What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Placental Chorangioma

What is Chorangioma of Placenta? (Definition/Background Information)

• Chorangioma of Placenta is a benign tumor of the placenta composed of blood vessels. It is the most common tumor of the placenta
• The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It is a disc shaped reddish brown structure that connects the fetus to the mother through the umbilical cord
• The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, providing a connection between maternal and fetal blood circulation
• The normal function of placenta is to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the mother’s blood and remove wastes from the fetal body
• The chorion and amnion are placental membranes. The chorion is the membrane that is present between the growing fetus and the mother. The amnion closely covers and protects the developing embryo

Who gets Chorangioma of Placenta? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Chorangioma of Placenta can occur in pregnant women of all ages
• It is the most common tumor of the placenta and is estimated to occur in 0.5-1% of all pregnancies
• There is no racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection. However, some reports indicate an increase in frequency of chorangiomas in high altitude regions

What are the Risk Factors for Chorangioma of Placenta? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Chorangioma of Placenta
• It is reported that pregnant women at higher altitudes may have an increased risk for the condition
• Research is being performed to identify the relevant risk factors

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Chorangioma of Placenta? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Chorangioma of Placenta is unknown
• They are considered by some researchers as hamartomatous malformation rather than true tumors. Hamartomas are tumor-like malformations

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Chorangioma of Placenta?

A small Chorangioma of Placenta usually produces no signs and symptoms.

A larger Chorangioma of Placenta (over 4 cm in size) is associated with the following signs and symptoms:

• Preterm labor
• Growth restriction of the fetus
• Polyhydramnios: Increased volume of amniotic fluid of the fetus
• Pre-eclampsia: A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of kidney damage in the mother

How is Chorangioma of Placenta Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Chorangioma of Placenta may include:

• Physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Fetal ultrasound
• Fetal MRI
• Biopsy/microscopic examination of the placenta: Cells and tissues are examined by a pathologist under a microscope. Pathological examination is generally considered to be a ‘gold standard’ for a definitive diagnosis. The pathologist arrives at a diagnosis after analyzing pathology findings along with clinical information of the patient. A pathologist may perform special studies on tissue samples to aid in the final diagnosis (if required)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Chorangioma of Placenta?

A large Chorangioma of Placenta (larger than 4cm) may give rise to the following complications: 

• Fetal anemia: Decreased number of red blood cells in the fetal blood
• Fetal thrombocytopenia: Decreased number of platelets in the fetal blood
• Fetal heart failure
• Antepartum hemorrhage
• Increased perinatal mortality
• Placenta abruption: The premature separation of the placenta after the 20th week of gestation and before the 3rd stage of labor

How is Chorangioma of Placenta Treated?

• A majority of Chorangiomas of Placenta are small and do not require specific treatment
• Most of them are monitored with an ultrasound scan taken every 6-8 weeks (small chorangiomas) and every 1-2 weeks (large chorangiomas)
• Larger Chorangiomas of Placenta are treated with laser coagulation and chemical ablation

How can Chorangioma of Placenta be Prevented?

Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Chorangioma of Placenta.

What is the Prognosis of Chorangioma of Placenta? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Most Chorangiomas of Placenta are small and do not cause any significant medical issues. Some may even regress during the course of the pregnancy
• Larger Chorangiomas of Placenta require frequent monitoring through ultrasound scans, as well as treatment and appropriate management of fetal and maternal complications (if any observed)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Chorangioma of Placenta:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-related-disorders/