Which term is used to denote a gestational sac with no embryo, commonly known as blighted ovum?

Which term is used to denote a gestational sac with no embryo, commonly known as blighted ovum?

• A. Anembryoic
• B. Blighted ovum
• C. Anembryonic pregnancy
• D. Pseudocyesis

Answer: (B)

When an early gestational sac forms but no embryo develops, the term used to describe this finding is blighted ovum. This label communicates a nonviable pregnancy where the chorionic sac is present, but the embryo never forms (anembryonic pregnancy is another technical way to describe the same situation). Pseudocyesis refers to a false or phantom pregnancy, not to an empty sac. In practice, you’ll see blighted ovum used to name this condition, with the understanding that some texts also call it an anembryonic pregnancy. The key idea is an empty gestational sac indicating a failed early pregnancy.

When an early gestational sac forms but no embryo develops, the term used to describe this finding is blighted ovum. This label communicates a nonviable pregnancy where the chorionic sac is present, but the embryo never forms (anembryonic pregnancy is another technical way to describe the same situation). Pseudocyesis refers to a false or phantom pregnancy, not to an empty sac. In practice, you’ll see blighted ovum used to name this condition, with the understanding that some texts also call it an anembryonic pregnancy. The key idea is an empty gestational sac indicating a failed early pregnancy.