Outcomes of ultrasound diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Dependence on observer experience.
BACKGROUND
The effect of examiner experience on the detection of ultrasound findings in ectopic pregnancy was assessed in a retrospective study.


METHODS
Records and examinations of 267 consecutive patients with surgically proven ectopic pregnancy were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) those who were examined by faculty during the day (182 examinations) and (2) those who were examined by resident physicians at night (85 examinations).


RESULTS
A statistical difference was found in the incidence of adnexal mass, free fluid, sac within the mass, and corpus luteum cyst.


CONCLUSIONS
Examiner experience has a strong effect on the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound examination. Adnexal abnormalities may be difficult to identify because of confusion with loops of bowel or other pelvic structures. Faculty follow-up and review are important in patient management.
Wojak
J C
JC
Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans 70112, USA.
Clayton
M J
MJ
Nolan
T E
TE
D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008145:Louisiana / Q000453:epidemiology; D015588:Observer Variation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data