Hysteroscopic findings after missed abortion.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the relation of missed abortions and intrauterine pathology.

DESIGN

A postabortal hysteroscopy was performed 8 to 12 weeks after a dilatation and curettage (D&C) for missed abortion.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.

PATIENTS

Sixty patients after a D&C for a missed abortion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The hysteroscopic appearance of the uterine cavity.

RESULTS

Intrauterine adhesions occurred in only 10 patients (16.7%) with most of them of the mild type. A previous missed abortion was recorded in 60% of these cases. Uterine anomaly was found in one quarter of the cases, mainly an incomplete uterine septum.

CONCLUSION

We believe that missed abortion does not predispose for intrauterine adhesions to the extent that was previously believed. A partial uterine septum is a major factor predisposing for the occurrence of missed abortion. Hysteroscopy after a missed abortion is an easy and efficient means for both identifying such uterine anomaly and excluding intrauterine adhesions.