Structural Anomalies in Early Embryonic Death

Objective. The purpose of this pictorial essay was to determine whether 3‐dimensional (3D) surface rendering of a dead first‐trimester embryo can provide any information for the loss. Methods. Three‐dimensional surface rendering was performed on a collection of dead first‐trimester embryos with crown‐rump lengths between 12 and 27 mm. These were compared with 2‐dimensional (2D) images of the same embryos and with 2D images and 3D surface renderings of normally developing embryos. Results. Surface rendering of dead embryos showed a variety of abnormalities in the contour and limb formation. Conclusions. The use of 3D sonography may provide insight into the etiology of first‐trimester embryonic death.