Which imaging is utilized to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy?

Ultrasound of the pelvis is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy. This approach is favored because it is non-invasive, does not involve radiation, and allows for a detailed evaluation of the female reproductive organs. A transvaginal ultrasound can provide clear images of the uterus and ovaries, helping to identify the presence of an ectopic pregnancy, often indicated by an adnexal mass, fluid in the pelvis, or an empty uterus where an intrauterine pregnancy is expected.

While other imaging options such as CT scans can be utilized for specific cases where ultrasound findings are inconclusive or when there are complications, they involve exposure to radiation and may not provide the same level of detail for early ectopic pregnancies compared to pelvic ultrasound. Therefore, the ultrasound of the pelvis is the most effective and widely used imaging technique for diagnosing ectopic pregnancies in an emergency setting.