From Suspicion to Confirmation: An Original Study on a Complete Diagnostic Pathway for Ectopic Pregnancy

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Authors: Marian Valentin Zorilă, Dominic Gabriel Iliescu, George-Lucian Zorilă, Daniel Nicolae Pirici, Anca-Maria Istrate-Ofiţeru, Camelia-Gabriela Rosu, Cristina Jana Busuioc, Laurenţiu Mogoantă, Vanda Roxana Nimigean, Razvan Grigoras Capitanescu, Elena Iuliana Anamaria Berbecaru, Roxana-Cristina Dragușin
+2 more Maria-Cristina Comănescu, Ștefan Paitici
Cited by: 1
References: 30

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) remains a major cause of maternal morbidity. This study aimed to describe the clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological features of EP, including changes following methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with EP between 2018 and 2024. Clinical characteristics, serum β-hCG (beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) dynamics, treatment type, site-specific ultrasonographic features, and histopathological aspects were evaluated. Results: Extrauterine EPs accounted for 63.3% of cases, predominantly tubal ectopic pregnancy (T-EP), while uterine ectopic pregnancy represented 33.3%, including cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) in 20%. Heterotopic pregnancy was identified in 3.3%. T-EP most frequently required surgical management, whereas MTX was effective in selected T-EP and CSP cases, as demonstrated by a ≥ 15% decline in serum β-hCG levels at 7 days. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) enabled accurate site-specific localization of ectopic implantation. Histopathological evaluation confirmed ectopic implantation and MTX-related changes in treated cases. Conclusions: Integrating clinical findings, β-hCG dynamics, and targeted TVUS allows accurate diagnosis and individualized management of EP, with histopathology providing definitive confirmation and insight into treatment-related changes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis and Management Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Studies Reproductive Health and Contraception

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
15
Issue
2
Pages
507–507
Publication date
8 January 2026
Language
EN