scholarly journals Normal and Abnormal Early Pregnancy

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-384
Author(s):  
Giovanni Monni ◽  
Ulrich Honemeyer
Keyword(s):  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Pregnancy Test ◽  
Beta Hcg ◽  
Positive Pregnancy Test ◽  
Pregnancy Disorders

ABSTRACT The first trimester, mostly defined as the first 100 days of pregnancy, is characterized by many important landmarks heralding the ultimate outcome of pregnancy. Woman becomes aware of her pregnancy after missing her period, being already two weeks postconception at that time. A positive pregnancy test opens Pandora's Box, raising more questions than giving answers. Although a positive pregnancy test most likely suggests an intrauterine pregnancy, production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) occurs as well in tumors (dysgerminoma, choriocarcinoma) or maldeveloped pregnancies, such as ectopic pregnancy, blighted ovum or mola hydatidosa. Other early pregnancy complications and failures, like subchorionic hematoma, missed abortion, incomplete miscarriage, retained products of conception, are likely to be accompanied by clinical symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and/or vaginal bleeding, and suboptimal beta hCG serum levels. Transvaginal ultrasound probes with frequencies of up to 14 MHz have lowered the threshold for US-detection of intrauterine pregnancy to 1200 mIu/ml beta hCG/serum (discriminatory zone), and enable identification of all above-mentioned 1st trimester pregnancy disorders earlier than ever before. Furthermore, the additional interrogation of the region of interest (ROI) with color Doppler (CD) and pulsed-wave Doppler (PW) supplies important information about characteristics of vascularization and flow indices, which assists in further differentiation and prognosis of abnormal early pregnancy findings. With the introduction of transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) sonography, and real-time 3D ultrasound (4D), in vivo studies of the early fetal life became possible. The developmental progress of the embryo and early fetus, its anatomy, and first movement patterns, have been explored by means of ultrasonic 3- and 4D imaging, which can be considered as nonteratogenic as long as investigators adhere to certain safety rules. The new field of sonoembryology has emerged, and researchers are penetrating the mists hiding the beginning of human life. Another area of remarkable expansion has been the 1st trimester scan between 11 and 13/6 weeks of gestation. It includes not only the early diagnose of fetal structural anomalies, like acranius-anencephalus sequence, and the screening for fetal aneuploidies such as trisomia 21,18 and 13, but also offers likelihood ratios for hypertensive pregnancy disorders (pre-eclampsia) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

scholarly journals Laparoscopic Management of an Abdominal Pregnancy

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Aarthi Srinivasan ◽  
Suzanne Millican
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Pain Patient ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Beta Hcg ◽  
Maternal Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right

Background. Ectopic pregnancy is one of the leading causes of significant maternal morbidity and mortality. Abdominal surgeries increase the risk of postoperative adhesions. We here present a case of omental ectopic pregnancy in a patient with a prior history of cesarean section.Case. A 20-year-old female presented with a two-day history of crampy lower abdominal pain. Patient was hemodynamically stable with a beta HCG of 1057 mI/mL. Transvaginal ultrasound did not show an intrauterine pregnancy but revealed an ill-defined mass in the midline pelvis extending to the right of the midline. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed large clots in the pelvis with normal uterus and adnexa. Intra-abdominal survey revealed an omental adhesion close to the right adnexa with a hematoma. Partial omentectomy was completed and the portion of the omentum with the hematoma was sent to pathology for confirmation. Final pathology confirmed the presence of chorionic villi consistent with products of conception.Conclusion. Omental ectopic pregnancy is a rare diagnosis and often missed. We recommend careful intra-abdominal survey for an ectopic pregnancy in the presence of hemoperitoneum with normal uterus and adnexa. This can be safely achieved using laparoscopy in early gestational ages when the patient is hemodynamically stable.

scholarly journals Ruptured corpus luteum cyst in early pregnancy: A case report

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 689-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snezana Vidakovic ◽  
Milan Dokic ◽  
Zoran Vilendecic ◽  
Maja Djakonovic-Maravic
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Transvaginal Sonography ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Positive Pregnancy Test ◽  
Uterine Curettage ◽  
Wait And See ◽  
Corpus Luteum Cyst

Introduction. Transvaginal sonography and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing are cornerstones of modern clinical practice in cases with the suspected ectopic pregnancy. In unclear cases, if the level of hCG is above the discriminatory zones, the use of uterine curettage is recommended. There is an increasing concern that strict observation of the guidelines would potentially harm otherwise normal early intrauterine pregnancies in certain cases. Case Outline. A 35-year-old woman was admitted to hospital due to a severe lower abdominal pain. Based on the positive pregnancy test and sonographic exams which failed to demonstrate intrauterine pregnancy, the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was presumed. Laparoscopy revealed ruptured corpus luteum cyst and the diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological finding. Postoperatively, normal intrauterine gestation was visualized. Conclusion. Since the diagnosis of early pregnancy and its complications can be misleading, in unclear cases, we support the expectative ?wait and see? management consisting of serial hCG testing and repeated ultrasound examinations. Avoidance of uterine curettage in such unclear cases would further reduce the possibility of normal early pregnancy interruption.

scholarly journals The Use of Transvaginal Ultrasound by Emergency Physicians in Medical Student Education

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 59-64
Author(s):  
Nadah B Zafar ◽  
Veronica Greer ◽  
Robert H Woolard
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
El Paso ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Medical Student Education ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Pregnancy Test ◽  
Positive Pregnancy Test ◽  
Texas Tech University

Abstract Paul L Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso offers the students a faculty (both clinician and basic scientists) guided clinical presentation based curriculum. Emergency physicians have been an integral part of this curriculum. Bedside transvaginal ultrasound has become an adjunct to the history and physical examination for the evaluation in a timely manner of acute pelvic and lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in the female of reproductive years. Discussion of the approach to diagnosis is divided into two broad categories; evaluation when there's a positive pregnancy test (first trimester) and a negative pregnancy test. The discussion also illustrates how the emergency physician can, using ultrasound, introduce, integrate, and review, the pertinent basic sciences (anatomy, embryology, pathology, physiology, microbiology and biochemistry) with the medical student.

scholarly journals Spontaneous Unilateral Tubal Twin Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case-Based Discussion and Assessment

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-420
Author(s):  
Vaneesha Vallabh-Patel ◽  
Robert Vera ◽  
Gustavo Martell
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Power Doppler ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Color Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
The United States ◽  
Beta Hcg ◽  
Ectopic Pregnancies ◽  
The Right

ABSTRACT Introduction Two percent of all 1st trimester pregnancies in the United States are ectopic. Transvaginal ultrasound is considered the mainstay in diagnosis. Color Doppler ultrasound can prove to be an added helpful modality in identifying ectopic pregnancies. Case report An 18-year-old nulliparous female presented with vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Pelvic exam revealed tenderness in the right adnexal region with elevated quantitative serum beta-hCG. A transvaginal ultrasound showed an echogenic ring adjacent to the right ovary and M-mode and color Doppler revealed two fetal heart tones. Color Doppler enabled visualization of randomly dispersed tubal arteries and heart activity of both embryos. A right salpingectomy was performed without complications and beta hCG levels returned to undetectable levels. Conclusion B mode ultrasound is a vital diagnostic tool in the detection of ectopic pregnancy. Color Doppler provides both morphologic and functional information essential for determining the optimal therapeutic strategy. Three-dimensional ultrasound with color and/or power Doppler has proven useful in both the initial diagnosis and follow-up of ectopic pregnancies especially in patients following assisted reproduction treatment.

Role of Serum β-HCG doubling in Diagnosis of Early Pregnancy and its Management Strategy

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Mirji ◽  
Shubha Rao ◽  
Akhila Vasudeva ◽  
Roopa P.S
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Expectant Management ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Β Hcg ◽  
Pregnancy Of Unknown Location

Background: Pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is defined as the absence of intrauterine or extrauterine sac and Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin levels (β-HCG) above the discriminatory zone of 1500 mIU/ml. It should be noted that PUL is not always an ectopic; however, by measuring the trends of serum β-HCG, we can determine the outcome of a PUL. Objective: This study aims to identify the various trends β-HCG levels in early pregnancy and evaluate the role of β-HCG in the management strategy. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of pregnant women suspected with early pregnancy. Cases were classified as having a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) by transvaginal ultrasound and ß-HCG greater than 1000 mIU/ml. Expectant management was done until there was a definite outcome. All the collected data were analyzed by employing the chi-square test using SPSS version 20. Results: Among 1200 women who had early first trimester scans, 70 women who fulfilled our criteria of PUL and ß-HCG > 1000 mIU/ml were recruited in this study. In our study, the mean age of the participants was 30±5.6yrs, and the overall mean serum ß-HCG was 3030±522 mIU/ml. The most common outcome observed was an ectopic pregnancy, 47% in our study. We also found the rate of failing pregnancy was 27%, and that of intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) was 25%. Overall, in PUL patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, 9% behaved like IUP, and 4% had an atypical trend in their ß-HCG. Those who had an IUP, 11% had a suboptimal increase in ß-HCG. Conclusion: PUL rate in our unit was 6%. Majority of the outcome of PUL was ectopic in our study. Every case of PUL should be managed based on the initial ß-HCG values, clinical assessments and upon the consent of the patient.

scholarly journals Negative βhCG and Molar Pregnancy: The Hook Effect

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 656
Author(s):  
Isabel Lobo Antunes ◽  
Joana Curado ◽  
Ana Quintas ◽  
Alcides Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Delayed Diagnosis ◽  
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Molar Pregnancy ◽  
Pregnancy Test ◽  
Hook Effect ◽  
Benign Pathology ◽  
Positive Pregnancy Test ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

Molar pregnancy, included in gestational trophoblastic disease, is a benign pathology with ability to metastasize, usually occurring with excessively high βhCG levels. Clinical scenario is usually a woman in extremes of reproductive age presenting with amenorrhoea, pain and vaginal blood loss; signs derived from high βhCG levels may be present (hyperthyroidism, hyperemesis). Diagnosis is based on a positive pregnancy test – usually a qualitative urinary test. The limitation of this test results from its inability to become positive in presence of markedly high levels of βhCG, saturating the antigens used – known as the ‘hook effect’. With the widespread use of gynaecological ultrasound cases of molar pregnancy have been diagnosed in timely fashion. We describe a case referred as a degenerating fibroid, with a negative urinary pregnancy test. Transvaginal ultrasound was highly suggestive of molar pregnancy, which was confirmed with a quantitative βhCG test, allowing for timely treatment. The importance of a high index of suspicion for this pathology is tremendous to avoid the devastating consequences of a delayed diagnosis.

SPONTANEOUS HETEROTOPIC PREGNANCY WITH UNSTABLE VITALS: A CASE REPORT

2021 ◽  
pp. 35-36
Author(s):  
Anshika Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Vaginal Bleeding ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Heterotopic Pregnancy ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Spontaneous Conception ◽  
Beta Hcg ◽  
Maternal Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Life Threatening

A spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy is a rare obstetric entity which can be life threatening if early diagnosis is missed. There is co-existing intra uterine and extra uterine pregnancy, most often tubal and rarely cervical or ovarian. It is extremely rare in spontaneous conception but incidence is increasing with the use of ART’s. Early diagnosis is difcult probably because of the lacking clinical symptoms. It usually presents as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Timely diagnosis and intervention is of utmost importance to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality. Abdominal pain, swelling, peritoneal irritation, enlarged uterus, vaginal bleeding, pallor, tachycardia, features of shock may be a few presenting features. With the advances in technology, transvaginal ultrasound proves to be a great diagnostic tool in early diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy. Serum beta-hcg levels is of importance. Intervention can be medical or surgical depending on the hemodynamic condition of the patient and the viability of the intrauterine pregnancy. Heterotopic pregnancy is an unusual diagnosis and so is often ignored in the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy. But as it can prove to be life threatening so its diagnosis as a differential should always be kept in mind. Early diagnosis and prompt and effective treatment can save a life or two!

scholarly journals Association Of Serial Beta HCG And Progesterone Level With Outcome In Pregnancy Of Unknown Location

2017 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Ayesha Ajmi
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Progesterone Level ◽  
P Value ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Beta Hcg ◽  
Assessment Unit ◽  
Pregnancy Of Unknown Location

Objective: To study the association of change in serial beta HCG level over 48 hours and serum progesterone with final diagnosis i.e. viable intrauterine pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy or failing pregnancy in cases initially labelled as pregnancy of unknown location. Study Design: prospective population based study Place and duration of study: Early Pregnancy Assessment unit of Homerton University Hospital London from December 2013 to February 2014 Methodology: Fifty patients were recruited in the study who presented to early pregnancy assessment unit and had positive urine for pregnancy test but no evidence of pregnancy on transvaginal scan. Initial beta HCG, progesterone and transvaginal scan were done in all cases. Patients were followed up with repeat HCG at 48 hour interval and repeat TVS until final diagnosis was established. Results: Final diagnosis was miscarriage 58%, viable intrauterine pregnancy 24% and ectopic pregnancy 12%. 67% of patients with rise in HCG >60% had viable intrauterine pregnancy whereas all patients with >50% fall in HCG had a miscarriage. A highly significant association of >60% rise of HCG with viable intrauterine pregnancy and of >50% fall in HCG with miscarriage was observed with p-value<0.0001. 58% of patients with progesterone >30 had viable intrauterine pregnancy whereas 83% of patients with progesterone <10 were miscarriage and 17% had ectopic pregnancy. A highly significant association of final diagnosis of viable intrauterine pregnancy and progesterone level >30 was observed with p-value<0.0001. Conclusion: Although there is high association of >60% rise in 48 hour repeat HCG and progesterone >30 with viable intrauterine pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy cannot be ruled out on the basis of biochemical test. Therefore a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose cases of ectopic pregnancy using clinical signs and symptoms, transvaginal scan as well as biochemical tests such as serial beta HCG and progesterone levels.

scholarly journals Ruptured Unilateral Twin Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy. Case Report of an oddity & Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-63
Author(s):  
Palwasha Gul ◽  
Khanda Gul ◽  
Pari Gul ◽  
Tanzila Parveen
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Uterine Cavity ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Exploratory Laparotomy ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Maternal Deaths ◽  
Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Beta Hcg ◽  
Ectopic Pregnancies

Background: An ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a type of conception in which, the fertilized egg is lodged outside the uterine cavity. Twin ectopic pregnancies are a rarity, and the reported cases of twin tubal pregnancies are a handful to date.Case Report: We report a case of a 35 years old patient who presented to the emergency with the complaint of lower abdominal pain and intermittent vaginal discharge. She was diagnosed with twin tubal alive gestation, underwent exploratory laparotomy and right salpingectomy.Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy can occur even in the absence of known risk factors. Its incidence is on the rise. It is a leading cause of first-trimester maternal deaths and can be easily diagnosed with Beta HCG levels and transvaginal ultrasound.

scholarly journals Vaginal Delivery at Term in a Woman with a Spontaneous Heterotopic Pregnancy Treated with Laparoscopic Salpingectomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michail Diakosavvas ◽  
Nikolaos Blontzos ◽  
Georgios Daskalakis ◽  
Athanasios Protopapas ◽  
Nikolaos Kathopoulis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Major Complication ◽  
Heterotopic Pregnancy ◽  
Clinical Image ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Beta Hcg ◽  
Laparoscopic Salpingectomy

Background. The coexistence of an intrauterine pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy (heterotopic pregnancy) is an extremely rare, yet major, complication during pregnancy. The early diagnosis of a heterotopic pregnancy is of great importance for fetal viability, maternal safety, and the progression of an uncomplicated intrauterine pregnancy. Case Presentation. We report a case of a naturally conceived heterotopic tubal pregnancy in a 37-year-old primigravida. The patient presented with continuous, dull, lower abdominal pain and a positive urine pregnancy test which was conducted a week prior to the start of the pain. The patient was hospitalized, and based on the clinical image and after strict monitoring, she was diagnosed with a heterotopic pregnancy. She was treated with laparoscopic salpingectomy after the rupture of the ectopic pregnancy while the desired intrauterine gestation continued without any complications. The pregnancy resulted in the birth of a healthy infant through vaginal delivery. Discussion. Strict monitoring with multiple sonographic evaluations should always be conducted in women with abnormal serum beta-hCG, adnexal abnormalities, or clinical symptoms, while heterotopic pregnancy should be in differential diagnosis and treatment should not be delayed since emerge management is important for the progression of the intrauterine pregnancy.

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