[Contact embryoscopy (author's transl)].

Abstract

Prenatal diagnosis based on anatomic definition of the fetus in utero is an difficult task, in the first trimester of pregnancy. The authors have recently introduced a new method : contact embryoscopy which consist in applying the optic piece of a contact hysteroscope (diameter of six millemeters) to the intact and translucent ovular membranes by the cervix. They have performed fifty embryoscopy prior to termination of pregnancy at 8 to 12 weeks. In 41 cases, they have seen the hands of fetus with the fingers. If this technic fails, it is possible, later, to use Echography and fetoscopy. The side-effects are discussed. Contact embryoscopy would be particularly useful in the detection of malformations of the extremities, for instance : chondro-ectodermal dysplasia (Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome) or ectrodactily.