Severe transient cardiac failure caused by placental chorangiosis

Chorangiomas are villous capillary tumors of the placenta with high impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality. Cardiac complications have occasionally been reported.

To elucidate clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac failure caused by chorangiomas.

We report a case of a newborn, in whom massive chorangiomas were associated with severe cardiac failure, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Chorangiosis was not diagnosed prenatally. The pre-existing cardiac failure of the infant deteriorated soon after birth. Despite the severe stage, cardiac failure was reversible with intensive medical treatment including phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Complete recovery with no signs of cardiomyopathy was confirmed at the age of 5 months.

Severe cardiac failure in the neonate can be caused by chorangiosis. The time of diagnosis and treatment seems to be critical for the outcome of the infant. Prenatal treatment interventions should be considered.