The reliability of ultrasonography in the management of spontaneous abortion, clinically thought to be complete: a prospective study.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of ultrasonographic examination in the clinical management of spontaneous abortions thought to be complete. 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. 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. Ultrasonography is a highly reliable test in the management of women thought to have complete spontaneous abortion.