Placental cyst is a cystic lesion that develops from the placenta. The cyst normally occurs in about 5 to 20 percent of all pregnancies. Also known as Cytotrophoblastic Cysts. They are usually isolated from placental circulation and normally contain gelatinous fluid.
Broadly categorized in relation to their location
- Placental septal cyst, which occurs inside or within the tissue of the placenta.
- Sub chorionic/surface cyst, which occurs beneath the fetal plate.
Etiology – unknown
However, the cystic placenta normally occurs in diabetes mellitus and maternal rhesus incompatibility.
Other associated conditions are
– Hemochromatosis
– Glutaric Aciduria
– Intrauterine Growth Retartadation
– MacCune-Albright Syndrome
– Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Diagnosis
– Ultrasound – anechoic ovoid or rounded cyst is seen, which tends to be associated with the placental tissue.
– Color Doppler – shows no vascular flow.
Differential Diagnosis
– Sub amniotic hemorrhage
– Large umbilical cord cyst
– Placental tumors e.g. Chorioangioma { on ultrasound are hyperechoic }
Management
There is no alteration of normal obstetric management.
Prognosis
The cyst presence, especially when attached to the umbilical cord insertion, serves as a dire risk for the possible cause of fetal growth retardation and intrauterine fetal asphyxia.
