title: [Placental villitis].
abstract: Placental villitis, which is defined by the presence of lymphocytic or macrophagic inflammatory cells within the villosities, constitutes a recently-described histopathological entity. This condition is the consequence of an immune response of the feto-placental unit towards a non-specific, multiple aggression and the incidence is very low. The extent of the inflammatory reaction may culminate in placentitis, resulting in miscarriage. Although a large number of infecting agents are known to be responsible for the pathogenesis of villitis, in most cases the etiology remains unknown. The hypothesis of a failure of the mechanisms of immunotolerance during pregnancy is suggested by many authors to explain their origin.
authors.affiliation: Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique A, Hôpital Général, Orléans.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Michaud
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Michenet
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lemaire
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Maitre
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tescher
mesh_terms: D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D010922:Placenta Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy
vernacular_title: La villite placentaire.