Transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in surgically verified ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in ectopic pregnancies for positive ultrasonographic sign(s). STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-nine patients admitted with an ectopic pregnancy from September 1987 through September 1989 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-nine had undergone transvaginal ultrasonography within 10 days before surgery. The ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed by four radiologists. RESULTS: Ultrasonography revealed adnexal masses in 54 patients (78%). Thirty-six masses had an appearance consistent with an adnexal ring. Twenty-four adnexal rings demonstrated a thin sonolucent area surrounding the ring, a "halo sign" (67%). A control group of 116 intrauterine pregnancies were evaluated by ultrasonography. Forty-one women had adnexal cysts. Twenty-seven of these had an adnexal ring; only two of these had halos. CONCLUSION: The halo sign is presumptive evidence of a living ectopic pregnancy and, when identified, may allow earlier diagnosis and intervention.