Circumvallate placenta

Circumvallate Placenta is a rare placental abnormality that occurs in approximately 1-7% of pregnancies. It is characterized by a thickened, folded, and fibrotic placental margin with a central depression. This condition is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, and stillbirth.

Definition

A Circumvallate Placenta is a condition where the chorionic plate is smaller than the basal plate, causing the fetal membranes (the chorion and amnion) to double back on the fetal side around the edge of the placenta. This results in a thickened ring around the placenta, which can be identified during an ultrasound examination.

Causes

The exact cause of circumvallate placenta is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to abnormal formation of the placenta during the early stages of pregnancy. Some researchers suggest that it may be associated with maternal smoking, alcohol consumption, and nutritional deficiencies.

Diagnosis

Circumvallate placenta can be diagnosed through an ultrasound examination. The condition is typically identified by the presence of a thickened, echogenic ring around the placenta. However, the diagnosis can be challenging, as the condition can be easily confused with other placental abnormalities.

Complications

Circumvallate placenta is associated with an increased risk of various pregnancy complications. These include preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, and stillbirth. It can also lead to neonatal complications, such as low birth weight and neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Management

The management of circumvallate placenta depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of any associated complications. Regular monitoring of the pregnancy through ultrasound examinations is typically recommended. In some cases, early delivery may be necessary to prevent serious complications.

See Also

• Placenta
• Placental Abruption
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction
• Preterm Labor