Color Doppler imaging of placental masses: differential diagnosis and fetal outcome

Objectives To evaluate the application of Doppler imaging in the differential diagnosis of placental masses and perinatal outcome. Methods A retrospective study of all cases referred for suspicion of placental chorioangioma over a nine and a half year period. Only cases in which color flow mapping and pulsed Doppler examination were performed were considered. Results Fourteen cases fulfilled the criteria and included seven cases of chorioangioma, two cases of placental hemorrhage and five cases of a placental mass which resolved during pregnancy. All cases of chorioangioma could be distinguished by increased blood flow within the mass. Polyhydramnios was associated with six cases of chorioangioma. Rapid tumor growth, premature labor and neonatal death occurred in one case. Premature labor occurred in six cases of chorioangioma and both cases of placental hemorrhage. IUGR was associated with two cases of chorioangioma and both cases of placental hemorrhage. All cases of resolving placental mass delivered uneventfully at term. Conclusions Color Doppler is a useful tool in the differentiation of placental masses. Such masses should be followed up regularly because their growth rate is variable and unpredictable.