[The comparative value of ultrasound examinations and quantitative determinations of chorionic gonadotropin in the differential diagnosis of the disturbed early pregnancy (author's transl)]

Abstract

The diagnostic value of ultrasound examinations is compared to the diagnostic value of determinations of the chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) excretion in normal and abnormal early pregnancy. 330 pregnancies between 5 and 16 weeks gestation were examined. there were 78 cases of normal early pregnancy, 131 cases of threatened abortion, 29 cases of missed abortion and 92 cases of incomplete abortion. the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound examination was 95,5% in 582 determinations, the HCG excretions showed a diagnostic accuracy of 87,1%. The combined accuracy of both methods reduced the diagnostic error to 0,58%. The results in the different groups of patients were compared. Errors in ultrasound diagnosis decrease with increasing gestational age. Diagnostic errors were especially observed in cases of uterine retroversion, obesity or unknown menstrual history. The diagnostic accuracy of the HCG excretion is improved by serial determinations.