Ultrasonography and ectopic pregnancy - A review
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Date
2001-01
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International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Abstract
In any resource-limited environment such as Ghana the introduction of new medical technology should be cost-effective and affordable. Ectopic pregnancy is still an important cause of maternal mortality. The accuracy of its diagnosis by the ultrasound scan is the subject of this systemic review derived from the MEDLINE database and the Cochrane library. A total of 11 studies 9 from developed countries and 2 from developing countries were identified and analyzed. The sensitivity and negative predictive values were greater than 70% in all the countries. The specificity and positive predictive values were above 80% in 9 countries. In addition serum B-hCG enhanced the diagnosis. The endovaginal scan identified ectopic pregnancies earlier than the abdominal probe. However the vaginal probe could not detect lesions high up in the pelvis or outside the pelvis. Culdocentesis and laparoscopy were useful adjuncts in these situations. In conclusion clinical suspicion is paramount in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasonography is very useful but it has its limitations. (full text modified)
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Keywords
Diagnosis, Ectopic pregnancy, Ultrasound