Ultrasonic diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death

When there is doubt concerning fetal viability, the confirmation or exclusion of fetal death assumes major importance in the management of pregnancy. Frequently the clinical diagnosis is uncertain and recourse must be had to ancillary investigation. Radiologic methods may confirm the clinical suspicion of intrauterine fetal death in many cases, but these are accompanied by the hazard of irradiation. Ultrasound can provide valuable information regarding fetal viability. Ultrasonic signs of fetal death are discussed in the light of the literature and our own experience, with emphasis on the value of the M-mode in detecting fetal heart pulsations.