Which of the following transvaginal ultrasound findings establishes the diagnosis of early pregnancy loss (missed abortion) with certainty?

• A Crown-rump length of 8 mm without cardiac activity ✓
• B Mean gestational sac diameter of 20 mm without an embryo
• C Crown-rump length of 5 mm without cardiac activity
• D Gestational sac seen at 4 weeks from last menstrual period without an embryo

Explanation

Diagnostic thresholds for failed pregnancy are strict to avoid terminating a normal early pregnancy. C crown-rump length of 7 mm or more without cardiac activity, or a mean sac diameter of 25 mm or more without an embryo, is diagnostic. C 5 mm embryo without cardiac activity and a 20 mm sac without an embryo fall below these cutoffs and require repeat scanning before labelling the pregnancy a failure. C sac at 4 weeks may be too early to show an embryo.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.