How can an ectopic pregnancy be diagnosed?

Authors:

Chama CM. Obed JY. Ekanem IA.

Institution:

Dr. C. M. Chama, Univ. of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, PMB 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State; Nigeria.

Title:

Transvaginal ultrasound scan versus laparoscopy in the diagnosis of suspected ectopic pregnancy (2001-3353).

Source:

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Vol 21(2) (pp84-186), 2001.

Abstract:

This is a prospective study comparing the performance of transvaginal ultrasound scan with laparoscopy as the last diagnostic tool in a clinically suspected ectopic pregnancy. Both diagnostic methods have the same sensitivity of 100%. Transvaginal ultrasound scan had a specificity of 73.7% and a positive predictive value of 89.8%. Laparoscopy had a specificity of 84.8% and a positive predictive value of 94.6%. The use of laparoscopy could avoid laparotomy in only 3.4% of patients. Since transvaginal ultrasound scan is easier, safer and cheaper than laparoscopy, more emphasis should be laid on its use in our environment than laparoscopy.

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Q12. 1  What is a miscarriage?

Q12. 2  What are the different types of miscarriage?

Q12. 3  How accurate are pregnancy tests?

Q12. 4 What is a blighted ovum?

Q12. 5 I have had a hydatidiform mole. What is this?

Q12. 6 Why did I have a spontaneous miscarriage?

Q12. 7 How frequently do miscarriages occur?

Q12. 8 I am miscarrying. How should this be treated?

Q12.8a Can miscarriage result in anxiety and depression?

Q12. 9 What is meant by recurrent miscarriage?

Q12.10 I have a problem with recurrent miscarriage. What is the chance of my next pregnancy being successful?

Q 12.11 Recurrent Miscarriage I have miscarried again. Why does this keep happening?

Q12.12 What congenital problems might be associated with recurrent miscarriage and how could they be treated?

Q12.13 What traumatic conditions can cause recurrent miscarriage and how can they be treated?

Q12.14 Can infection cause recurrent miscarriage and would treatment help?

Q12.15 Could a metabolic disorder cause recurrent miscarriage?

Q12.16 Could a hormonal problem account for recurrent miscarriage and would hormone treatment help me?

Q12. 17 Could an autoimmune problem cause recurrent miscarriage and how could this be treated?

Q12.18 Could a tumour cause recurrent miscarriage?

Q12.19 What degenerative processes may be associated with recurrent miscarriage?

Q12. 20 After every miscarriage I become more depressed. Could this account for the problem?

Q12. 21 Is it always possible to explain recurrent miscarriage?

Q12. 22 I have a problem with recurrent miscarriage. What treatment is available to ensure that this does not happen again?

Q12. 23 What is an ectopic pregnancy?

Q12. 24 How frequently do ectopic pregnancies occur?

Q12. 25 Why do ectopic pregnancies occur?

Q12. 26 How can an ectopic pregnancy be diagnosed?

Q12. 27 How can an ectopic pregnancy be treated?

Q12. 28 Where can I obtain more information?

Q12. 29 Support Groups.





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