DIAGNOSTIC imaging; FIRST trimester of pregnancy; UTERUS

Emergency Radiology, 2022, Vol 29, Issue 1, p161

1070-3004

Academic Journal

10.1007/s10140-021-01974-7