Pregnancy outcomes and ultrasonographic diagnosis in patients with histologically-proven placental chorioangioma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pregnancy outcome and ultrasound diagnosis in patients with histologically-confirmed placental chorioangioma.

STUDY DESIGN

Placentas with histological diagnosis of chorioangioma were identified and medical charts were reviewed for findings of ultrasound examinations. Pregnancy outcomes were compared with all singleton deliveries without chorioangioma in the same time period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission rate. Secondary outcome was ultrasound detection rate of chorioangioma.

RESULTS

Among 14,725 singleton deliveries, 23 placentas were diagnosed with chorioangioma (0.16%). The control group included all singleton deliveries without chorioangioma (n = 14702). Neonates in the study group were more likely to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (OR = 4.45) and to have smaller birth weight (p = 0.006). Only 2 of 7 larger chorioangiomas (≥ 2 cm) with available ultrasound reports were identified by ultrasound (29% detection rate). All cases demonstrated normal fetal growth and wellbeing.

CONCLUSION

Chorioangiomas are not always identified by routine prenatal sonography. Even in the absence of ultrasonic abnormalities, neonatal morbidity, as measured by NICU admission rate, is increased.