Placenta membranacea

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Pathology

Background:

• Placenta membranacea is a rare placental anomaly.
• It involves fetal membranes being covered by chorionic villi, either partially or completely.
• This condition can lead to significant obstetric complications.

Observation:

• A case of partial placenta membranacea is presented in a 35-year-old primigravida woman.
• The patient presented with preterm labor at 24 weeks and 5 days gestation.
• She developed heavy vaginal bleeding, leading to a classical cesarean delivery for suspected abruption.

Findings:

• Postpartum placental examination revealed a small placenta with tan membranes and scattered cotyledons.
• Histologic examination confirmed chorionic villi attached to the fetal membranes, consistent with partial placenta membranacea.
• The case highlights the diagnostic features of this rare placental disorder.

Implications:

• Placenta membranacea should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painless vaginal bleeding in the second and third trimesters.
• This condition is associated with increased risks of other placental abnormalities like placenta previa and accreta.
• Adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm delivery, and neonatal death, are potential complications.