Which findings are consistent with an ectopic pregnancy?
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS The classic findings of ectopic pregnancy are vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain in the setting of a positive pregnancy test. Even if a cervical or vaginal source of bleeding is identified, all patients with first-trimester bleeding should be evaluated by transvaginal ultrasound.
What are four 4 expected findings of an ectopic pregnancy?
sharp waves of pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, or neck. severe pain that occurs on one side of the abdomen. light to heavy vaginal spotting or bleeding. dizziness or fainting.
Does hCG go up and down with ectopic?
If you’re at risk for miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, you’re more likely to have hCG levels that don’t double. They may even decrease. Therefore, your doctor may ask you to return to their office two to three days after your baseline blood test to see if your level has doubled appropriately.
Can you tell an ectopic pregnancy from an ultrasound?
An ectopic pregnancy is usually diagnosed by carrying out a transvaginal ultrasound scan.
What is the level of hCG in ectopic pregnancy?
Absence of an intrauterine gestational sac on abdominal ultrasound in conjunction with a β-hCG level of greater than 6,500 mIU per mL suggests the presence of an ectopic pregnancy.
Can hCG go down and then back up?
Sometimes, hCG levels drop, but then rise again and the pregnancy continues normally. Although this is not common, it can happen. Decreasing hCG levels later in pregnancy, such as the second and third trimester, are probably not a cause for concern.
At what hCG level does an ectopic rupture?
Expectant management However, about 90% of women with ectopic pregnancy and serum β-hCG levels greater than 2000 IU/L require operative intervention owing to increasing symptoms or tubal rupture. Tubal rupture can also occur when serum β-hCG levels are low or declining, or both.
How often are ectopic pregnancies misdiagnosed?
Diagnostic Evaluation. Between 40 and 50 percent of ectopic pregnancies are misdiagnosed at the initial visit to an emergency department. Failure to identify risk factors is cited as a common and significant reason for misdiagnosis.