Maternal floor infarction of the placenta: prenatal diagnosis and clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether maternal floor infarction can be diagnosed prenatally.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 13 patients with maternal floor infarction confirmed histopathologically to determine the frequency of increased placental echogenicity, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and oligohydramnios. Subsequently, we applied these criteria prospectively to diagnose maternal floor infarction in three cases.

RESULTS

Twelve of the 13 pregnancies reviewed retrospectively resulted in small for gestational age infants, of which eight were stillbirths. Fetal growth restriction and oligohydramnios were evident on ultrasound in five pregnancies and a placental abnormality was noted in four; two patients exhibited this complete triad of sonographic abnormalities. Three patients were identified prospectively with maternal floor infarction based on sonographic findings and electively delivered live preterm infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal floor infarction is a placental condition with profound risk for FGR and stillbirth. Antenatal diagnosis may improve the perinatal outcome with this condition.