BACKGROUND An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy which occurs outside of the uterine cavity, and over 98% implant in the Fallopian tube. Tubal ectopic pregnancy remains the most common cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy. The epidemiological risk factors for tubal ectopic pregnancy are well established and include: tubal damage as a result of surgery or infection (particularly Chlamydia trachomatis), smoking and in vitro fertilization. This review appraises the data to date researching the aetiology of tubal ectopic pregnancy. METHODS Scientific literature was searched for studies investigating the underlying aetiology of tubal ectopic pregnancy. RESULTS Existing data addressing the underlying cause of tubal ectopic pregnancy are mostly descriptive. There are currently few good animal models of tubal ectopic pregnancy. There are limited data explaining the link between risk factors and tubal implantation. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence supports the hypothesis that tubal ectopic pregnancy is caused by a combination of retention of the embryo within the Fallopian tube due to impaired embryo-tubal transport and alterations in the tubal environment allowing early implantation to occur. Future studies are needed that address the functional consequences of infection and smoking on Fallopian tube physiology. A greater understanding of the aetiology of tubal ectopic pregnancy is critical for the development of improved preventative measures, the advancement of diagnostic screening methods and the development of novel treatments.

中文翻译：

---

目前对人类输卵管异位妊娠病因的了解。

背景技术异位妊娠是发生在子宫腔外的妊娠，并且超过98%的植入在输卵管中。输卵管异位妊娠仍然是孕早期孕产妇死亡的最常见原因。输卵管异位妊娠的流行病学危险因素已得到公认，包括：手术或感染（特别是沙眼衣原体）、吸烟和体外受精导致的输卵管损伤。本综述评估了迄今为止研究输卵管异位妊娠病因的数据。方法 搜索科学文献以研究调查输卵管异位妊娠的潜在病因。结果 解决输卵管异位妊娠根本原因的现有数据大多是描述性的。目前很少有好的输卵管异位妊娠动物模型。解释风险因素与输卵管植入之间联系的数据有限。结论 目前的证据支持这样一种假设，即输卵管异位妊娠是由于胚胎-输卵管运输受损导致胚胎滞留在输卵管内和输卵管环境改变导致早期着床的综合作用。未来的研究需要解决感染和吸烟对输卵管生理的功能性后果。更好地了解输卵管异位妊娠的病因对于改进预防措施的发展、诊断筛查方法的进步和新型治疗方法的发展至关重要。结论 目前的证据支持这样一种假设，即输卵管异位妊娠是由于胚胎-输卵管运输受损导致胚胎保留在输卵管内和输卵管环境改变导致早期着床的综合作用。未来的研究需要解决感染和吸烟对输卵管生理的功能性后果。更好地了解输卵管异位妊娠的病因对于改进预防措施的发展、诊断筛查方法的进步和新型治疗方法的发展至关重要。结论 目前的证据支持这样一种假设，即输卵管异位妊娠是由于胚胎-输卵管运输受损导致胚胎滞留在输卵管内和输卵管环境改变导致早期着床的综合作用。未来的研究需要解决感染和吸烟对输卵管生理的功能性后果。更好地了解输卵管异位妊娠的病因对于改进预防措施的发展、诊断筛查方法的进步和新型治疗方法的发展至关重要。未来的研究需要解决感染和吸烟对输卵管生理的功能性后果。更好地了解输卵管异位妊娠的病因对于改进预防措施的发展、诊断筛查方法的进步和新型治疗方法的发展至关重要。未来的研究需要解决感染和吸烟对输卵管生理的功能性后果。更好地了解输卵管异位妊娠的病因对于改进预防措施的发展、诊断筛查方法的进步和新型治疗方法的发展至关重要。