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Prenatal diagnosis of solid placental masses: the value of color flow imaging
Author(s) -
Sepulveda W.,
Aviles G.,
Carstens E.,
Corral E.,
Perez N.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2000.00245.x
Subject(s) - medicine , placenta , obstetrics , hematoma , gestation , color doppler , prenatal diagnosis , fetus , pregnancy , blood flow , placental circulation , ultrasound , radiology , ultrasonography , genetics , biology
Objectives To determine the value of color flow imaging in the prenatal differentiation of solid placental masses protruding from the fetal surface of the placenta. Methods Seven pregnancies in which a large solid mass was seen on the fetal surface of the placenta were prospectively studied. Color flow imaging was used to identify vessels within the mass and the prenatal ultrasound finding correlated with placental pathology. Results Postpartum examination of the placenta revealed four cases of chorioangioma, two cases of subchorionic thrombohematoma and one case of subamniotic hematoma. Prenatal ultrasound using color flow imaging correctly identified all cases of placental chorioangioma by the demonstration of blood flow within the mass. Conversely, absence of blood flow signals was invariably documented in both cases of subchorionic thrombohematoma and in the single case of subamniotic hematoma. Among the four cases of chorioangioma, two developed complications requiring delivery. No complications were noted in cases of avascular placental masses in this series. Conclusions Color Doppler ultrasound plays an important role in the prenatal evaluation of solid placental masses. This technique allows the identification of those cases at increased risk of pregnancy complications which need close monitoring throughout gestation. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology