Diagnostic value of ultrasound scanning and curettage in ectopic pregnancy. A prospective controlled trial.

The object of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of ultrasonic scanning alone and of ultrasonic scanning combined with histological examination of endometrial tissue on suspicion of subacute ectopic pregnancy. For the 93 patients comprising the study, ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed in 21 cases. The diagnostic sensitivity of ultrasound scanning alone proved high, there being 97% correct, negative diagnosis, while a correct positive diagnosis was made in 79%. Ultrasound scanning combined with histological examination of endometrial tissue did not improve the diagnostic accuracy. It is concluded that on suspicion of ectopic pregnancy, ultrasound scanning is a valuable screening method for the exclusion of this condition.