Introduction: Ectopic Pregnancy
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Next, we'll discuss ectopic pregnancy,
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which is defined as implantation of a fertilized
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ovum outside of the endometrial cavity.
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The most common location for ectopic pregnancy
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to occur is the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
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Rarer locations include the uterine
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interstitium, the ovary, cervix,
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cesarean section scar, or, most rare
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of all, intra-abdominal location.
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On all imaging modalities, ectopic
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pregnancies will appear as a ring
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like hypervascular structure in the
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absence of an intrauterine gestation.
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In ectopic pregnancy, we may also
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see an abnormal rise in beta-HCG.
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In a normal first-trimester pregnancy, we expect
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the beta-HCG to double every 24 to 48 hours.
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In the setting of ectopic pregnancy,
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we may see slower doubling times
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or an abnormally low beta-HCG.
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Ectopic pregnancy is particularly important
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to identify because of the potential for
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severe maternal hemorrhage if ruptured.
Erin Gomez, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology
Johns Hopkins Hospital
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