What kind of imaging is used to confirm ectopic pregnancy?

Ultrasound of the pelvis is the preferred imaging modality to confirm an ectopic pregnancy. This is primarily because ultrasound can effectively visualize the reproductive organs, allowing for the detection of an embryo located outside the uterus. A transvaginal ultrasound can provide more detailed images in the case of early pregnancy, which is crucial given that an ectopic pregnancy often presents in the first trimester.

By using ultrasound, clinicians can assess for the presence of a gestational sac or other signs that suggest an ectopic location, such as free fluid in the pelvis, which might indicate hemorrhage from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Other imaging options, like CT and MRI, are not typically used as first-line tools for this diagnosis due to their higher cost, increased radiation exposure (in the case of CT), and other limitations. X-rays are generally not useful for diagnosing ectopic pregnancies as they do not provide adequate detail of the soft tissues in the pelvic region.