[Serum beta hCG levels and transvaginal echography in the early phases of pregnancy].
One hundred thirty two patients at an early gestational age were monitored every other day to establish beta hCG levels at which the gestational sac, the yolk sac and fetal heart motion can be sonographically detected. These structures were observed at significantly lower beta hCG levels by means of the vaginal probe in comparison with the abdominal one. In normal pregnancy a gestational sac of 1-3 mm was detected at a mean hCG level of 1150 UI/l (range 800-1500); the yolk sac was detected at a mean hCG level of 6000 UI/l (range 4500-7500); fetal hart motion was visible at a mean hCG level of 10,425 UI/l (range 8650-12,200). The yolk sac and fetal heart motion were always detected when the gestational sac was greater than 11 and 17 mm respectively. A practical method to evaluate early first trimester pregnancy is suggested.
Giacomello
F
F
Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, II Università degli Studi Tor Vergata, Roma.
Magliocchetti
P
P
Loyola
G
G
Giovarruscio
M
M
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000502:physiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011379:Prognosis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*; D014621:Vagina; D015017:Yolk Sac / Q000737:chemistry
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin