Spontaneous Unilateral Tubal Twin Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case-Based Discussion and Assessment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Two percent of all 1st trimester pregnancies in the United States are ectopic. Transvaginal ultrasound is considered the mainstay in diagnosis. Color Doppler ultrasound can prove to be an added helpful modality in identifying ectopic pregnancies. Case report An 18-year-old nulliparous female presented with vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Pelvic exam revealed tenderness in the right adnexal region with elevated quantitative serum beta-hCG. A transvaginal ultrasound showed an echogenic ring adjacent to the right ovary and M-mode and color Doppler revealed two fetal heart tones. Color Doppler enabled visualization of randomly dispersed tubal arteries and heart activity of both embryos. A right salpingectomy was performed without complications and beta hCG levels returned to undetectable levels. Conclusion B mode ultrasound is a vital diagnostic tool in the detection of ectopic pregnancy. Color Doppler provides both morphologic and functional information essential for determining the optimal therapeutic strategy. Three-dimensional ultrasound with color and/or power Doppler has proven useful in both the initial diagnosis and follow-up of ectopic pregnancies especially in patients following assisted reproduction treatment.