Embryonic Demise

Figure 1: Transvaginal ultrasound shows a mean sac diameter of 30 mm (about 8 weeks gestational age). S = gestational sac.
Figure 2: Further scan demonstrates a fetal pole (arrow) without a yolk sac. There is minimal decidual reaction.

Embryonic Demise

• Most common cause = chromosomal abnormality leading to arrested development
• Diagnosis is made by:

1. CRL > 5 mm but no cardiac activity
2. MSD >/= 8 mm but no yolk sac
3. MSD >/= 16 mm but no embryo
4. Embryo seen but no yolk sac
5. No cardiac activity in embryo seen by transabdominal ultrasound (need to confirm with transvaginal ultrasound if early IUP)

Reference:

Weissleder, Wittenberg, Harisinghani, Chen. Primer of diagnostic imaging. 4th edition, 2007