Karyotype and placental structure of first-trimester spontaneous abortions: a morphometrical study

Size of placental villi, thickness and condition of trophoblast, stromal density of villi as well as perivillous fibrinoid deposits were used as criteria for patho-morphological classification of karyotyped first-trimester spontaneous abortions. Significant differences in all the criteria were noted. Diagnostic values were verified using discriminant analysis. Using morphological values, 67% of the cases could be grouped correctly. Including further criteria (week of gestation, age of mother) it was possible to improve this to 72%. Normal karotype and trisomy could be accurately diagnosed using morphology; however, it is not suitable for finding monosomy X and tetraploidy.