Chorangiocarcinoma: a case report and clinical review

We describe a case of chorangiocarcinoma, a chorangioma covered by an abnormal trophoblastic proliferation, presenting in a term placenta and in an asymptomatic pregnancy. Evidence of metastasis was found on follow-up of the mother.

The lesion Was diagnosed by pathologic examination after cesarian section at term for fetal macrosomia, performed because of the abnormal gross findings in the placenta. After uncomplicated delivery, a thealthy child was born and the placent was expelled completely. There was follow-up in the mother and the child, up to 19 months after delivery.

Gross examination of the placenta showed a well-demarcated and grayish yellow-white mass, bulging paracentrally from the fetal surface. Histology revealed a trophoblastic proliferation inside a chorangioma, consisting of extensive central necrosis and high mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical staining showed strong intensity for hCG, PLAP, CK, CD31 (+) and CD34 (+); Ki67 showed a high proliferation index. Follow-up revealed metastasis in the mother and chemotherapy were performed at 3 months postpartum.

This is only the sixth reported case of chorangiocarcinoma of the placenta in the literature. However, no metastasis were discovered in the reported case, which was not identical to ours. Follow-up revealed metastasis at lung in the mother. Chorangiocarcinoma should be carefully examined and followed-up.