Transcervical embryoscopy in missed abortion

Purpose: The present study was conducted to determine the usefulness of tra nscervical embryoscopy in diagnosing localized and systemic defects in embr yonic morphogenesis of missed abortions. Methods: The study population consisted of 24 women with the final diagnosi s of missed abortion. Prior to the instrumental evacuation of the uterus a rigid hysteroscope was passed transcervically into the amniotic cavity to o btain a detailed view of the embryo. Karyotyping was attempted in all cases included in this study. Results: An embryo could be visualized in 19 cases. Ten embryos showed mult iple developmental defects. Conclusions: In cases of early failure of pregnancy, embryoscopy permits vi sualization of the embryo in utero, unaffected by the damage usually caused by its instrumental evacuation or spontaneous passage This technique can b e a helpful tool for pathologists and geneticists in enhancing their unders tanding of human embryonic malformations, but more importantly, it improves clinical care and follow-up, especially in cases of repeated abortions.