Perinatal outcome associated with sonographically detected globular placenta.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the sonographic appearance of globular placenta and perinatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively followed the pregnancy course and perinatal outcome in women with globular placentas (hyperechoic, thick and highly vascular placentas with edges that lack the typical "tapering" appearance) during routine sonographic study. RESULTS: Fourteen women were included. In 7 women the globular appearance of the placenta normalized spontaneously, and perinatal outcome was good. The other 7 experienced poor perinatal outcomes. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups. Among pregnancies in which the globular placental appearance persisted, 3 resulted in fetal demise; 3 women had severe intrauterine growth restriction and oligohydramnios and underwent cesarean deliveries at 26, 27 and 31 weeks, respectively; and 1 patient had premature preterm rupture of membranes and underwent a cesarean delivery due to placental abruption. CONCLUSION: In half the pregnancies complicated by the sonographic appearance of a globular placenta, this shape spontaneously normalized, and the perinatal outcome was normal. However, when the globular appearance of the placenta persisted, the condition was associated with a poor perinatal outcome. Pregnancies complicated by a globular placenta should be followed closely.

Antenatal sonographic diagnosis of massive subchorionic hematoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Massive subchorionic hematoma (MSH), described by Breus in 1892 (Breus mole), is a rare but serious condition in pregnancy in which a large amount of blood, mainly maternal, collects and dissects the chorionic plate from the villous chorion. CASE: A case of MSH was complicated by intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and intrauterine fetal death at 23 weeks' gestation. Pregnancy was complicated by advanced maternal age and chronic hypertension. There was no antenatal vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound at 19 weeks showed a small-for-gestational-age fetus, echogenic bowel and globular placenta. Amniocentesis revealed a normal male karyotype. At 23 weeks the patient presented with vaginal spotting, cramping and absent fetal heart tones. Labor was induced with misoprostol, and vaginal delivery occurred. The placenta showed an organized thrombus adherent to the chorionic plate, and a large subchorionic hematoma comprised at least half the disc volume. CONCLUSION: Antenatal sonographic diagnosis of MSH and IUGR can be achieved.