VILLITIS AS A CAUSE OF A THICK PLACENTA

Villitis is an inflammatory reaction in the villous substance. Initially inflammatory cells invade the villi followed by intervillous tissue necrosis. Eventually organization of the inflammatory process followed by repair with the formation of granulation tissue and fibroblastic proliferation occurs.

• Usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection due to premature rupture of membranes.
• 5-35% of all cases are idiopathic (1).

ULTRASOUND

• Findings depend on the stage of the inflammatory process.
• The placenta is usually thick and markedly heterogeneous.
• The degree of thickening is usually not as marked as in diabetics.

REFERENCES

1. Fox H. Pathology of the placenta. In: Bennington JL (ed): Major problems in pathology. Philadelphia, Saunders 1978, pp 1-37.