First-trimester needle embryofetoscopy and prenatal diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the efficacy of first-trimester needle embryofetoscopy (or embryoscopy) for prenatal diagnosis in a continuing pregnancy.


METHODS
A patient at risk for giving birth to an infant with Robert's syndrome was referred for prenatal diagnosis at 12 weeks of gestation.


RESULTS
Transabdominal embryoscopy and amniocentesis were performed. Direct visualization of the embryo was achieved and no gross limb or facial abnormalities were seen. Chromosome studies of the amniotic fluid revealed a normal male 46, XY. Special studies with C-banding and DAPI techniques revealed no evidence of premature separation of centromeres. Two- and three-dimensional ultrasound also demonstrated no gross limb or facial abnormalities.


CONCLUSIONS
This case confirms the efficacy of embryoscopy as a simple and relatively low-risk approach to first-trimester diagnosis for continuing pregnancies.
Reece
E A
EA
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa. 19140, USA.
Homko
C J
CJ
Koch
S
S
Chan
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020669:Fetoscopes; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012307:Risk Factors; D013577:Syndrome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal