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Updated: Jun 6, 2025
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High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo
Published on: November 8, 2018
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Rare Pathologic Placenta Ultrasound Findings.
Edgar Hernandez-Andrade1, Donatella Gerulewicz-Vannini, Eleazar E Soto-Torres
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas.
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 2, 2024
Summary
Rare placental ultrasound findings like cystic lesions and thickened placenta can indicate serious pregnancy complications. Close monitoring is crucial for pregnancies with these ultrasound markers to prevent adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Medical Imaging
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Rare placental ultrasound findings, including avascular cystic lesions, hyperechogenic and thick placenta, and enlarged placenta, are linked to placental pathologies like infarcts, perivillous fibrin deposition, and mesenchymal dysplasia.
- While these findings occur in up to 20% of normal pregnancies, they are more prevalent in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), autoimmune diseases, or infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the association between rare placental ultrasound findings and adverse perinatal outcomes.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing these findings for risk stratification and management.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on rare placental ultrasound findings.
- Correlation of ultrasound findings with placental pathologies and perinatal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Rare placental ultrasound findings are associated with increased risks of perinatal complications, including fetal death.
- Specific findings such as circumvallate placenta and chorioangiomas on the placental surface also warrant attention.
Conclusions:
- Rare placental ultrasound findings necessitate close clinical surveillance and serial fetal assessments.
- Early identification and monitoring of these placental abnormalities are key to managing pregnancies at higher risk for adverse outcomes.
