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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 7/2016

01-07-2016 | Magnetic Resonance

Role of MRI in the early diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy

Authors: Ming-Jue Si, Shuang Gui, Qin Fan, Hong-Xiu Han, Qian-Qian Zhao, Zhi-Xin Li, Jiang-Min Zhao

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 7/2016

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Abstract

Objective

To determine the role of MRI in the early diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP).

Methods

Clinical and MRI features of 27 cases of tubal pregnancy were reviewed.

Results

A thick-walled gestational sac (GS)-like structure was demonstrated lateral to the uterus in all cases. On T2-weighted images, the thick wall typically exhibited 3 discrete rings in 22 cases (81 %), among which 17 cases (63 %) displayed small vessels and 6 cases (33 %) exhibited small areas of fresh haemorrhage inside the thick wall. The contents demonstrated non-specific liquid in 26 %, papillary solid components in 56 %, and fresh blood or fluid-fluid level in 19 % of the cases. Dilatation of the affected fallopian tube associated with hematosalpinx was demonstrated in 18 cases (67 %) and marked enhancement of the tubal wall was observed in 22 cases (81 %). No correlation was found between the size of the GS and the estimated gestational age (r = 0.056).

Conclusion

MRI plays an important role in the early diagnosis and management of tubal pregnancy. The characteristic MRI features include a GS-like structure with a “three rings” appearance on T2-weighted images, presence of solid components in the sac, dilatation of the affected fallopian tube with hematosalpinx, and tubal wall enhancement.

Key Points

• MR imaging has served as a problem-solving procedure in ectopic pregnancy.
• MR imaging features can be criteria for early diagnosis of tubal pregnancy.
• Detailed assessment of ectopic implantation is necessary for management decision-making.
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Metadata
Title
Role of MRI in the early diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy
Authors
Ming-Jue Si
Shuang Gui
Qin Fan
Hong-Xiu Han
Qian-Qian Zhao
Zhi-Xin Li
Jiang-Min Zhao
Publication date
01-07-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 7/2016
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-015-3987-6

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