title: Spinal dysraphism in an early missed abortion: embryofetoscopic diagnosis.
abstract: Embryofetoscopy is an endoscopic technique that enables direct visualization and morphologic study of embryos during the first trimester and allows a selective tissue sample to be obtained. We describe an early missed abortion in the first trimester, apparently without cause according to findings at ultrasound. Embryofetoscopy revealed a remarkable dorsal cystic formation covered by a blood clot in the thoracolumbar region of the spine, suggestive of meningocele or myelomeningocele. A selective tissue biopsy specimen of the cystic lesion demonstrated meningeal tissue such as a meningocele. Embryofetoscopy in missed abortion could provide information about the causes of severe defects in embryo development so that parents can be effectively advised insofar as future pregnancies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology, University of Naples "Federico II," Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guida
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Spiezio Sardo
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Carbone
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Natella
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Falleti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nappi
mesh_terms: D000030:Abortion, Missed; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005332:Fetoscopy; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology