Diffusion-weighted imaging in ectopic pregnancy: ring of restriction sign.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings of ectopic pregnancy (EP) and introduce the "ring of restriction" sign by discussing possible causes.

METHODS

Between January 2014 and January 2017, patients with EP and examined by MRI on a 3T scanner were retrospectively evaluated. MRI and DWI findings were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were diagnosed with EP at our university hospital, 8 of whom (20%) were evaluated by MRI and DWI. All of them were haemodynamically and clinically stable and could be imaged adequately. Locations were ovary (n = 3, 37.5%), tuba (n = 2, 25%), Caesarean section scar (n = 2, 25%) and parauterine (n = 1, 12.5%). In all eight EPs, the gestational sac diameter was compatible with 7-9 weeks. With DWI, the gestational sac was seen as a thick-walled cyst-like structure. The thick wall showed diffusion restrictions in all patients (ring of restriction sign).

CONCLUSIONS

DWI through its cellular and molecular evidence may contribute diagnosis of EP. Advances in knowledge: Being aware of the EP wall shows diffusion restriction (ring of restriction) avoids interpretation errors especially in appropriate clinical setting with no need for contrast material.