Ultrasound markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes in embryonal period: literature review and own clinical cases

Abstract

A goal of the review was to search and describe all currently known prenatal ultrasound markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The review is instantiated by multiple ultrasound images of own clinical cases. Taking into account the authors wide experience, it is possible to use all of presented ultrasound signs as predictors (markers) of an adverse pregnancy outcome in the early stages. From our point of view, it is reasonable to divide the markers into two groups, “primary markers” and “dynamic markers”. In the case of “Primary markers” revealing on initial ultrasound, it is reasonable to perform control ultrasound in 7–10 days to confirm the viable pregnancy or missed miscarriage. The “Dynamic markers” can be used on control ultrasound, and some of them may be used in shorter dynamic period when there is a need to predict the outcome earlier than 7-10 days. Generally, the review describes 22 early pregnancy ultrasound markers of adverse pregnancy outcome. These are imaging features of the gestational sac, yolk sac, embryo size, embryo heartbeat, and amnion. Early pregnancy ultrasound is not mandatory, but in a real-case scenario, almost all women undergoes ultrasound on early stage of pregnancy in objective or subjective causes. Therefore, in the first days of pregnancy, women should receive a highly professional diagnostic by a physician, able to assess the risks and prognosis of pregnancy outcome. The authors of the review particularly notes that the assessment of ultrasound markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes must be carried out with the strictest adherence to the medical ethics, deontology, and medical privacy.