Transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in surgically verified ectopic pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to evaluate transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in ectopic pregnancies for positive ultrasonographic sign(s).


METHODS
Eighty-nine patients admitted with an ectopic pregnancy from September 1987 through September 1989 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-nine had undergone transvaginal ultrasonography within 10 days before surgery. The ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed by four radiologists.


RESULTS
Ultrasonography revealed adnexal masses in 54 patients (78%). Thirty-six masses had an appearance consistent with an adnexal ring. Twenty-four adnexal rings demonstrated a thin sonolucent area surrounding the ring, a "halo sign" (67%). A control group of 116 intrauterine pregnancies were evaluated by ultrasonography. Forty-one women had adnexal cysts. Twenty-seven of these had an adnexal ring; only two of these had halos.


CONCLUSIONS
The halo sign is presumptive evidence of a living ectopic pregnancy and, when identified, may allow earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Burry
K A
KA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098.
Thurmond
A S
AS
Suby-Long
T D
TD
Patton
P E
PE
Rose
P M
PM
Jones
M K
MK
Choffel
J K
JK
Nelson
D W
DW
D000290:Adnexa Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011274:Pregnancy, Tubal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography