Primary application of three-dimensional ultrasonography to early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Preliminary evaluation of three-dimensional (3D) imaging for early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Twelve asymptomatic patients before six weeks of amenorrhea and with no feature of intrauterine nor of ectopic pregnancy at traditional bidimensional ultrasonography were considered. Laparoscopy showed ectopic pregnancy in 9 cases. 3D transvaginal ultrasonography preceeding laparoscopy showed small ectopic gestational sac in 4 cases. Moreover the fallopian tube on the side of ectopic pregnancy could be imaged in all cases. This was possible because the fallopian tube was surrounded by a fine hypoechogenic border, an apparently specific feature which had not been reported previously. These preliminary data suggest that 3D ultrasonography is an effective procedure for early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in asymptomatic patients before six weeks of amenorrhea.