A pregnant patient experiences lower abdominal pain and spotting, and an adenexal mass is palpable. What is the most common cause?

The most common cause of lower abdominal pain, spotting, and a palpable adnexal mass in a pregnant patient is ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The presence of an adnexal mass is a critical indication of ectopic pregnancy since it implies that there is an abnormal growth that can be identified in the adnexa of the uterus, which includes the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Ectopic pregnancies can present with serious complications, such as rupture, which poses a risk to the patient’s health. Early identification and intervention are essential to managing this condition effectively. Although other conditions like pyelonephritis, placenta previa, and abruptio placentae can cause similar symptoms during pregnancy, they are not as closely associated with the classic combination of lower abdominal pain, vaginal spotting, and an adnexal mass as ectopic pregnancy is.

Understanding the typical presentations and differential diagnoses in early pregnancy is crucial for radiological technologists and healthcare professionals in providing appropriate care and imaging assessment for pregnant patients.