Placental chorioangioma: literature review

J Perinat Med. 2014 May;42(3):273-9. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2013-0170.

Abstract

Placental chorioangioma is the most common benign non-trophoblastic tumor of the placenta. It is derived from primitive chorionic mesenchyme and is typically vascular. Placenta chorioangiomas occur in approximately 1% of pregnancies. Most placental chorioangiomas are small and are not clinically important. However, those measuring more than 4-5 cm in diameter may be associated with maternal and fetal complications. Early diagnosis, close prenatal surveillance and appropriate intervention may prevent severe complications and perinatal mortality caused by chorioangioma. Here we review the incidence, prenatal diagnosis, complications, the pathophysiological mechanisms of maternal and fetal complications, and the therapeutic possibilities in pregnancies complicated by placental chorioangiomas.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hemangioma / complications*
  • Hemangioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangioma / epidemiology
  • Hemangioma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Placenta Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Placenta Diseases / epidemiology
  • Placenta Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Placenta Diseases / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy
  • Ultrasonography