早孕期绒毛膜隆起的超声表现及临床意义

目的探讨早孕期绒毛膜隆起的超声特点及其临床意义。方法回顾性分析在我院行早孕期经阴道超声检查的孕妇33 691例,其中绒毛膜隆起60例,剔除失访病例,共38例纳入绒毛膜隆起组;绒毛膜下血肿2257例,随机抽取其中365例,剔除失访病例后,共220例纳入绒毛膜下血肿组;从余下正常孕妇中随机抽取365例,剔除失访病例后,共235例纳入正常早孕组;比较各组超声图像特点;追踪绒毛膜隆起和绒毛膜下血肿孕妇妊娠结局,分析绒毛膜隆起对妊娠预后的影响。结果绒毛膜隆起表现为妊娠早期由底蜕膜面绒毛膜向妊娠囊内的局部不规则凸起,内无血流信号。38例绒毛膜隆起组中,8例胚胎停育;220例绒毛膜下血肿组中,17例胚胎停育;235例正常早孕组中,21例胚胎停育;各组胚胎停育发生率分别为21.05%、7.72%及8.93%;绒毛膜隆起组胚胎停育发生率高于绒毛膜下血肿组及正常早孕组,差异均有统计学意义(P=0.010、0.025);绒毛膜下血肿组胚胎停育发生率与正常早孕组比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.641)。结论超声对早孕期诊断绒毛膜隆起有一定的临床应用价值。早孕期绒毛膜隆起可影响胎儿发育,造成停育。     

The chorionic bump: a first-trimester pregnancy sonographic finding associated with a guarded prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a series of patients with a previously unreported sonographic finding, the chorionic "bump," which is an irregular, convex bulge from the choriodecidual surface into the first-trimester gestational sac. The pregnancy outcome is investigated in this series of patients and compared with the general population and infertility first-trimester control groups. METHODS: We prospectively noted a cohort of 15 cases with the chorionic bump on first-trimester sonograms (in a total of 2178 patients) performed over 3 years at our institution (prevalence, 0.7%). We then compared pregnancy outcomes against 2 pregnant control groups (15 general, noninfertility patients and 15 infertility patients) who were maternal age and gestational age matched to our patient group. RESULTS: The difference in outcomes between the patients with bumps and the healthy control subjects was statistically significant (7 live births versus 13 live births; P < .03), but the difference in outcomes between the patients with bumps and infertility control subjects was not statistically significant (7 live births versus 11 live births; P = .1). Bump size was not correlated with pregnancy outcome. In most patients with serial sonograms, the bump showed evolutionary changes typical for hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of a chorionic bump on the first-trimester sonogram is associated with a guarded prognosis for the early pregnancy (live birth rate <50%); it probably represents a small hematoma that bulges into the gestational sac, and, in our series, most patients had a history of infertility treatments.     

The chorionic bump: Radiologic and pathologic correlation

Chorionic bump is a rare abnormal condition of the gestational sac seen in the first trimester of pregnancies, extending from the choriodecidual surface to the gestational sac. We report the sonographic and histopathologic findings in a case involving three "chorionic bumps" extending from the choriodecidual surface to the gestational sac. Chorionic bump can be associated with a poor prognosis for the pregnancy. Therefore, cases with chorionic bumps must be followed with serial ultrasound examinations throughout the first trimester.     

The chorionic bump: Etiologic insights from two pathologic pregnancies

The clinical significance and etiology of the chorionic bump remain unclear. We describe two pregnancies characterized by chorionic bumps, which subsequently were diagnosed with a complete mole and trisomy 18, respectively. We hypothesize that placental pathology, including edema and hydropic villi, may contribute to or cause the sonographic finding of some chorionic bumps. An association between chorionic bumps and aneuploidy awaits future study. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44 :452–454, 2016;     

A large intrauterine vascular lesion developing after the successful treatment of a cesarean scar pregnancy with methotrexate injection

A cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy. Induced abortion by local methotrexate (MTX) injection is an effective management approach. We describe a case in which a large intrauterine vascular lesion appeared after the sonographic‐guided local injection of MTX, which successfully induced the abortion of the cesarean scar pregnancy. Although a cesarean scar pregnancy may be safely treated with a local MTX injection, close follow‐up, including serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin level measurement and Doppler sonography, is needed because an intrauterine vascular lesion could develop even after a successfully induced abortion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46 :222–226, 2018     

Review article: The use of pelvic examination within the emergency department in the assessment of early pregnancy bleeding

Early pregnancy bleeding is a common presentation in the emergency setting. Traditionally, its assessment relied on clinical findings, including pelvic examination. However in recent years, ultrasonography and quantitative beta human chorionic gonadotropin assays have gained prominence and are now first‐line in diagnosing early pregnancy bleeding. Accordingly, the role of pelvic examination in the acute setting has been increasingly questioned. This article reviews the evidence for the role of pelvic examination in the assessment of early pregnancy bleeding in the ED. A Medline search was conducted and 43 articles were included in this review. Applicable research is largely observational and of a low level of evidence. However, available data indicate that the role of pelvic examination in the assessment of early pregnancy bleeding is limited, providing that there is prompt access to transvaginal ultrasound examination. Pelvic examination does not provide further diagnostic information over ultrasonography used in conjunction with beta human chorionic gonadotropin assays. The routine use of pelvic examination is not supported by the literature. However, when ultrasonography and beta human chorionic gonadotropin testing are unavailable or the results inconclusive, pelvic examination should be considered. Assessment in these instances must focus on identifying possible life‐threatening conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, as well as determining the safety of discharge pending definitive assessment. Speculum examination is indicated in those presenting with severe bleeding or hypotension as removal of obstructing endocervical products can be a crucial resuscitative measure.     

Triptan Exposure During Pregnancy and the Risk of Major Congenital Malformations and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Results From The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

(Headache 2010;50:563‐575) Objective.— To evaluate the safety of triptan therapy during pregnancy. Background.— Information on the safety of triptan therapy during pregnancy is scarce and only available for sumatriptan, naratriptan, and rizatriptan. No associations with congenital malformations have been detected so far, but one study found a significant association between sumatriptan exposure during pregnancy and prematurity. Methods.— The study population consisted of 69,929 pregnant women and their newborn children for whom data on drug exposure and pregnancy outcome were available. Information on triptan therapy and potential socio‐demographic and medical confounding factors was obtained from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Information on congenital malformations and other adverse pregnancy outcomes was obtained from the Norwegian Medical Birth Registry. The datasets were linked via the women's personal identification number. Pearson's χ² tests and logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations between triptan therapy and pregnancy outcome. Results.— No significant associations between triptan therapy during the first trimester and major congenital malformations (unadjusted OR: 1.0; 95% CI 0.8‐1.3, adjusted OR: 1.0; 95% CI 0.7‐1.2) or other adverse pregnancy outcomes were found. Triptan therapy during the second and/or third trimesters was significantly associated with atonic uterus (unadjusted OR: 1.5; 95% CI 1.1‐1.9, adjusted OR: 1.4; 95% CI 1.1‐1.8), and blood loss >500 mL during labor (unadjusted OR: 1.3; 95% CI 1.1‐1.5, adjusted OR: 1.3; 95% CI 1.1‐1.5). Conclusions.— Triptan therapy during pregnancy was not associated with an overall increased risk of congenital malformations. It cannot, however, be excluded that a difference in the risk between triptan use and individual or rare congenital malformations may exist. A slight increase in the risk of atonic uterus and hemorrhage was associated with triptan use during the second and/or third trimesters. Although the present findings are reassuring, confirmation in independent studies is warranted.     

妊娠相关血浆蛋白A在初产妇妊娠期糖尿病中的应用价值

目的探讨初产妇孕早期血清中的妊娠相关血浆蛋白A(PAPP-A)水平与妊娠期糖尿病(GDM)发生的关系。方法用非参数检验及Logistic回归分析对168例GDM孕妇及273例健康孕妇的年龄、体质量、PAPP-A、游离β人绒毛膜促性腺激素(fβ-HCG)水平进行回顾性分析。结果 GDM组年龄与对照组差异有统计学意义(P0.01),PAPP-A浓度及PAPP-A MoM均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论初产妇孕早期低水平PAPP-A与GDM强相关,并可作为GDM的危险因素。     

Alterations in thyroid hormone economy in patients with hydatidiform mole

Studies of several aspects of thyroid hormone economy have been conducted in 11 patients before and after removal of a molar pregnancy. Before evacuation of the mole, all patients demonstrated moderately to greatly elevated values for thyroidal ¹³¹I uptake, absolute iodine uptake, and serum protein-bound-¹³¹I. Values for serum PBI and serum thyroxine (T₄) concentration were consistently and often greatly increased, averaging more than twice those found in normal pregnancy and three times those in normal controls. On the other hand, the maximum binding capacity of the T₄-binding globulin (TBG) was variably affected, and ranged between the values found in normal controls and those found in normal pregnancy. Values for the absolute concentration of free T₄ in serum were, on the average, only moderately elevated, since the proportion of free T₄ was moderately low, although not as low as in normal pregnancy. Sera of patients with molar pregnancy contained high levels of thyroid stimulating activity, as assessed in the McKenzie mouse bioassay system. The stimulator displayed a more prolonged duration of action than that of TSH and did not reveal a major immunological cross-reactivity with either human or bovine TSH, differing in the latter respect from the chorionic thyrotropin of normal human placenta. Abnormalities in iodine metabolism were rapidly ameliorated after removal of the molar pregnancy, and this was associated with the disappearance from serum of the thyroid stimulator.     

Serial Transvaginal Sonographic Findings of Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy Treated With High‐Dose Methotrexate

Objective. We analyzed transvaginal sonographic findings from patients with cervical ectopic pregnancies treated with high‐dose methotrexate (MTX). Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of cervical pregnancies diagnosed in our institution from 1996 through 2006. We divided the cases into an MTX treatment group and a surgical treatment group. We included cases treated with high‐dose MTX alone. We analyzed 9 cervical ectopic pregnancies treated with MTX, which was injected intravascularly at 100 mg/m² plus 200 mg/m² in 500 mL of a normal saline solution with folinic acid rescue. The gestational sac sizes and serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were periodically monitored to determine the resolution status. Results. Fifty cervical pregnancies were diagnosed during the study period. Thirty cases were treated with MTX, and 20 were treated with surgical procedures. Among the 30 cases in the MTX treatment group, 9 had high‐dose MTX injection without surgical procedures. Cervical mass regression appeared at a median of 40 (range, 10–88) days after treatment, whereas the serum hCG level decreased at a median of 14 (range, 9–17) days after treatment. The median time to complete regression of the cervical mass was 86 (range, 48–141) days, and the median time to complete regression of the serum hCG level was 68 (range, 19–143) days. Cervical pregnancy was noted as a gestational sac at first but coexisted with a mixed echoic lesion 19 days after treatment. At 33 days after treatment, the cervical pregnancy was completely replaced by the mixed echoic lesion. Conclusions. Resolution of the cervical mass on sonography lagged far behind resolution of the serum hCG level. The cervical mass evolved from a gestational sac into a mixed echoic lesion on serial transvaginal sonography.     

未成熟卵体外成熟与体外受精妊娠胚胎移植14d血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平的比较

背景:相关研究表明,体外受精与胚胎移植治疗妊娠后血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平对妊娠结局有预测作用,未成熟卵体外成熟治疗妊娠后血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平对妊娠结局的预测作用不详.目的:比较不孕症患者体外受精与胚胎移植和未成熟卵体外成熟治疗妊娠后血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平,探讨血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平对未成熟卵体外成熟治疗妊娠患者的预测价值.方法:采用回顾性分析的方法,以在本中心行未成熟卵体外成熟治疗后妊娠实验阳性的42例患者为研究组,同期行体外受精治疗后妊娠实验阳性的66例患者作为对照组,比较两组患者胚胎移植后第14天血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平.结果与结论:胚胎移植后14 d,分别在研究组和对照组内,单、双胎妊娠患者血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平差异均有显著性意义.血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平≥ 800 U/L时,两组双胎妊娠的发生率均明显增高.提示血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平对未成熟卵体外成熟治疗后妊娠患者的结局具有预测价值,未成熟卵体外成熟/体外受精妊娠胚胎移植14 d血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位水平及其对妊娠结局的预测是相同的.     

The Predictive Value of Endometrial Stripe Thickness in Patients with Suspected Ectopic Pregnancy Who Have an Empty Uterus at Ultrasonography

Prior research suggests that, in patients with empty uteri at ultrasonography, endometrial stripe thickness may be predictive of ectopic pregnancy or the likelihood of obtaining chorionic villi after a dilatation and evacuation procedure (D+E). However, it is unclear whether the predictive value of endometrial stripe thickness is confined to patients with low beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) values. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether endometrial stripe thickness is predictive of the risk of ectopic pregnancy or the likelihood of obtaining chorionic villi after D+E in patients with beta-hCG values >1,000 mIU/mL or < or =1,000 mIU/mL. METHODS: In an urban academic ED, the authors conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive ED patients from August 1991 to August 1997 with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, a positive beta-hCG value, and an empty uterus by transvaginal ultrasound examination. Patients were divided into four groups-group 1: endometrium thin, beta-hCG value < or =1,000 mIU/mL; group 2: endometrium thick, beta-hCG value < or =1,000 mIU/mL; group 3: endometrium thin, beta-hCG value >1,000 mIU/ mL; and group 4: endometrium thick, beta-hCG value >1,000 mIU/mL. The secondary analysis was limited to patients who had a D+E performed within 48 hours of the ED visit. The risks of ectopic pregnancy and the likelihoods of obtaining chorionic villi after D+E were compared using chi-square or Fishers' exact test where appropriate, with a p-value of 0.05 being significant. RESULTS: 224 patients were enrolled in the initial analysis. Intergroup differences in the frequency of ectopic pregnancy were of borderline significance (p = 0.08). However, when the comparison was limited to the groups with beta-hCG values < or =1,000 mIU/mL, the predictive value of endometrial stripe thickness reached statistical significance (group 1: 27/99 [27%], group 2: 2/28 [7%], p = 0.05). 79 patients had a D+E performed. Intergroup differences in the rate of obtaining chorionic villi were significant (p = 0.002). Group 1 had the lowest frequency of having chorionic villi identified (4/26 [15%]) and was the only group in which villi were obtained in fewer than 50% of cases. CONCLUSION: Endometrial stripe thickness may be predictive of the risk of ectopic pregnancy and the likelihood of obtaining chorionic villi at D+E. However, its predictive value appears to be confined to patients with beta-hCG values < or =1,000 mIU/mL.     

Ultrastructural localization of glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa, beta 3 integrin) on placental syncytiotrophoblast microvilli: implications for platelet alloimmunization during pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to anti‐human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a more commonly occurs in first pregnancies, unlike hemolytic disease of the newborn. Anti‐D is produced after D+ fetomaternal hemorrhage; this usually occurs at parturition. Anti‐HPA‐1a could develop during pregnancy if maternal immunization is stimulated by HPA‐1a expressed not only on platelets but also on other fetal cells. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An ultrastructural study of fetal placental chorionic villi was undertaken to determine the localization of glycoprotein (GP)IIIa carrying the HPA‐1a/1b polymorphism. First trimester and term villi were incubated with a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to GPIIIa or with positive control MoAbs (anti‐placental alkaline phosphatase and ED822 MoAb) to villous syncytiotrophoblast (ST). Binding of MoAbs was detected with a gold‐conjugated secondary antibody before processing the tissues and examination of ultrathin sections in an electron microscope. RESULTS: Gold particles were evident on microvilli on the apical surface of ST when labeled with anti‐GPIIIa and the placenta‐specific MoAbs but not with an isotype control antibody. Immunolabeling for anti‐GPIIIa on first trimester ST was similar to that of term ST. CONCLUSION: The apical surface of the ST is bathed in maternal blood. During the natural regenerative process of human placenta, senescent parts of the ST are shed into maternal blood during pregnancy. This includes both apoptotic ST nuclei and microparticulate ST debris. The presence of GPIIIa on this circulating ST cellular material could be the source of HPA‐1a alloantigen causing primary immunization of susceptible primigravidae early enough for anti‐HPA‐1a to cause fetal thrombocytopenia during a first pregnancy.     

First trimester bleeding evaluation

First trimester bleeding is a common presentation in the emergency room. Ultrasound evaluation of patients with first trimester bleeding is the mainstay of the examination. The important causes of first trimester bleeding include spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and gestational trophoblastic disease; 50% to 70% of spontaneous abortions are due to genetic abnormalities. In normal pregnancy, the serum beta hCG doubles or increases by at least 66% in 48 hours. The intrauterine GS should be visualized by TVUS with beta hCG levels between 1000 to 2000 mIU/mL IRP. Visualization of the yolk sac within the gestational sac is definitive evidence of intrauterine pregnancy. Embryonic cardiac activity can be identified with CRL of >5 mm. A GS with a mean sac diameter (MSD) of 8 mm or more without a yolk sac and a GS with an MSD of 16 mm or more without an embryo, are important predictors of a nonviable gestation. A GS with a mean sac diameter of 16 mm or more (TVUS) without an embryo is a sonographic sign of anembryonic gestation. A difference of <5 mm between the mean sac diameter and the CRL carries an 80% risk of spontaneous abortion. Approximately 20% of women with first trimester bleeding have a subchorionic hematoma. The presence of an extra ovarian adnexal mass is the most common sonographic finding in ectopic pregnancy. Other findings include the tubal ring sign and hemorrhage. About 26% of ectopic pregnancies have normal pelvic sonograms on TVUS. Complete hydatidiform mole presents with a complex intrauterine mass with multiple anechoic areas of varying sizes (Snowstorm appearance). Twenty-five percent to 65% of molar pregnancies have associated theca-leutin cysts. Arteriovenous malformation of the uterus is a rare but life-threatening cause of vaginal bleeding in the first trimester. The sonographic findings in a patient with first trimester bleeding should be correlated with serum beta hCG levels to arrive at an appropriate clinical diagnosis.     

Flow mediated vasodilation and circulating concentrations of high sensitive C‐reactive protein,interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α in normal pregnancy – The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

Background: Traditional risk factors such as hyperlipidemia induce a state of inflammation that impairs vascular function. Despite marked maternal hyperlipidemia, endothelial function improves during pregnancy. In non‐pregnant state increased circulating levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) lead to attenuated flow mediated vasodilation. Relation between endothelial function and pro‐inflammatory cytokines has not been studied thoroughly in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on hsCRP and pro‐inflammatory cytokines and their associations with vascular endothelial function. Methods: As part of population‐based, prospective cohort Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study conducted in Finland we measured brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) and serum concentrations of hsCRP, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in 57 pregnant Finnish women throughout gestation and 62 control women matched for age and smoking. Results: HsCRP‐concentration was greater in pregnancy compared to non‐pregnant controls (median hsCRP 2·52 mg l^?1 versus 1·21 mg l^?1, P<0·001). IL‐6‐concentration was slightly increased in pregnancy compared with the non‐pregnant controls (median 1·66 versus 1·32 mg l^?1, non‐significant [NS]) and TNF‐α‐concentration was slightly decreased in pregnant group (2·11 versus 2·38 pg ml^?1, NS). FMD increased during pregnancy and IL‐6 had a positive correlation to the FMD in pregnancy (R = 0·288, P = 0·031). Conclusions: Improvement of FMD in normal pregnancy was not affected by increase in hsCRP concentration. We found an association with IL‐6 and FMD but we believe that improvement in endothelial function during normal pregnancy is not caused by variation in hsCRP, IL‐6 or TNF‐α.     

Diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a high-risk condition that occurs in 1.9 percent of reported pregnancies. The condition is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the first trimester. If a woman of reproductive age presents with abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, syncope, or hypotension, the physician should perform a pregnancy test. If the patient is pregnant, the physician should perform a work-up to detect possible ectopic or ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Prompt ultrasound evaluation is key in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. Equivocal ultrasound results should be combined with quantitative beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin levels. If a patient has a beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin level of 1,500 mIU per mL or greater, but the transvaginal ultrasonography does not show an intrauterine gestational sac, ectopic pregnancy should be suspected. Diagnostic uterine curettage may be appropriate in patients who are hemodynamically stable and whose beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin levels are not increasing as expected. Appropriate treatment for patients with nonruptured ectopic pregnancy may include expectant management, medical management with methotrexate, or surgery. Expectant management is appropriate only when beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin levels are low and declining. Initial levels determine the success of medical treatment. Surgical treatment is appropriate if ruptured ectopic pregnancy is suspected and if the patient is hemodynamically unstable.     

孕早期间质部妊娠与宫角部妊娠超声表现特点与鉴别

目的探讨孕早期间质部妊娠与宫角部妊娠的声像图特点及鉴别要点。方法经腹超声与经阴道超声联合扫查，（1）观察妊娠囊位于子宫的位置；（2）判定妊娠囊与蜕膜化子宫内膜的关系及妊娠囊与外周肌层的关系；（3）将超声检查的提示性诊断与临床手术后及病理结果对照。结果本组随机观察12例，10例超声提示宫角部妊娠，后经手术及病理证实9例，1例手术证实为间质部妊娠。超声提示间质部妊娠2例，后均经临床证实。结论孕早期经腹部超声与经阴道超声联合扫查在鉴别间质部妊娠与宫角部妊娠时确有重要价值。尤其妊娠囊大小约在1．5～2．5cm且无阴道出血时更具有特异性。     

Doppler examination of uteroplacental circulation in early pregnancy: Can it predict adverse outcome?

PURPOSE: To determine whether spectral Doppler measurements obtained from bilateral uterine, arcuate, radial, and spiral arteries in early gestation correlate with adverse pregnancy outcome. METHODS: One hundred five pregnant women underwent transvaginal Doppler sonographic examination of uteroplacental circulation at 6-12 weeks' gestation. Resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of bilateral uterine, arcuate, radial, and spiral arteries were measured. Diameters of gestational sac (GS) and yolk sac, crown-rump length (CRL), GS-CRL difference, and GS/CRL ratio were also recorded. Correlation was made with pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: Sixteen women developed adverse pregnancy outcome. In these women, right uterine artery PI and RI were significantly higher than in women with normal obstetrical outcome. Spiral artery PI and RI values were also higher, but the difference was not statistically significant. GS-CRL difference, GS/CRL ratio, and yolk sac diameters were significantly lower in this group. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal Doppler examination can detect hemodynamic changes in uteroplacental circulation associated with subsequent adverse pregnancy outcome.     

Conservative management of cervical pregnancy with intramuscular administration of methotrexate and KCl injection: Case report and review of the literature

We report the case of a cervical pregnancy successfully treated with intramuscular injection of methotrexate(MTX) and intramniotic administration of potassium chloride. A 41-year-old woman was admitted to our Department with the suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed empty endometrialcavity, gestational sac within the cervical canal and embryonic echo measuring crown rump length 1.5 mm. Serum beta human chorionic gonadotropine(β-HCG) was measured 28590 IU/L. No cardiac activity was detected. The diagnosis of a cervical pregnancy was made. Patient was treated with intramuscular administration of methotrexate(50 mg/m2) in combination with ultrasoundguided intramniotic injection of KCl(2 meq/mL). Gradual decrease of β-HCG levels as well as ultrasound observation of collapsed gestational sac was observed. No curettage was necessitated. Patient was discharged on day 10 th and was set in follow-up on a weekly basis. β-HCG values were measured 10 IU/L on 56 th day after MTX administration. Intramuscular administration of MTX may be effective in treatment of cervical pregnancy without additional interventional measures.     

Cost effectiveness of an accurate and rapid assay for serum human chorionic gonadotropin in suspected ectopic pregnancy

The cost effectiveness and clinical utility of a simple, rapid, and accurate pregnancy test in the evaluation of suspected ectopic gestation were studied. The introduction of this qualitative serum assay for human chorionic gonadotropin into our outpatient department during a 1-month period was associated with a significant decrease in culdocenteses (p less than 0.001), ultrasound examinations (p less than 0.025), and hospital admissions (p less than 0.01), with a net projected institutional reduction in health care costs of +123,000 annually.