Endovaginal color Doppler sonographic evaluation of ectopic pregnancy in women after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of endovaginal color Doppler ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in women after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, and to correlate the sonographic findings with ss-hCG serum levels. Thirty-five patients had proven ectopic pregnancies and 4 other patients had heterotopic pregnancies. The diagnosis was disclosed correctly in all cases by endovaginal color Doppler US by identifying an adnexal mass with placental flow and a nongravid uterus called a "cold uterus". An intrauterine sac with "double ring sign" was found in all normal intrauterine pregnancies when the hCG levels exceeded 1000 IU/l but in none of the patients with ectopic pregnancy (EP). These findings suggest the efficacy of the discriminatory hCG serum level of 1000 IU/l in the investigation of EP. In conclusion, this study describes the diagnostic importance of transvaginal color Doppler US in correlation with hCG serum levels in the early detection of EP avoiding life-threatening complications and improving patient outcome.