Chapter 12 - Embryoscopy

Summary

This chapter describes the technique and various embryoscopic findings in cases of early intrauterine death. Embryoscopy is a stepwise investigation. The steps have to be performed cautiously in order to avoid bleeding that would obscure the examiner's vision. A comprehensive examination of the conceptus includes visualization of the head, face, dorsal and ventral walls, limbs and umbilical cord. Transcervical embryoscopy permits selective and reliable sampling of chorionic tissues with minimal potential for maternal contamination. Localized developmental defects may be isolated or combined. They are similar to the malformations seen in fetuses and newborns. Embryoscopy should be offered to a patient when a reliable cytogenetic evaluation of the abortus is indicated. Loss of pregnancy may be due to maternal or fetal factors. Embryonic growth disorganization possibly resulting from an aneuploidy/polyploidy suggests that there may be a genetic cause which cannot be identified by current cytogenetic techniques.