ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
LATEST UPDATE (GRADED A+)
Define Ectopic Pregnancy ? [EP]
Implantation of the fertilized ovum (Conceptus) outside of the normal uterine cavity
- a/w high mortality and morbidity, ∴ Early detection and Immediate Mx is Essential
What are the common sites of ectopic pregnancy?
(1) Fallopian tube (Commonest) - 95% : Ampulla (74%) and Isthmus
(2) Other sites : Ovaries , Peritoneal cavity , Cervix
[Pathophysiology EP - 01] Normally situated pregnancy ?
At the time of ovulation → Fallopian tube moves towards the ovary and entraps it → released ovum is
directed into the fallopian tube by the fimbrial activity → Ovum properlled towards the uterus by the
cilliary action and peristalsis movement of the Tubal epith. and smooth muscles.
Fertilization at ampulla → implantation at uterine endometrium - decidua.
[Pathophysiology EP - 02] Function of the Decidua ?
It provides adequate thickness for trophoblast to invade and the palcenta to develop.
Also prevents the invasion of trophoblastic tissue into the myometrium and Uterine blood vessels.
[Pathophysiology EP - 03] Ectopic pregnancy Pathophysiology ? 01
(1) EP results when the normal physiological processes are disrupted.
(2) Any inflammatory conditions of the pelvis or surgical intervention of the tube can leave to adhesions.
Peri-tubal adhesions affect tubal motility & fimbrial activity. Inflammation of tubal muscles → affect
tubal peristalsis. Inflammation of tubal epithelium affect cilliary action.
Also Intra-uterine insemination and Invitro-fertilization.
[Pathophysiology EP - 03] Ectopic pregnancy Pathophysiology ? 02 After Conception
(1) During early stages - under influence of hormones from corpus luteum & placenta, Pt. will have
features of Preg.
Uterine endometrium develops into decidua. w/ time placenta separates, corpus luteum regress -
features of preg. fades away.
(2) If Implantation occurs in Ampulla → adequate space for embryo to grow until prg. discontinued. If
implanatation occurs in Isthmus → may result in rupture of tube.
What are the Risk factors of Ectopic Pregnancy? (7)
(1) Tubal disease d/t PID
(2) Previous E. Preg.
(3) Previous Tubal Surgery
(4) Use of assisted reproductive Techniques
LATEST UPDATE (GRADED A+)
Define Ectopic Pregnancy ? [EP]
Implantation of the fertilized ovum (Conceptus) outside of the normal uterine cavity
- a/w high mortality and morbidity, ∴ Early detection and Immediate Mx is Essential
What are the common sites of ectopic pregnancy?
(1) Fallopian tube (Commonest) - 95% : Ampulla (74%) and Isthmus
(2) Other sites : Ovaries , Peritoneal cavity , Cervix
[Pathophysiology EP - 01] Normally situated pregnancy ?
At the time of ovulation → Fallopian tube moves towards the ovary and entraps it → released ovum is
directed into the fallopian tube by the fimbrial activity → Ovum properlled towards the uterus by the
cilliary action and peristalsis movement of the Tubal epith. and smooth muscles.
Fertilization at ampulla → implantation at uterine endometrium - decidua.
[Pathophysiology EP - 02] Function of the Decidua ?
It provides adequate thickness for trophoblast to invade and the palcenta to develop.
Also prevents the invasion of trophoblastic tissue into the myometrium and Uterine blood vessels.
[Pathophysiology EP - 03] Ectopic pregnancy Pathophysiology ? 01
(1) EP results when the normal physiological processes are disrupted.
(2) Any inflammatory conditions of the pelvis or surgical intervention of the tube can leave to adhesions.
Peri-tubal adhesions affect tubal motility & fimbrial activity. Inflammation of tubal muscles → affect
tubal peristalsis. Inflammation of tubal epithelium affect cilliary action.
Also Intra-uterine insemination and Invitro-fertilization.
[Pathophysiology EP - 03] Ectopic pregnancy Pathophysiology ? 02 After Conception
(1) During early stages - under influence of hormones from corpus luteum & placenta, Pt. will have
features of Preg.
Uterine endometrium develops into decidua. w/ time placenta separates, corpus luteum regress -
features of preg. fades away.
(2) If Implantation occurs in Ampulla → adequate space for embryo to grow until prg. discontinued. If
implanatation occurs in Isthmus → may result in rupture of tube.
What are the Risk factors of Ectopic Pregnancy? (7)
(1) Tubal disease d/t PID
(2) Previous E. Preg.
(3) Previous Tubal Surgery
(4) Use of assisted reproductive Techniques
