Retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas: imaging findings

Ectopic pancreas is relatively uncommon and usually occurs in the stomach or duodenum. Retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas has not previously been documented. We report the case of a 48-year-old man with retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas that imitated bilateral adrenal tumours on ultrasound and MRI. Subsequent CT-guided biopsies confirmed an ectopic pancreas. The lesions remained stable during follow-up for 7 years. In retrospect, the similarity in signal intensities and enhancement pattern between the retroperitoneal masses and the pancreas may have been a clue to the diagnosis of this rare entity.Ectopic pancreas is an uncommon finding, with an estimated incidence of 0.55–13.7% according to autopsy analyses [1]. Most ectopic pancreatic lesions are found in the gastrointestinal tract and frequently involve the stomach (26–38% of cases), duodenum (28–36%), jejunum (16%) and, less commonly, Meckel''s diverticulum or the ileum [1–3]. Although rare, ectopic pancreas in the lung and the mediastinum has also been documented [4, 5]. However, ectopic pancreas in the retroperitoneum has not been reported. Herein, we describe the imaging features in a case of retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas with an extremely unusual presentation — imitation of bilateral adrenal tumours.     

Chronic ectopic pregnancy. A comparison with acute ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic tubal pregnancy that undergoes repeated minor ruptures instead of a single episode of rapid bleeding frequently develops into a pelvic hematocele. The hematocele, which contains old blood, clots and gestational tissue, is surrounded by adhesions and is misleadingly called a "chronic" ectopic pregnancy. The term "chronic" describes only the appearance of the pelvic mass and does not necessarily imply chronicity of duration. Its incidence was 28% in our series of 149 ectopic pregnancies. Fifty percent of our patients with chronic ectopic pregnancy had a negative serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). This entity has a sonographic appearance distinctly different from acute ectopic pregnancy.     

Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization: A case report of a patient with bilateral salpingectomy

Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy (REP) is a rare obstetric condition caused by the mislocalization of the gestational mass. The unexpected location often results in missed or delayed diagnoses, which can complicate the treatment process. We report the case of a 34-year-old Asian woman who presented to the hospital 31 days after embryo transfer with mild vaginal bleeding. A history of bilateral salpingectomies was established. Two operations were performed before we were able to successfully remove the gestational sac from the retroperitoneal cavity. The histologic finding suggested an interesting migration pathway for the pregnancy. REP should be considered when a visible gestational sac cannot be detected on ultrasound in the expected locations, particularly among patients who undergo treatment using assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and have a history of bilateral salpingectomies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in diagnosing REP and guiding surgical interventions. A multidisciplinary team is necessary to treat REP, and monitoring beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βHCG) levels and histologic findings remain essential during follow-up.     

MR features of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy (EP), in which a fertilized ovum implants outside the uterine cavity, is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the first trimester. EP is usually suspected by a positive pregnancy test and an empty uterus on transvaginal sonography (TVS). Although TVS is the initial modality of choice, it may occasionally fail to demonstrate the implantation site. When TVS findings are indeterminate, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide better delineation of the focus of EP owing to its excellent tissue contrast. The key MRI features of EP include gestational sac (GS)-like structures that typically appear as a cystic sac-like structure, frequently associated with surrounding acute hematoma of distinct low intensity on T2-weighted images. In tubal pregnancy, an enhanced tubal wall on postcontrast images may be another diagnostic finding. Ruptured EP is inevitably associated with acute hematoma outside these structures. In intrauterine EP, recognition of the relationship between GS-like structure and the myometrium can aid in differentiating from normal pregnancy. Diagnostic pitfalls include heterotopic pregnancy, decidual changes in endometrial cyst and theca lutein cysts mimicking GS-like structures. Knowledge of a spectrum of clinical and MRI features of EP is essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis and determining appropriate management.     

Sonographic evaluation of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a high-risk condition that occurs in 1.9% of reported pregnancies. Although the clinical triad of pain, bleeding, and amenorrhea is considered very specific for an ectopic pregnancy, ultrasound plays important role in detecting the exact location of the ectopic pregnancy and also in providing guidance for minimally invasive treatment. This article discusses the main sonographic features of ectopic pregnancy at various common and unusual locations. In addition, it provides insight into the role of hormonal markers in the diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy.     

磁共振成像在异位妊娠中的诊断价值

目的:探讨异位妊娠的MRI表现和诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析18例经手术病理证实的异位妊娠的MRI表现。结果:18例中,输卵管妊娠17例,宫颈妊娠1例。宫内未见异常信号。子宫附件区或腹腔血肿,非均质肿块,可伴线状环形低信号的孕囊样结构,盆腔积液及输卵管的扩张及强化是输卵管妊娠的主要征象;血肿和盆腔积液提示流产或破裂,病灶出现环状或管状边缘强化提示病灶位于输卵管内。结论:输卵管妊娠MRI表现较具特征性,MRI可作为检查异位妊娠的重要补充手段。     

Ultrasound evaluation of ectopic pregnancy

The combined use of a serum radioimmunoassay pregnancy test and high resolution utrasonography allows a more direct approach to be made in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. It is important for ultrasonographers to understand the limitations of the more readily available immunologic pregnancy tests in order to avoid misinterpreting ultrasonograms in the event that a pregnancy test is either falsely positive or falsely negative. Clinical suspicion is mandatory if the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is to be made. The referring physician should take advantage of the highly accurate information resulting from the combined findings of a positive serum HCG and the ultrasonographic images. If the statistics regarding diagnostic delay and tubal rupture are to be improved, these tests should be obtained when a patient is initially evaluated. It is important to recognize that the ultrasonographic interpretation rests primarily upon the uterine findings. A normal viable intrauterine pregnancy essentially excludes the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Other uterine appearances may result from an early intrauterine pregnancy, an abnormal intrauterine gestational event, or, as in approximately 1 per cent of pregnancies, an ectopic gestation. Subsequent evaluation in suspicious cases may require a variety of tests including serial HCG determinations, repeat ultrasound examination, uterine dilatation and curettage, culdocentesis, or laparoscopy. It is impossible to recommend a specific schematic approach for any given patient. In part, the pattern of management depends upon availability of tests, the presence or absence of adnexal or cul-de-sac findings, and, of course, the clinical status of the patient.U     

Co-existent intrauterine and ectopic tubal pregnancy

A case of co-existent intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy is described in a patient from overseas. The difficulty in diagnosis and management is discussed, together with recent literature.     

特殊部位异位妊娠的MRI表现

目的:探讨特殊部位异位妊娠的MRI表现及诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析12例经手术病理证实特殊部位异位妊娠的MRI表现,术前均行MRI平扫,其中5例行Gd-DTPA增强扫描。结果:12例中,子宫疤痕妊娠5例,均位于子宫肌壁下段原疤痕处;子宫角妊娠3例(左侧1例,右侧2例);输卵管间质部妊娠2例(左右各1例);左侧卵巢及左侧子宫底部肌壁间妊娠各1例。本组伴发子宫腺肌症4例,腹壁切口子宫内膜异位症1例。MRI显示病灶部位与手术结果基本一致,病灶呈圆形或椭圆形,边界尚清,在T1WI、T2WI及STIR序列上均呈高低混杂信号;增强示病灶明显强化,部分液化坏死区不强化。结论:不同部位异位妊娠的MRI表现具有相同特征,对临床早期明确诊断及治疗有重要价值。     

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage during pregnancy secondary to renal angiomyolipoma

A case of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to a renal angiomyolipoma during pregnancy is described. The literature pertaining to this clinical situation is reviewed.     

输卵管妊娠术后持续性异位妊娠的危险因素分析

目的 探讨输卵管妊娠患者术后发生持续性异位妊娠(PEP)的危险因素.方法 选取2000年1月－2020年12月在上海交通大学医学院附属国际和平妇幼保健院接受输卵管妊娠手术且术后发生PEP的38例患者为PEP组,同时选择同期行相同手术且手术成功、术后恢复良好的152例患者为对照组.回顾性分析两组患者的临床资料,记录并分析...     

Multi-detector computed tomography findings in ectopic pregnancy

The detection of an ectopic pregnancy on CT is a rare event. However with the increasing utilisation of CT in the emergency setting for the evaluation of acute abdominal pain, the inadvertent detection of an ectopic pregnancy on CT may become a more common event. Radiologists therefore need to be aware of the CT appearances of this potentially life threatening condition.     

输卵管妊娠保留输卵管手术治疗141例

目的:探讨保留输卵管手术在异位妊娠要求保留生育能力患者治疗中的重要性。方法:回顾性地详细介绍了141例保留输卵管手术的术式,术中术后及随访的治疗。结论:对比保留输卵管手术与辅助生育技术,阐明了保留输卵管手术的现实意义及重要性,进一步说明腹腔镜下保留输卵管手术的优越性及其将成为未来治疗的趋势,同时又指出在现有腹腔镜技术不能完成的手术时,如间质部妊娠,经腹手术保留输卵管仍是安全可靠的治疗方式。     

宫内外同时妊娠9例临床分析

目的:分析宫内外同时妊娠9例。方法:收集本院2001～2005年宫内外同时妊娠病例行诊断分析。结果:术后足月顺产2例,妊娠中5例,流产1例,其他1例。结论:9例妊娠临床表现不典型,易误诊,应引起足够重视。