[Importance of ultrasonographic examinations in predicting abortion during the first trimester of gestation].

OBJECTIVE: Draw attention to the possibility to use ultrasonographic examination to predict abortion in the 1st trimester of gestation. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. SUBJECT AND METHOD: Review article on possibilities of ultrasonographic examination to predict abortion during the first trimester of gestation. The article is divided according to the images of different extraembryonic and embryonic structures which may be important for prediction of abortion during the first trimester of gestation. Illustrations are from the author's own observations. CONCLUSION: The presented review draws attention to the possible use of transvaginal ultrasonography in prediction of gestational complications in early stages of the first trimester of gestation. Abnormalities in the size and shape of some embryonic and extraembryonic structures make it possible to detect early complications, still in the stages of embryogenesis, which may lead to early gestational loss.