Perinatal outcome associated with sonographically detected globular placenta.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between the sonographic appearance of globular placenta and perinatal outcome.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Fisteag-Kiprono
Luissa
L
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA.
Neiger
Ran
R
Sonek
Jiri D
JD
Croom
Christopher S
CS
McKenna
David S
DS
Ventolini
Gary
G
D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010922:Placenta Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D014463:Ultrasonography