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

Objectives To evaluate the application of Doppler imaging in the differenti al diagnosis of placental masses and perinatal outcome. Methods A retrospective study of all cases referred for suspicion of placen tal chorioangioma over a nine and a half year period. Only cases in which c olor flow mapping and pulsed Doppler examination were performed were consid ered. Results Fourteen cases fulfilled the criteria and included seven cases of c horioangioma, two cases of placental hemorrhage and five cases of a placent al mass which resolved during pregnancy. All cases of chorioangioma could b e 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 hem orrhage. All cases of resolving placental mass delivered uneventfully at te rm. Conclusions Color Doppler is a useful tool in the differentiation of placen tal masses. Such masses should be followed up regularly because their growt h rate is variable and unpredictable.