LYSIS AND RESORPTION OF CONCEPTUSES. 273 



was covered with hemorrhagic nodules, the largest of which were about 10 mm. 

 in diameter. One of these, which was a trifle larger than the rest, contained the 

 conceptus. The cavity of the chorionic vesicle was filled with a homogeneous 

 substance containing degenerate cells and portions of disintegrated chorionic mem- 

 brane. The villi are about 0.5 mm. in length and are covered with trophoblast 

 and syncytial buds. No trace of the embrj^o or of the amnion was found, although 

 the whole conceptus is still covered by the capsularis, which, like the rest of the 

 decidua, is infiltrated. Although lysis and absorption did not progress so far in 

 this as in the previous specimen, the process nevertheless is far advanced. It pro- 

 ceeded no farther because the mother committed suicide, although the multiple 

 hemorrhages in the decidua would seem to suggest that abortion nevertheless was 

 seriously threatened, if not inevitable, before she took her life.' That the focal 

 hemorrhages in the decidua could be attributed to the hydrochloric acid swallowed 

 with suicidal intent is extremely doubtful, for the histologic condition of the con- 

 ceptus shows conclusively that the changes in it could not possibly have been 

 produced in the short interval of 4 days which elapsed between the suicidal attempt 

 and death. Since the menstrual history of the case remains unknown, it is im- 

 possible to determine the menstrual age of the specimen, but the degenerate 

 chorionic vesicle would seem to imply an age of only about 10 or 12 days. How- 

 ever, as this young woman was but 16 years old and apparently illegitimately preg- 

 nant, it is more than likely that the suicidal attempt occurred, as so often is the 

 case, during the time of the first lapsed period. Hence the surmise that the mul- 

 tiple hemorrhages in the decidua may have been provoked by the returning men- 

 strual cycle gains somewhat in probability, especially so since the size and the 

 condition of the conceptus both suggested that it must have died some weeks 

 previous to the necropsy. 



A third early specimen illustrating the progress of intrauterine absorption 

 is No. 962, donated by Dr. Joseph M. Jackson, of Pittsburgh. In contrast to the 

 preceding two, this chorionic vesicle contained a macerated embryo 4 mm. long. 

 The menstrual age is unknown, but the chorionic vesicle measured 34 by 28 by 24 

 mm. and was covered almost entirely by villi. The latter, which contained degen- 

 erating vessels, are matted together with necrotic trophoblast and show other 

 evidences of retention. As shown in figure 171 (plate 16, Chap. XI), which repre- 

 sents a section of the entire conceptus with the surrounding decidua, the amnion 

 was preserved and contained some coagulum. Mall found the embryo greatly 

 macerated and the organs and cavities partially obliterated. The slight break 

 in the decidua capsularis may be the result of handling or of technical procedures. 

 Since the specimen was aborted with the entire decidua, there can be no question 

 of escape of a portion of the conceptus. 



That it is not alone very young conceptuses which may undergo almost com- 

 plete lysis is illustrated by No. 606, a chorionic vesicle measuring 18 by 13 by 18 

 mm. This specimen, which was donated by Dr. Charles S. Parker, of Baltimore, 

 is covered with villi 2.35 mm. long. Yet Mall found no trace of an embryo and 

 stated that, in spite of the outwardly normal appearance of the chorionic vesicle, 



