Objective: Ultrasound examination is being used increasingly in the diagnosis and management of cases of early pregnancy bleeding. The aim of this study was to correlate the ultrasound data to histopathology findings in such cases.
Methods: This was a retrospective review of sonographic and histological findings in 300 cases with bleeding at 8-13 weeks of gestation referred to early pregnancy and gynaecology assessment unit at the dept. of obstetrics & gynaecology, Misurata Central Hospital over a 24-months period. Results of preceding ultrasound examinations were documented; review of ultrasound findings with final histological diagnosis was carried out.
Results: There were 264 cases with a reviewed histological diagnosis of products of conception, 243 (92%%) cases among them the sonographic diagnosis was that of complete, incomplete or missed miscarriage/anembryonic pregnancy. In 16 cases, ultrasound examination suggested molar pregnancy; in 9 (56%) of these, the diagnosis of molar pregnancy was correct with 7 cases as a partial mole. In 20 cases, sonographic findings were that of ectopic pregnancy, it was only histologically correct in 11(55%%) cases.
Conclusion: Ultrasound is a reliable method of assessing most cases of bleeding in early pregnancy. The histopathological examination will add to its value in the diagnosis of these cases.
Keywords: Diagnosis, histopathology, miscarriage, retained products of conception, ultrasound