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Retrospective Analysis of Morphological Anomalies in Fetuses from Spontaneous Abortions: A Clinical and Pathological
Íris Costa Rodrigues1, Susana Guimarães2, Sofia Dória3
16th year student of a master's degree in medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.
Background:
Spontaneous abortion affects up to 30% of conceptions, andfetal anomalies are frequently an underlying cause. This study aimed to characterize morphological anomalies in spontaneous abortions to clarify underlying etiologies and related factors.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 180 spontaneous abortions (10-23 + 6 weeks) was analyzed at a tertiary hospital. All cases underwent fetal autopsy with clinical, pathological, and genetic review. Cases with and without anomalies were compared.
Results:
Fetal anomalies were found in 39.4% of cases. Morphological anomalies were most frequent (57.7%), particularly fetal growth restriction, cardiac defects, and complications of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Trisomies 21, 13 and 18 accounted for 54.6% of chromosomal anomalies. No significant associations were found with maternal factors. Gestational age at fetal loss was significantly lower in chromosomal than in morphological anomalies (p = 0.004).
Conclusion:
This study highlights the value of autopsy and multidisciplinary assessment in identifying fetal anomalies and improving diagnostic accuracy and reproductive counseling.
