[Ultrasound and semiquantitative chorionic gonadotropin secretin in the diagnosis of abortion].

191 patients with signs of threatened abortion were assessed by means of ultrasound (Kretz-Technik, Vidoson, Siemens) and semiquantitative assay of urinary HCG-excretion. Sonar examination was able to establish an accurate diagnosis of fetal life (heart action and/or movements) in all pregnancies showing a gestation sac suitable to the 11th week. The remainder cases required a repeated investigation including HCG-levels and growth rate of the gestational sac. Thus the diagnosis of blighted ovum could be made within one or occassionally two weeks.