Hysteroscopic findings after missed abortion

Abstract

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.