Bowel

- Hello, my name is Phil Perera,
and I'm the emergency ultrasound coordinator
at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
And welcome to SoundBytes Cases.
In this module entitled Emergency OB/GYN Ultrasound: Part I,
we're going to focus entirely on the
ultrasound findings of intrauterine pregnancy.
Now patients with early pregnancy and vaginal bleeding
with or without abdominal pain
are frequently seen in the emergency department.
Luckily for us, emergency OB/GYN ultrasound
has evolved to be one of the most helpful
applications of sonography
in a busy emergency medicine practice.
So this module will be focused
primarily on the detection of intrauterine pregnancy
and we'll examine the ultrasound findings that define
a normal pregnancy for an emergency physician sonographer.
Before launching into the sonographic findings
of a normal intrauterine pregnancy,
let's take a moment to quickly review
the OB/GYN anatomy important for this application.
We see the uterus to the left and adnexa to the right.
Notice the areas of the uterus.
We see the lower cervix,
the intermediate body,
and the fundal region towards the top of the uterus.
Now, the fundal region is where we define
an intrauterine pregnancy to be located.
We see the area where the fallopian tube
enters into the uterus,
which is the interstitial region in a normal uterus
and the cornual region in a bicornuate uterus.
And this is where some variants of ectopics can implant.
Notice the areas of the fallopian tube to the right,
which we'll concentrate more on
with regard to ectopic pregnancy.
And we see the broad ligament there encasing
the fallopian tube and the ovary as seen to the right.
When taking care of a patient
who has vaginal bleeding in pregnancy,
there's four main classifications of diagnoses.
The first is a Threatened Abortion,
which is defined as the presence
of an intrauterine pregnancy with bleeding.
The second main classification
encompasses several different terms.
The terms that are commonly used are,
Incomplete Abortion,
Missed Abortion,
Blighted Ovum,
and Fetal Demise.
Basically, all of these mean the presence
of fetal membranes or parts,
without expected fetal growth or cardiac activity.
The third main classification is a Completed Abortion,
in which there is no further presence
of fetal membranes or parts,
and on examination, usually the cervical os will be closed.
The fourth main classification is the most dangerous,
is Ectopic Pregnancy.
Here's a table showing the structures in pregnancy
and about the time that they're seen on transvaginal
versus transabdominal sonography.
As we look in the Embryonic Structure column to the left,
we see the first structure that appears
is a gestational sac, seen on transvaginal sonography
at about 4.5 to 5 weeks,
and about a week later on transabdominal sonography.
The yolk sac is seen at about 5 to 5.5 weeks
on transvaginal sonography
and a week later on transabdominal sonography.
I have this circled in red,
as this is really the way we diagnose
an intrauterine pregnancy.
Then note the fetal pole is seen at about 5.5 to 6 weeks
on transvaginal sonography
and a week later on transabdominal sonography.
The last main finding, which is a fetal heart beat,
is seen at about six weeks on transvaginal sonography
and about at seven weeks on transabdominal sonography.
Another important concept for OB/GYN sonography,
is the correlation of the serum beta HCG
to the findings of a normal pregnancy.
As we see here for transvaginal sonography,
the discriminatory zone at which we will see
findings of an intrauterine pregnancy
are about 1,500 to 2,000 mIU.
For transabdominal sonography,
the discriminatory zone is about 6,500 mIU.
Now, this rule does not apply to ectopic pregnancies,
which secrete beta HCG at atypical levels
and are commonly seen with betas all over the map.
They can be seen with betas lower than 1,000
and as high as 30,000.
The first finding that will occur
during an intrauterine pregnancy
is going to be a gestational sac.
As we see here in the ultrasound picture to the right,
it's a small, round circle that's dark
or hypoechoic in relation to the rest of the uterus.
We actually see a gestational sac below that
that came out of a patient.
Notice that it has a translucent, membrane-type appearance.
Unfortunately, gestational sac
is not diagnostic of an intrauterine pregnancy,
as a pseudogestational sac of ectopic pregnancy
can be seen from hormonal stimulation.
As a general rule of emergency ultrasound,
is that visualization of a gestational sac
is not adequate to call an intrauterine pregnancy.
Here's two video clips showing the gestational sac.
Long Axis to the left,
and Short Axis to the right.
We see here a very small diameter gestational sac
in both of these orientations.
Unfortunately, this can be seen with a
pseudogestational sac of ectopic pregnancy.
So a small gestational sac, like this,
is in no way diagnostic of an intrauterine pregnancy
for the emergency physician sonographer.
Remember that the gestational sac is seen
at about 4.5 to 5 weeks on transvaginal sonography,
and about a week later on transabdominal sonography.
Here are the findings that we define
as indicative of an intrauterine pregnancy
for an emergency physician sonographer,
and that is the presence of a gestational sac
with a yolk sac inside.
As we see in the picture to the right,
the yolk sac has a circular-type appearance
that we call the Positive Cheerio Sign.
Let's just remember, gestational sac plus yolk sac
is indicative of intrauterine pregnancy.
However, bonus points are given
if you see a fetal pole with a heart beat
for confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy.
Here's a video clip showing a definitive
intrauterine pregnancy.
What we see here is a larger gestational sac
and as we look inside the gestational sac,
we see the positive yolk sac or Cheerio Sign.
Notice the circular yolk sac is seen
towards the inferior aspect of this gestational sac.
This would be diagnostic of an intrauterine pregnancy,
effectively ruling out an ectopic pregnancy
in the vast majority of patients.
Remember that the yolk sac is seen
at about 5 to 5.5 weeks on transvaginal sonography,
and about a week later on transabdominal sonography.
Here we see a pregnancy that is a bit further advanced.
Note we have a larger gestational sac,
that darker or hypoechoic area,
within the fundal region of the uterus,
and as we look inside the gestational sac,
we see the positive yolk sac or the Cheerio,
and looking just to the left of the yolk sac,
we see a tiny little fetal pole there.
Interestingly enough, as we zoomed up on that fetal pole,
we could make out the flicker of a heart beat.
So, a definitive intrauterine pregnancy.
Recall that the fetal pole is seen
at about 5.5 to 6 weeks on transvaginal sonography,
and about a week later on transabdominal sonography.
Here's a transvaginal short axis view
of a seven week intrautertine pregnancy.
We see the gestational sac here.
Notice that the gestational sac
is located in the center of the uterus
as seen here in short axis,
and there's a good amount of myometrial mantle
surrounding the gestational sac,
signifying a fundal location.
We see the positive Cheerio sign, or yolk sac,
to the upper right aspect of the gestational sac,
and right below, we see the fetal pole stretched out.
Notice the positive cardiac activity
as we scan back and forth through the fetal pole.
Here's another intrauterine pregnancy at about seven weeks,
again in the transvaginal short axis view.
We note the good amount of uterus
surrounding the gestational sac,
signifying the fundal location.
We see here the yolk sac or Cheerio sign,
and the fetal pole is stretched out below the yolk sac.
Notice the positive cardiac activity
within the fetal pole.
Now we see another very important finding here
on this ultrasound,
which is the amniotic membrane,
billowing out from around the fetal pole.
Eventually the amniotic membrane
will plaster down on the margins of the gestational sac
to form the amniotic cavity,
in which further growth of the fetus will occur.
Here's an interesting video clip
showing a twin pregnancy.
What we see here are two gestational sacs
signifying dichorionic twins,
and within each of the gestational sacs
we can see little fetal poles
with a flicker of heart beats.
Recall that fetal heart activity
is seen at about six weeks on transvaginal sonography
and about seven weeks on transabdominal sonography.
Here's an early second trimester pregnancy.
What we see here is the next Oscar De La Hoya.
Note the mean right hook on the baby here.
The important finding here is that
this is an intrauterine pregnancy
as we can define a good mantle of uterus
surrounding the pregnancy.
That's very important as there are some ectopics
that can grow to an advanced stage,
but they're discerned by a lack of uterus
around the pregnancy.
Here's another second trimester baby
and as I work in Northern Manhattan,
I refer to this baby as the Merengue baby.
Note the baby moving around fluidly within the amniotic sac.
A sure sign that this kid will grow up to be a slick dancer.
In conclusion, I'm glad I could share with you
this SoundBytes module
going over Emergency OB/GYN Ultrasound: Part I
of intrauterine pregnancy.
Emergency OB/GYN ultrasound is definitely
one of the most helpful sonographic applications
in a busy emergency medicine practice
and hopefully by going through the module
you now have an understanding
of the ultrasound findings diagnostic of a normal pregnancy.
I hope to see you back as we return
in OB/GYN Ultrasound Pregnancy Part 2,
focusing on further assessment of normal pregnancy
as well as looking further into
the ultrasound findings of an abnormal pregnancy.

Brightcove ID

5508114751001

https://youtube.com/watch?v=gv4q8ZB25JM

Case: Ectopic Pregnancy - Part 2

Read more about Case: Ectopic Pregnancy - Part 2

/sites/default/files/youtube_ANhOwzbKe6Y_0.jpg

This video details how bedside ultrasound can help emergency medicine professionals visualize and diagnose various presentations of ectopic pregnancy, as well as differentiate between an ovarian cyst and an ectopic pregnancy.

Clinical Specialties

Media Library Type

Media Library Tag

Tubal Ectopic Abdominal Ectopic

Subtitles

- Hello, my name is Phil Perera
and I'm the Emergency Ultrasound Coordinator
at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City
and welcome to SoundBytes Cases.
This module is ectopic pregnancy part two,
where we'll go over the multiple
ultrasound presentation of ectopic pregnancies.
Ectopic pregnancy is one of those
conditions that we'll not infrequently
encounter in a busy EM practice.
The most common presentation of
an ectopic pregnancy will be an empty uterus,
with or without free fluid within the pelvic cul de sac
or surrounding the uterus.
We may be actually able to visualize
the ectopic as a Bagel sign,
which constitutes a thickened Fallopian tube.
Other presentations of ectopics
include a complex pelvic mass
with a ring of fire on Doppler sonography,
hemosalpinx or blood within the Fallopian tube
or we may be actually able to visualize
the live ectopic in the adnexa,
with a fetal pole and/or heartbeat.
Here's a transvaginal long axis ultrasound
for a woman who presented with lower abdominal pain
and a positive pregnancy test.
Notice the uterus, as shown in the long axis view,
without an appreciable intrauterine pregnancy
and notice that it's surrounded
by a large amount of free fluid.
That dark or anechoic area surrounding
the uterus both anteriorly to the left,
posteriorly in the cul de sac to the right.
That is the presence of fresh blood.
Notice also the presence of blood clots
anteriorly or to the left, that more echogenic area.
So, given the absence of an intrauterine pregnancy,
we decided to scan out to the adnexa
and notice here, the presence of
a Bagel sign of a tubal ectopic pregnancy.
We see fresh fluid here, above the Bagel,
to the right, blood clot to the left
and the more hyperechoic
or lighter Bagel sign in the middle of the image.
Occasionally it can be difficult to discern
the Bagel sign of a Fallopian tube ectopic
from an ovarian cyst, as show here to the right.
But lets look closer at the two video clips
and notice that the Bagel sign
has a more hyperechoic or bright appearance,
with the single hole more in the middle.
Notice that the ovarian cyst has a different appearance,
with multiple small follicular cysts
to the outer portion of the ovary
and a single midline corpus luteum cyst.
Very different than the Bagel sign.
Here's another patient with an ectopic pregnancy
in a different presentation of ectopic.
We're scanning here from the more midline uterus,
as show there to the left, out to the right adnexa
and notice as we scan out to the right adnexa,
we notice the presence of a complex, pelvic mass.
Notice also the relatively low
serum B-HCG in this case, at 478.
So, a complex pelvic mass with
an absence of intrauterine pregnancy.
Very suspicious for an ectopic pregnancy.
And what's interesting is,
as we put Doppler flow on that complex pelvic mass,
we notice the presence of the ring of fire,
very suggestive of an ectopic pregnancy
and the reasons for the ring of fire
is that the ectopic pregnancy pulls
a huge amount of vascularity towards it
and using the Doppler,
we can see the separate ectopic from the ovary above it.
Here's another presentation of an ectopic pregnancy.
Again, we're scanning at a short axis plane
and we see there the uterus to the left
and outside the uterus, a separate structure.
We note here the presence of a thickened Fallopian tube
and inside the thickened Fallopian tube,
we see here a fetal pole with a heart beat,
consistent with a live ampullary ectopic pregnancy.
Unfortunately in this case,
the presence of a fetal pole with
a heart beat is a contraindication of methotrexate therapy
and this patient will need to undergo surgery.
We mentioned earlier that there are
a variance of ectopic pregnancies
that implant outside the fundal region of the uterus,
in an aberrant location.
This is a good example.
This patient actually has a bicornuate uterus
and as we scan at a short axis plane up the uterus,
we notice that the two limbs of endometrium
that make up the two distinct cornua.
As we go up the left cornua,
we notice here the presence of a cornual ectopic pregnancy
and we see the that it's located off to the side,
way out to the left cornua,
with a very thin myometrial mantle.
If we actually put the calipers down
and measure the endo-myometrial mantle,
we find it's very thin, at three millimeters,
defining an abnormal pregnancy.
A normal pregnancy should have
a myometrial mantle greater than eight millimeters.
Now this is a bicornuate uterus,
so this is a cornual pregnancy.
In a normal uterus,
this would be known as an interstitial pregnancy.
So in conclusion, I'm glad I could share with you
this module on ectopic pregnancy part two,
looking at the varied presentations of ectopic pregnancy.
Hopefully now you better understand
what we're searching for on bedside sonography
when we're working up a patient
with possible ectopic pregnancy.
While visualization of the adnexa
and the Fallopian tubes is an advanced technique,
but it is well within the scope
of a busy emergency medicine practice.
As a final caveat, ectopic pregnancies can
be seen at Beta-HCG levels ranging from very low,
less than 100, to very high, above 20,000
and thus we cannot use a Single Beta-HCG
level to rule out ectopic pregnancy.
It's really better to look at trends
in the hormone level over time.
With an intrauterine pregnancy,
the levels should double in 48 hours,
whereas in most ectopic pregnancy,
it will not climb to the same degree.
So, I hope that now you have a
better understanding of how to
work up the pregnant patient with
a possible ectopic pregnancy.

Brightcove ID

5750496732001

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ANhOwzbKe6Y

Case: Ectopic Pregnancy - Part 1

Read more about Case: Ectopic Pregnancy - Part 1

/sites/default/files/youtube_iui0HF95XAw_0.jpg

This video details how bedside transvaginal ultrasound can help emergency medicine professionals evaluate OB/GYN anatomy to diagnose possible ectopic pregnancies.

Clinical Specialties

Media Library Type

Media Library Tag

Pseudogestational Sac

Tubal Ectopic Abdominal Ectopic

Subtitles

- Hello, my name is Phil Perrera,
and I'm the emergency ultrasound coordinator
at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City,
and welcome to SoundBytes Cases.
Today's module is going to focus on ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancies constitute
about 2% of all total pregnancies,
although they're commonly seen in the emergency department.
Ectopic pregnancy is more commonly seen in women
with a history of tubal ligation
who are using interuterine devices for contraception
or have a history of sexually transmitted diseases,
such as pelvic inflammatory disease
with scarring of the tubes.
Ectopic pregnancy is also commonly seen in women
using fertility agents,
which accounts for the increasing rate of ectopic pregnancy
over all.
As a golden rule, we must consider ectopic pregnancy
in all women with abdominal pain
and/or vaginal bleeding and a positive pregnancy test,
until ruled out by sonography.
Let's begin by reviewing the OB/GYN anatomy
that we'll need to know to perform bedside ultrasound
of the uterus and the adnexa.
We'll begin by locating the lower cervical region
of the uterus.
The portion above that, the body, and the fundal region
of the uterus above the body,
which is where we define an inter-uterine pregnancy
to be located.
Notice the intersticial region of the uterus,
that region of the uterus that abuts the fallopian tube.
In a cornual uterus this is known as cornual region.
Here we also see the portions of the fallopian tube,
the proximal isthmal region,
the distal infindibulum,
and notice the ampullary region
which comprises the majority of the fallopian tube.
We also see here, the broad ligament which encases
the fallopian tube and ovary in the lateral region
of the adnexa.
Remember that the ovary is relatively mobile
within the broad ligament.
Now let's review a transvaginal long axis scan
from a women who presented with a positive pregnancy test,
who had lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
Notice the fundus, as shown here to the left,
the cervix to the right.
We see here the presence of a thickened white
endometrial stripe in the midline of the uterus.
Notice the pelvic cul de sac that potential space
posterior to the uterus.
Notice here the absence of an inter-uterine pregnancy.
Now, confirm the absence of an IUP by scanning
in the transvaginal short axis plane.
Here we have the probe marker
oriented towards the patient's right,
and we're cutting the uterus in cross section.
Notice again the thickened endometrial stripe
in the midline of the uterus,
and the pelvic cul de sac posteriorly.
Again, we see the absence of an IUP,
and also note the absence of free fluid,
dark anechoic fluid collections
within the pelvic cul de sac.
So, given these findings we're now concerned
about the presence of an ectopic pregnancy.
So, lets begin our discussion of ectopic pregnancies
by reviewing the locations that we commonly see
ectopic pregnancies to be found.
We see here a normal uterus to the left,
and a bicornuate uterus to the right.
We remember that a fundal location is the definition
of an inter-uterine pregnancy as shown smack in the middle
of the normal uterus to the left.
However, we can have variants of ectopic pregnancies
within the uterus as shown in the interstitial location
in the normal uterus to the left,
and in the cornual region in the bicornuate uterus
to the right.
We can also have implantations low
within the cervical region of the uterus,
as shown in the normal uterus to the left.
Now, most ectopic pregnancies will be located
within the fallopian tube and of those
the majority will be found in the ampullary region
as that comprises the majority of the fallopian tube.
But we can have implantations more proximal,
within the isthmal region
or distal within the infindibular region.
Now, tough ectopics to diagnose are those that implant
within the ovary,
within the abdominal cavity,
or within the peritoneal lining.
These can be very, very hard to diagnose
and commonly grow to an advanced stage before diagnosis.
So, returning to our case, given the presence of a positive
pregnancy test and the absence of an IUP
on bedside ultrasound, we were very concerned about
ectopic pregnancy and decided to scan out
to the left adnexa.
Here, notice we're scanning out to the left adnexa,
and we have a positive finding.
What we see here is a thickened fallopian tube,
comprising what is known as the bagel sign.
Notice within the thickened fallopian tube,
we have another positive finding.
That is the presence of a fetal pole.
So, in this patient we were able to diagnose
an ampullary ectopic pregnancy and our next move
was to call OB/GYN stat for a consultation.
So, in conclusion, ectopic pregnancies constitute
the greatest cause, overall, of maternal mortality.
We must consider an ectopic pregnancy in all women
with a positive pregnancy test
where an inter-uterine pregnancy is not visualized
within the fundal part of the uterus.
Most ectopic pregnancies are going to be located
in the fallopian tube,
and we may actually visualize the ectopic
with ultrasound evaluation of the adnexa
as shown in this module.
So, we'll return with ectopic pregnancy part two
which goes over the varied manifestations
of ectopics.

Brightcove ID

5750491404001

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iui0HF95XAw