Expecting the Unexpected: Subtypes of Ectopic Pregnancy in an Emergency Setting

Ectopic pregnancy is defined as the implantation of a fertilized ovum outside the uterine endometrial cavity. Classic symptoms are abdominal or pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and a tender adnexal mass. It comprises 2% of all reported pregnancies and accounts for 9% of all pregnancy-related deaths.1 , 2 Ectopic pregnancy is most often diagnosed with a combination of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) assay and pelvic ultrasound findings.2 This article will assist the radiologist in use of imaging to diagnose ectopic pregnancy and its subtypes.