Extensive hemorrhagic chorion-amnion separation after second-trimester genetic amniocentesis

A separation between the chorionic and amnionic membranes is a normal sonographic finding before 14 weeks' gestation. As pregnancy progresses, these membranes fuse, and the chorionic cavity is obliterated, accompanied by disappearance of the anechoic space between them.(1) It is rare to see unfused membranes after 16 weeks' gestation. Such a finding has been associated with preterm delivery, fetal death, and structural and chromosomal abnormalities.(2-7) Separation of the amnion from the chorion after amniocentesis has been reported previously.(2-4) We present a case of extensive hemorrhagic chorion-amnion separation (CAS) at 19 weeks' gestation, 2 days after amniocentesis. It was complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes at 23 weeks and preterm delivery at 31 weeks. Complete postinterventional CAS may jeopardize pregnancy progression. Umbilical cord impairment may result from an amniotic band when CAS is associated with amniotic membrane disruption.(5).