What is an ectopic pregnancy? correct answers When a pregnancy is implanted outside the uterus
Most common site for ectopic pregnancy? correct answers fallopian tube
Other sites for ectopic pregnancy? correct answers Entrance to fallopian tube, ovary, cervix or
abdomen
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy? correct answers Previous ectopic pregnancy
Previous PID
Previous surgery to fallopian tubes
IUD (coils)
Older age
Smoking
When does ectopic pregnancy usually present? correct answers 6-8 weeks gestation
Having a low threshold for ectopic pregnancy? correct answers Always ask about possibility of
pregnancy, missed periods and recent unprotected sex in women presenting with lower
abdominal pain
Classical features of ectopic pregnancy? correct answers Missed period
Constant lower abdominal pain in R/L iliac fossa
Vaginal bleeding
Lower abdominal or pelvic tenderness
Cervical motion tenderness (pain when moving the cervix during a bimanual examination)
Other symptoms to ask about with ectopic pregnancy? correct answers Dizziness or syncope
(blood loss)
Shoulder tip pain (peritonitis)
What is the investigation of choice for diagnosing a miscarriage? correct answers Transvaginal
USS
What is seen on transvaginal USS for ectopic pregnancy? correct answers Gestational sac
containing a yolk sac/fetal pole in the fallopian tube
Sometimes a non-specific mass may be seen in the tube - 'blob sign', 'bagel sign', 'tubal sign'
A mass representing a tubal ectopic moves separately to the ovary (may look similar to a corpus
luteum)
Features that may also indicate an ectopic pregnancy? correct answers An empty uterus
Fluid in the uterus, which may be mistaken as a gestational sac ('pseudogestational sac')
How to differentiate a tubal ectopic pregnancy from a corpus luteum? correct answers Tubal
ectopic moves SEPARATELY to the ovary whereas a corpus luteum will move WITH the ovary