Diagnosis and management of Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised ovum implants outside the normal uterine cavity. It is a common cause of morbidity and occasionally of mortality in women of reproductive age. The aetiology of ectopic pregnancy remains uncertain although a number of risk factors have been identified....

• Ectopic pregnancy, occurring in 1-2% of pregnancies worldwide, involves implantation of the fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tube. Diagnosis is crucial due to potential morbidity and, rarely, mortality (around 0.2%). Ruptured ectopic pregnancies account for a significant proportion (9-14%) of pregnancy-related deaths.