PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - W. Wolfman AU - G. Holtz TI - Update on ectopic pregnancy DP - 1983 Dec 15 TA - Canadian Medical Association Journal PG - 1265--1269 VI - 129 IP - 12 4099 - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/129/12/1265.short 4100 - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/129/12/1265.full SO - CMAJ1983 Dec 15; 129 AB - Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester. Its incidence is increasing, probably owing to the increasing incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease. Although up to 15% of patients have been reported to present in shock, a large number seek care earlier because of pelvic pain and irregular menses. With strong clinical suspicion and the use of culdocentesis, assays of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood and ultrasonography, the diagnosis can be made before rupture occurs. Although the woman's subsequent fertility has traditionally been poor, some improvement has been achieved with the use of conservative surgical techniques. Early diagnosis facilitates this approach.