The Role of Ultrasound in Patients with Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy is characterized, according to the scientific literature, as the formation of the fetus outside the uterine region. This condition results from the implantation process of the blastocyst outside the uterus; that is, heterotopic ectopic pregnancy occurs when the final implantation takes place in the fallopian tubes, tubal ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tubes, as well as cervical and abdominal ectopic pregnancies. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the main impacts of ruptured ectopic pregnancy, identify how ultrasound can play a fundamental role in this clinical picture, and understand, through the literature, the pathological and symptomatic repercussions of ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Methodology: This is a bibliographic, descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach, of the integrative literature review type. Results: In the diagnostic process of ectopic pregnancy, the identification of imaging characteristics is of great importance. The embryonic bud, yolk sac, and pulsation of the primordial heart tube are the most important imaging features for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. The combined examination significantly improved the detection rate of these features. This is because the combination of vaginal and abdominal ultrasound complements and enhances the visualization of fine structures. Conclusion: Ultrasound plays a fundamental role in the diagnosis and detection of ectopic pregnancy, fostering immediate actions and strategies, characterizing the reduction of pathological and symptomatic repercussions of ectopic pregnancy, especially the route.