title: Pathologic examination of fetal specimens from dilation and evacuation procedures.
abstract: The systematic examination of fetal specimens obtained from dilation and evacuation (D & E) procedures with termination of pregnancy for fetal malformations and chromosomal abnormalities is described. Although a D & E procedure does not yield an intact fetus, pathologic examination of fetal parts by use of radiography, gross dissection, microscopic examination, and/or cell culture for karyotyping or biochemical analysis can aid in confirming most prenatal clinical diagnoses or provide a specific diagnosis. In this study, a major abnormality could be detected in 92% of 37 D & E cases examined, and in 46% a specific diagnosis was obtained only from pathologic examination. This information is useful for genetic counselling and future family planning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, USA.
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Klatt
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000473:pathology; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D004106:Dilatation; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy