Histomorphology of fallopian tubes in ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy can present as an acute life-threatening emergency when it ruptures and accounts for about 10% of all maternal mortalities. The fallopian tube is the most common site for ectopic pregnancy (90–95%). With an increasing incidence of ectopic pregnancy worldwide, a histopathological study of the resected fallopian tubes becomes important to look for predisposing/associated findings such as chronic salpingitis, salpingitis isthmica nodosa (SIN), and tuberculosis. Aim: The aim was to study the histomorphology of the fallopian tubes with ectopic gestation and note the presence of predisposing factors such as chronic salpingitis, SIN, and granulomas in association with ectopic. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. The study was conducted on fallopian tube specimens with a clinical diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Sections from the fallopian tubes were studied for the presence of chorionic villi confirming the tubal gestation. The fallopian tubal wall was screened for features of chronic salpingitis, SIN, granulomas, Walthard cell rests, and any other related pathological findings. Results: Ninety cases were included in the study. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 40 years with a peak in the third decade (71.11%). Chronic salpingitis was seen in 20 cases (22.22%), SIN in 11 cases (12.22%), and tuberculous salpingitis in one case. Conclusion: Histopathological examination of the resected fallopian tubal ectopics can provide an insight into the etiopathogenesis of ectopic pregnancy. In some cases, it can also aid in the treatment modality to prevent a recurrent ectopic.