THE RELIABILITY OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SPONTANEOUS-ABORTION, CLINICALLY THOUGHT TO BE COMPLETE - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of ultrasonographic examination in the clinical management of spontaneous abortions thought to be complete. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with clinical findings suggestive of complete spontaneous abortion were managed prospectively on the basis of ultrasonographic results. Patients with an ''empty uterus'' were managed expectantly; those with a thickened endometrium or echoes consistent with retained tissue were subjected to curettage. RESULTS: Forty-eight of 49 (98%) patients with an ''empty uterus'' by ultrasonographic examination had an uneventful recovery without curettage. Nine of 13 (69%) patients with a thickened endometrium or evidence of retained tissue on ultrasonography had chorionic villi obtained by curettage. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a highly reliable test in the management of women thought to have complete spontaneous abortion.