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Published on: September 5, 2011
Fetal thrombotic vasculopathy: A case report and literature review
Ana Berquo Peleja1, Silvio Martinelli2, Renata Lopes Ribeiro3
1MD - Resident Physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Introduction::
Fetal thrombotic vasculopathy is a recently described placental alteration with varying degrees of involvement and often associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The diagnosis is made histologically and therefore is postnatal, which makes it a challenge in clinical practice.
Method::
Case report and review of literature on the subject.
Results::
The present case refers to a pregnant woman presenting fetal growth restriction, with poor obstetrical past, and sent late to our service. Even with weekly assessments of fetal vitality (fetal biophysical profile and Doppler velocimetry) and prenatal care, the patient progressed with fetal death at 36 weeks and 1 day. There was no association with inherited and acquired thrombophilia. Pathological examination of the placenta revealed fetal thrombotic vasculopathy.
Conclusion::
The fetal thrombotic vasculopathy may be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes including fetal death, but much remains to be studied regarding its pathogenesis. Diagnosis during pregnancy is not possible and there is still no proven treatment for this condition. Future studies are needed so that strategies can be developed to minimize the impact of fetal thrombotic vasculopathy.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

