Diagnostic efficacy of endovaginal color Doppler flow imaging in an ectopic pregnancy screening program.

The authors compared the diagnostic yield of endovaginal color and pulsed Doppler ultrasound (US) in conjunction with endovaginal sonography with that of endovaginal sonography alone in patients prescreened to be at increased risk for ectopic pregnancy. Pelvic structures were evaluated for overall vascularity and for the presence of characteristic pulsed Doppler US velocity waveforms. The diagnostic sensitivity of the initial endovaginal sonographic examination increased with the addition of color and pulsed Doppler US, from 71% to 87% for ectopic pregnancy, from 24% to 59% for failed intrauterine pregnancy, and from 90% to 99% for viable intrauterine pregnancy. Specificities for endovaginal sonography with color and pulsed Doppler US ranged from 99% to 100%. Use of endovaginal color and pulsed Doppler US increased the percentage of diagnostic initial sonographic examinations from 62% to 82%. The improved diagnostic sensitivity of endovaginal color Doppler US for ectopic pregnancy may ultimately result in earlier treatment, with reduced morbidity and mortality.     

Ectopic pregnancy: evaluation with endovaginal color flow imaging.

Endovaginal sonography and endovaginal color flow imaging were compared in 155 patients with clinical suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. Sixty-five patients (42%) had surgically confirmed ectopic pregnancies. Thirty-six of the pregnancies were diagnosed with endovaginal sonography alone, the criteria being an extrauterine sac or ectopic fetus (sensitivity, 54%). Sixty-two ectopic pregnancies were diagnosed with endovaginal color flow imaging (sensitivity, 95%) when an ectopic fetus or sac was seen or placental flow was identified in an adnexal mass separate from the ovary and uterus. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was excluded with endovaginal sonography (specificity, 98%) and endovaginal color flow imaging (specificity, 98%) by finding an intrauterine gestation, nonvisualization of an adnexal mass, and absence of placental flow. Three false-positive and three false-negative diagnoses were made with endovaginal color flow imaging (positive predictive value, 97%). The addition of color Doppler flow imaging to endovaginal sonography allows increased sensitivity in the detection of ectopic pregnancy.     

Early pregnancy complications: endovaginal sonographic findings correlated with human chorionic gonadotropin levels

Endovaginal sonography results were compared with quantitatively determined human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in 84 women referred for early pregnancy complications. Of the 27 with normal intrauterine pregnancies, an intrauterine gestational sac was prospectively identified in one of five cases (20%) in which hCG levels were below 500 IU/L (Second International Standard), four of five (80%) with hCG levels of 500-1,000 IU/L, and all 17 with hCG levels above 1,000 IU/L. In comparison, 17 of the 26 women with ectopic pregnancies (65%) had hCG levels greater than 1,000 IU/L, and none of the 26 had an intrauterine gestational sac. Endovaginal sonography demonstrated an adnexal mass and/or a gestational sac-like structure in 16 of the 17 cases (94%) in which hCG levels were above 1,000 IU/L, compared with only three of the nine (33%) with lower hCG levels (P less than .01). These findings indicate that an intrauterine gestational sac should be normally visualized with endovaginal sonography when the hCG level exceeds 1,000 IU/L, and that visualization of an extrauterine gestational sac and/or adnexal mass is significantly more likely in ectopic pregnancies when the hCG level exceeds 1,000 IU/L.     

Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: endovaginal vs transabdominal sonography

During a 25-month period, 193 women with the clinical diagnosis of suspected ectopic pregnancy had transabdominal and endovaginal sonograms. Most had quantitative determinations of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Endovaginal sonography was diagnostic of ectopic pregnancy in 23 (38%) of the 60 patients with surgically proved ectopic pregnancies: transabdominal sonography was diagnostic in 13 patients (22%). All 83 intrauterine pregnancies were identified with endovaginal sonography, compared with 34 identified with transabdominal sonography. Endovaginal sonography was somewhat more helpful in the diagnosis of missed abortion and blighted ovum. Eighty endovaginal sonograms were classified as indeterminate as compared with 141 transabdominal studies. This indeterminate group included patients with complete abortions, ectopic pregnancies without sonographic evidence of an extrauterine gestation, incomplete abortions, and patients with subsequent negative serum levels. As in prior reports, endovaginal sonography was superior to transabdominal sonography in the evaluation of suspected ectopic pregnancies. Overall, endovaginal sonography was diagnostic in 113 patients, whereas transabdominal sonography was diagnostic in 52 patients. The finding of an extrauterine fetal pole or embryo was diagnostic for an ectopic pregnancy. Pelvic fluid, the appearance of the endometrium, and a single positive serum HCG determination were not helpful in making the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.     

Suspected ectopic pregnancy: endovaginal and transvesical US

Until the advent of endovaginal ultrasonography (US), transvesical US was the only US technique availab le for evaluation of patients with suspected ectopic gestation. A study was undertaken to assess the predictive ability of transvesical and endovaginal US and determine whether endovaginal US could be used alone. Fifty-three patients who had a positive pregnancy test finding and who were at risk for ectopic pregnancy were examined with both endovaginal and transvesical US. Twenty-nine were examined retrospectively and 24 were examined prospectively. Standard sonographic criteria were used to differentiate between intrauterine pregnancy and ectopic gestation. The clinical or pathologic diagnosis was ectopic pregnancy in 18 patients (34%), normal intrauterine pregnancy in 19 (36%), and abnormal intrauterine pregnancy in 16 (30%). Endovaginal US increased the sensitivity of detecting a live ectopic pregnancy (from 6% to 17%). Endovaginal US, by allowing early diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy, significantly increased the diagnostic accuracy for ectopic pregnancy (from 60% to 83%). Endovaginal US provided significant additional information in women referred for sonography with a suspected ectopic gestation. On the basis of these findings it is concluded that endovaginal US can be used alone in the majority of women with suspected ectopic gestation.     

Complicated first-trimester pregnancies: evaluation with endovaginal US versus transabdominal technique

Endovaginal ultrasound (US) was performed in 38 pregnant women at 5-12 menstrual weeks, when the initial transabdominal sonograms had been considered inconclusive or equivocal. Clinical follow-up disclosed 32 intrauterine pregnancies (12 living, 18 spontaneous incomplete abortions, and two embryonic demises) and six ectopic pregnancies. In the 32 intrauterine pregnancies (normal and abnormal), the correct diagnosis was made in all cases with endovaginal US. The endovaginal images demonstrated the intrauterine embryo, its heart motion, and the yolk sac more clearly and more often when these structures were not apparent on the transabdominal scans. Abnormal gestational sacs were better resolved. In the six cases of ectopic pregnancy, while an extrauterine ectopic sac was visualized in only three, absence of an intrauterine gestational sac was confirmed in all cases with endovaginal scanning. No endovaginal study yielded less information than its transabdominal counterpart. Endovaginal sonography is likely to be diagnostic when transabdominal images fail to yield a definitive diagnosis in early pregnancies.     

Comparison of transvaginal and transabdominal sonography in the detection of early pregnancy and its complications

Ninety women with a positive pregnancy test and signs and symptoms of threatened abortion or ectopic pregnancy had endovaginal and abdominal sonography in order to compare the value of the two techniques for the detection of gestational abnormalities. Either a normal delivery occurred or surgical and/or pathologic confirmation of the diagnosis was available in all cases. Fifty-five women had normal intrauterine pregnancies, 22 had ectopic pregnancies, seven had blighted ova, and six had missed abortions. All 55 normal intrauterine pregnancies were detected by endovaginal sonography, while only 11 (20%) were diagnosed by transabdominal sonography. The yolk sac, fetal pole, and fetal heart motion were seen as early as 34 days from the last menstrual period with endovaginal sonography, compared with 42 days with transabdominal sonography. Fetal heart motion was detected with endovaginal sonography in fetal poles with a crown-rump length of 3 mm or greater, whereas the fetal pole had to be at least 6 mm before fetal heart motion could be detected with the transabdominal technique. In the 22 ectopic pregnancies, a specific diagnosis of an extrauterine sac containing a fetal pole with heart motion or yolk sac was possible in three cases with the endovaginal technique, but it was not possible in any case with transabdominal sonography. Both techniques showed that each of the seven patients with final diagnosis of blighted ova had a gestational sac that was 1.7 cm or larger without visualization of the fetal pole or yolk sac. All six missed abortions were detected by endovaginal sonography, but only three were diagnosed on transabdominal sonograms. Our findings show that endovaginal sonography is more sensitive than transabdominal sonography in the detection of early pregnancy and its complications.     

Logistic回归模型对不明位置妊娠患者早期异位妊娠的预测价值

目的:初步建立预测不明位置妊娠患者(PUL)早期异位妊娠(EP)的Logistic回归模型,评价该模型的应用价值。方法:对妊娠试验阳性的受检者常规进行经阴道能量多普勒超声检查(TV-PDU),对子宫内膜形态学及内膜下血流动力学参数进行测定,联合临床、生化资料行单变量非条件Logistic回归分析,筛选出有意义的变量,在此基础上行多变量Logistic回归,对有意义的研究因素采用逐步法,经优化组合后建立预测EP的Logistic回归模型并进行模型稳定性验证。利用ROC曲线确定诊断阈值和评估各单项指标及其不同指标组合的诊断价值。结果:最终197例(28.8%)为PUL患者,184例资料完整,62例(33.7%)确诊为EP,90例(48.9%)为宫内早孕,32例(17.4%)为宫内早孕流产。多变量Logistic回归分析显示只有4种超声参数对于鉴别EP有统计学意义(P<0.001),以此而建立了三个Logistic回归模型,Youden指数分别为81.2、95.2和97.6,以内膜形态 内膜厚度 对称性 内膜下动脉血流(M3)这一指标组合最优,联合评价诊断价值最高,模型稳定性较好,其ROC曲线下面积(AUC)最大,灵敏度98.4%,特异度99.2%,阳性预测值98.4%,阴性预测值99.2%。结论:Logistic回归分析为研究子宫内膜形态学、血流动力学与EP之间的关系提供了有效的方法,TV-PDU检查早期PUL患者子宫内膜的多变量Logistic回归模型可更早期地估测EP,在临床上无创性预测早期妊娠结局的危险性是可行的。     

Endovaginal sonographic evaluation of ectopic pregnancy: a prospective study

To determine the value of endovaginal sonography for evaluating women with a suspected ectopic gestation, we prospectively studied a group of 84 pregnant women in whom conventional transabdominal sonograms failed to show a living embryo. Of 84 patients studied, 25 had an ectopic gestation, 32 had a normal intrauterine pregnancy, and 27 had an abnormal (nonviable) intrauterine pregnancy. Endovaginal sonography, compared with transabdominal sonography, provided additional information in 50 cases (60%) and less information in only three cases (4%). Of 25 ectopic gestations, endovaginal sonography provided new information in 15 cases (60%) including detection of an extrauterine gestational sac (10 cases), extrauterine embryo (two cases), or adnexal mass (three cases) not observed on transabdominal sonography. Of 32 normal intrauterine pregnancies, endovaginal sonography provided additional information in 26 cases (81%) including detection of a yolk sac (14 cases), living embryo (11 cases), or small gestational sac (one case) not seen on transabdominal sonography. Of 27 abnormal intrauterine pregnancies, endovaginal sonography showed additional information in nine cases (33%) including detection of embryonic demise (three cases), retained intrauterine products (four cases), or a yolk sac (two cases) not seen on transabdominal sonography. Patient acceptance of endovaginal sonography was excellent; 82% of the patients preferred this method to transabdominal sonography, 13% expressed no preference, and 5% preferred transabdominal sonography. We conclude that endovaginal sonography can provide significant additional information in the majority of women who are referred for sonography with a suspected ectopic gestation. We believe that this method should become a integral part of sonographic evaluation in women who are suspected of having an ectopic gestation when conventional transabdominal sonography fails to show a living embryo.     

Ectopic pregnancy--the leash sign. A new sign on transvaginal Doppler ultrasound

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of transvaginal Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

Material and Methods: Over a period of 3 years, 100 women with signs suggestive of a possible ectopic pregnancy were evaluated with endovaginal sonography and Doppler. The fallopian tubes were examined for the presence of low-resistance arterial flow.

Results: Of the 100 cases, 19 women had ectopic pregnancies. It was observed that all cases of ectopic pregnancies had a typical eccentric leash of vessels on color Doppler that showed a low resistance placental type of flow on spectral Doppler.

Conclusion: We propose a new reliable sign of ectopic pregnancy called the leash sign. This sign has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99%, a positive predictive value of 95% and negative predictive value of 100%, thus helping in the diagnosis of early ectopic pregnancy, and resulting in earlier treatment with reduced morbidity and mortality.     

Ultrasound evaluation of ectopic pregnancy including correlation with human chorionic gonadotrophin levels

A total of 267 patients referred for ultrasound examination because of clinical suspicion of ectopic pregnancy were studied prospectively. The outcome was correlated with the ultrasound findings and human chorionic gonadotrophin levels using a quantitative serum assay. The value of the following in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy are assessed: ultrasound criteria for early diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy before visualization of a viable fetus, the discriminatory zone of hCG and extrauterine abnormalities.     

Pseudogestational sacs: Doppler US differentiation from normal or abnormal intrauterine pregnancies

Doppler ultrasound (US) evaluation of 40 empty intrauterine sac-like structures was performed to evaluate the ability of this technique to permit distinction between intrauterine pregnancy and pseudogestational sac associated with ectopic pregnancy. Proof of the location of the pregnancy was available in all cases. There were 31 intrauterine pregnancies, of which 23 were missed or incomplete abortions and eight were early normal pregnancies. With an insonating frequency of 3 MHz, the average frequency shift detected from these intrauterine pregnancies was 1.7/1.0 kHz (peak systolic/end diastolic ratio). Nine pseudogestational sacs were evaluated, of which seven demonstrated no flow and two demonstrated minimal flow that averaged 0.4/0.1 kHz. Defining intrauterine peritrophoblastic flow as a peak systolic frequency shift of 0.8 kHz or greater (equivalent to 21 cm/sec with an angle of 0 degree) correctly classifies 26 of the 31 intrauterine pregnancies and all of the nine pseudosacs. The sensitivity of the Doppler technique for the detection of intrauterine pregnancies was 84%, and the specificity was 100%.     

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: diagnosis with Doppler US

The sonographic appearance of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is nonspecific and also seen in complete or partial hydatidiform mole, hydropic degeneration, degenerating fibroids, or ovarian dysgerminomas. Correlation with the serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level may be helpful since levels exceeding 100,000 IU/L are strongly suggestive of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. However, low hCG levels may also be found in the presence of this disease. The authors studied six patients who were suspected of having gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Three of the six proved to have incomplete abortions or molar degeneration. Doppler ultrasound (US) was used to record the signal in the uterine arteries of these patients. The signals were compared with those of three nongravid volunteers and three patients in the first trimester of pregnancy. Analysis of the signals in the uterine artery showed higher systolic and diastolic Doppler shifts in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia when compared with postabortal, gravid, and nongravid signals. These preliminary results indicate that Doppler US has the potential to be clinically useful in the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.     

Usefulness of echo-color Doppler in differentiating parathyroid lesions from other cervical masses

. The aim of our study was to clarify possible differential color Doppler US features between parathyroid lesions and other cervical masses. A total of 56 parathyroid lesions in 54 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were preoperatively examined with color Doppler sonography. Color Doppler flow patterns were compared with those of 72 thyroid nodules and 20 cervical lymph nodes. In 38 parathyroid lesions a correlation between color Doppler patterns and size, location, and pathological findings was performed. Color Doppler sonography showed five vascular distribution patterns: pattern I, absence of flow; pattern II, focal peripheral flow (“vascular pole”) with arterial Doppler spectrum; pattern III, peripheral flow; pattern IV, internal flow (“parenchymal pattern”); pattern V, peripheral and intranodular flow. Pattern I was not specific for any cervical lesion considered. Conversely, pattern IV was observed solely in parathyroid lesions, and pattern II was observed in only one nonparathyroid lesion (thyroid nodule). Mixed pattern (pattern V) was observed solely in thyroid nodules. In addition, pattern III was a characteristic finding of thyroid nodules and was observed in only one parathyroid lesion. Color Doppler patterns of the parathyroid masses did not correlate with the size of the lesion or pathological findings, but only with the location of the gland. Our study showed that color Doppler assessment of parathyroid lesions is a useful integration of gray-scale US and may be helpful in distinguishing parathyroid lesions from other cervical masses. Received 6 November 1995; Revision received 9 January 1996; Accepted 19 February 1996     

Expectant treatment of ectopic pregnancies: clinical and sonographic predictors

OBJECTIVE. We identified the potential clinical and sonographic predictors of the spontaneous resolution of ectopic pregnancies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. We performed a prospective study of 78 consecutive patients with a transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy who had either two consecutive quantitative measurements of their beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) more than 24 hrs apart or an embryo with a heart beat. We evaluated the patient's age, time from the last menstrual period, beta-hCG level, size of ectopic pregnancy, presence of a gestational sac or embryonic elements, vascularity on color Doppler sonography, peak systolic velocity, and resistive index of ectopic pregnancy at the time of presentation as potential independent predictors of the final outcome. Logistic regression was performed to identify the independent predictors. RESULTS. Forty-six patients had declining beta-hCG levels, and 32 ectopic pregnancies showed an embryo with a heart beat or had steady or rising beta-hCG levels. Univariate analysis indicated that a longer time from the last menstrual period (older ectopic pregnancies), lower beta-hCG levels, and the absence of gestational sac are statistically more significantly seen in ectopic pregnancies with declining beta-hCG levels (p < 0.05). Resistive index of ectopic pregnancy reached borderline significance (p = 0.05). In a multiple logistic model, the same variables were independent predictors of outcome (p < 0.05). Resistive index was also a predictor (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION. Longer times from the last menstrual period, lower beta-hCG levels, absence of gestational sacs, and higher resistive indexes of ectopic pregnancy at the time of presentation appear to be independent predictors of the spontaneous resolution of ectopic pregnancy.     

超声造影与彩色多普勒超声诊断异位妊娠的对比研究

目的对比研究超声造影与彩色多普勒超声诊断异位妊娠的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2011年8月～2013年2月我院收治的100例异位妊娠患者的临床资料。结果 100例中,手术病理证实为异位妊娠的88例,经腹腔镜及刮宫病理证实宫内孕12例。超声造影诊断异位妊娠的敏感性为98.2%,特异性为80.0%,准确性为96.0%;彩色多普勒超声诊断异位妊娠的敏感性为86.2%,特异性为53.3%,准确性为81.4%,超声造影诊断异位妊娠的敏感性、特异性、准确性均明显比彩色多普勒超声高（P〈0.05）。结论超声造影比彩色多普勒超声诊断异位妊娠具有较好的临床效果,值得推广。     

Safety and Efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization in Ectopic Pregnancies Refractory to Systemic Methotrexate Treatment: A Single-Center Study

Background

To investigate the use of uterine artery embolization (UAE) to manage ectopic pregnancies that are refractory to systemic methotrexate (MTX) therapy and plagued by persistently high serum β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels and vaginal bleeding. The safety and efficacy of UAE were addressed.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was conducted for thirteen patients (mean age 35.2 years; range 28–41 years), who were treated between December 2006 and June 2016. Each was subjected to UAE due to persistently high serum β-hCG levels and vaginal bleeding after systemic MTX therapy for ectopic pregnancy. Embolic agents used were non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol or gelatin sponge particles. Post-treatment follow-up was performed by monitoring for clinical signs of vaginal bleeding, serum β-hCG testing, and transvaginal US. Outcomes were technical success, clinical success, and complications.

Results

Median follow-up period was 172.5 days (range 30–600 days). Technical success was achieved in all 13 patients (100%). In 10 patients, vaginal bleeding resolved after one UAE attempt (clinical success 76.0%). Rebleeding in other three (23.1%) was controlled through repeat UAE. Seven patients (53.8%) had additional dilatation and curettage to remove gestational sac remnants. All ectopic pregnancies were successfully treated by UAE, with normalization of serum β-hCG levels during follow-up monitoring (P = 0.01). Uterine preservation was achieved in all 13 patients, without major procedural complications.

Conclusion

UAE appears safe and effective as treatment of ectopic pregnancies marked by persistently high serum β-hCG levels and vaginal bleeding after systemic MTX treatment.

     

Ectopic pregnancy: duplex Doppler evaluation

Of 398 patients in whom there was a clinical suspicion of ectopic pregnancy, 96 (24%) were found to have the condition. Of the 96, 70 underwent duplex Doppler imaging. A viable ectopic fetus was seen in 10 of 70 (14%), and an extrauterine sac without an identifiable fetus was seen in an additional 27, giving a sensitivity for imaging alone of 53%. Fetal heart activity was detected with Doppler in 13 (19%). High-velocity flow, which suggested the presence of an ectopic pregnancy, was detected in 38 of 70 (54%) patients (total preoperative sensitivity, 73%). In the 91 patients who did not have an ectopic pregnancy, duplex Doppler imaging of the intrauterine contents alone allowed an ectopic pregnancy to be excluded in 29 (32%) on the first examination and in a further 21 on the second scan (specificity, 55%). Nine vascular adnexal masses were falsely considered to be ectopic pregnancies (specificity, 90%). The positive predictive values were 47% for imaging alone and 85% for Doppler. The negative predictive values were 60% for imaging alone and 81% for Doppler.     

彩色多普勒在宫外孕中的应用价值

目的 评价彩色多普勒在宫外孕诊断中的价值。方法 对临床拟诊的宫外孕62例患者经二维图像、彩色多普勒显像、频普多普勒技术分析与病理结果对照，分析其诊断的正确性。结果 62例超声诊断的宫外孕中55例正确诊断，诊断符合率为887％。结论 彩色多普勒诊断宫外孕具有重要价值。     

Fluoroscopically guided transcervical fallopian tube recanalization of post-sterilization reversal mid-tubal obstructions

Purpose: To assess the technical success and early outcome of fluoroscopically guided transcervical fallopian tube recanalization (FTR) in mid-tubal occlusion following sterilization reversal surgery. Methods: From July 1995 to January 1998, patients with greater than 12 months secondary infertility underwent hysterosalpingography (HSG). FTR was performed in proximal or mid-tubal occlusion. Cases of FTR in mid-tubal occlusion were included in this study. Technical success (defined as complete tubal patency) using a standard guidewire and hydrophilic glidewire, the number of patients with at least one patent tube, and the intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy rates were determined. Results: Twenty-six infertile patients with previous sterilization reversal underwent HSG. Eight of 26 (31%) patients (mean age 32 years, range 23–37 years), had attempted FTR for mid-tubal occlusion at the site of surgical anastomosis. Fourteen tubes were attempted as there were two previous salpingectomies. Technical success was achieved in eight of 14 (57%) tubes attempted, resulting in five of eight (62%) patients having at least one patent tube. At follow-up (mean 18 months, range 12–28 months) in these five patients there was one intrauterine pregnancy. There were no ectopic pregnancies. Conclusions: FTR in mid-tubal obstruction in infertile patients following sterilization reversal surgery is technically feasible and may result in intrauterine pregnancy. In this small group there was a lower technical success rate and lower pregnancy rate than in unselected proximal tubal occlusion.