Chorioangioma
Pronunciation: kor-ee-oh-an-jee-OH-mah
A benign vascular tumor of the placenta that can cause fetal complications when large.
Full Definition
Chorioangioma is a benign vascular malformation of the placenta, representing the most common placental tumor. These lesions consist of proliferating capillaries and can vary significantly in size from microscopic to several centimeters in diameter. Large chorioangiomas (>5cm) can act as arteriovenous malformations, leading to increased fetal cardiac output, polyhydramnios, and potential fetal heart failure or hydrops. Prenatal diagnosis is made through ultrasound identification of a well-circumscribed, heterogeneous mass within the placental substance, often with characteristic vascular flow patterns on Doppler examination.
Usage
Usage note: One word, no hyphenation despite the compound nature.
In Context
- "A 6cm chorioangioma was identified with associated polyhydramnios and fetal cardiomegaly." — Maternal-fetal medicine consultation
- "The small chorioangioma measured 2cm and was not associated with fetal complications." — Placental pathology report