Chorioangioma of the placenta. A cause of cardiomegaly and heart failure in the newborn.

Abstract

Transient candiomegaly and congestive heart failure associated with a clinical picture of hydrops fetalis were seen in 2 newborn infants.In both instances the placenta harbored large hemangiomas (chorioangiomas), which have been described as functioning large arteriovenous fistulae.It is almost certain that cardiomegaly under these circumstances is caused by systemic hypotension, increased vascular volume, and high output failure known to accompany other systemic arteriovenous shunts in the neonate, such as large cutaneous hemangiomas, hemangio-endotheliomas of the liver and arteriovenous aneurysm of the vein of Galen.Because of their location, chorioangiomas are associated with a more complex clinical syndrome, which frequently includes hydramnios.Chorioangiomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of neonatal cardiomegaly and maternal hydramnios.