ROLE OF ULTRASOUND IN FIRST TRIMESTER VAGINAL BLEEDING.OBSERVATIONAL STUDY AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: First trimester vaginal bleeding is the commonest presentation of early pregnancy loss and is a diagnostic challenge. This study highlights  the importance of Ultrasound  in diagnosis and management of  various causes of this obstetric emergency.

Methods:  Observational study for period of six months done at Radiology department of GMC hospital Sukkur. All patients with vaginal bleeding in first trimester included in the study. Patients  clinically evaluated and diagnosed were then referred to ultrasound examination.  Both clinical and ultrasound findings were correlated.

Results: In  study of 150 patients it was observed  that 105(70%) patients had non viable pregnancy diagnosed on ultrasound with 80(76%) patients  showed various types of abortion including 32 patients(40%) as missed abortion, 28 patients (35%) as incomplete abortion, 12 patients (15%) as complete abortion, 8 patients (10%) as blighted ovum, other includes 15 patients (14%) patients had ectopic pregnancy  and 10 patients (10%)  had molar pregnancy. Among viable pregnancies 45 patients (30%) patients diagnosed as threatened abortion.

Conclusion:  Study concludes that ultrasound is a first line and non invasive imaging modality in diagnosis and management  of patients  with  bleeding  in first trimester. This study helps the clinician and sonologists in diagnosing cause of bleeding by applying various diagnostic parameters on ultrasound.

Keywords: First trimester bleeding, ultrasound, abortion, molar pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy.