Sonographic diagnosis of chronic abruption

placental abruption is usually an acute event in which clinical decision-making overrides the need for ultrasound imaging. By contrast, chronic abruption may present with vague or even confusing clinical findings. We describe a case in which the diagnosis of chronic abruption was established by ultrasound and the findings directly influenced clinical care.

a 30-year-old woman with asymptomatic preeclampsia was evaluated in our fetal medicine unit at 30 weeks' gestation. Despite normal fetal monitoring, a large, retroplacental sonolucent area was noted on ultrasound. A planned Caesarean section was performed two days later, despite normal daily fetal monitoring, because the mass had increased in size. Placental pathology confirmed the diagnosis of chronic abruption.

ultrasound may establish the diagnosis of a large chronic placental abruption that is relevant for clinical management.