Histopathologic studies of the decidua in induced and spontaneous abortion

ABSTRACT

Histologic and histopathologic studies of the decidua early in gestation were carried out in 20 cases of induced abortion and 140 cases of spontaneous abortion. Decidual necrosis and vascular changes were demonstrated in cases of spontaneous abortion. The results observed were discussed. It is generally believed that the decidual necrosis observed in cases of spontaneous abortion was secondary to ischaemia resulting from obliterative changes in the decidual blood vessels. These vascular changes are believed to be the result of an antigen antibody reaction and this gives support to the immunological theory of spontaneous abortion. On the other hand, decidual necrosis will interfere with early histotrophic embryonal nutrition