Angioma is an abnormal growth, and chorangioma (also called chorioangioma) is characterized by a tumor and an excessive amount of blood vessels in the placenta.
Diagnosis of Chorangioma
Diagnosis of chorangioma can be made by ultrasound or MRI when it is especially large. In most cases, however, diagnosis is not made until after delivery of the placenta through placental pathology. It is an uncommon condition, occurring in less than 1% of all pregnancies. However, it may be more common among pregnant women living in higher elevations.
Risk factors for chorangioma include advanced maternal age and multiple pregnancies.
Effects of Chorangioma
In most cases, chorangioma has no effect on the developing baby. Treatment of particularly large chorangiomas is done with chemical ablation or laser coagulation. It is associated with some complications, including:
- heart failure
- hydrops fetalis (accumulation of fluid in the baby)
- sudden intrauterine fetal death
- polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios
- intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- preeclampsia
- hemorrhage
- preterm labor
- premature delivery
- placental abruption
- placenta previa
Careful medical providers should take care to diagnose chorangioma, and then be prepared to treat other common complications. The ultrasound should be carefully examined to exclude abnormalities of the baby.
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