[Unskilled ultrasound scanning in gynecology and obstetrics can lead to serious risks].

Four cases of ectopic pregnancy were incorrectly diagnosed by ultrasound examination as intrauterine pregnancies. The clinicians involved were biased by the misinterpretation and did not react to the clinical symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. One patient died because of intraperitoneal haemorrhage and some of the other patients were in serious danger. In a fifth case, a midwife examined a pregnant woman with a gestational age of 31 weeks and suspected twin pregnancy. A senior registrar with limited training in ultrasound methods performed an examination and found one foetus. After this examination, the patient was examined clinically on six occasions by midwives and obstetricians but none of these questioned the ultrasound diagnosis. Unfortunately, a twin pregnancy was present. This became apparent when the first twin was delivered and the second twin was in a transverse lie and delivery by Caesarean section was required. The second twin has since developed spastic palsy. These case reports illustrate that young doctors require improved training in ultrasonic diagnostic methods. In addition, clinicians should not rely too much on the results of ultrasound examinations but should also employ their clinical judgement.