[Cysts in the villous stroma of the placenta in maternal diabetes mellitus (author's transl)].

Edemateous placentae of diabetic mothers have been examined by light as well as electron microscopy. In addition to typical fetal capillaries there were observed thin-walled cysts containing Hofbauer-cells rather than blood cells which, unlike the capillary system, cannot be filled up with intraarterially injected ink. Derivation and significance of these cavities are discussed. They are considered to be a possible expression of frustraneous extracapillary formation of new vessels. The changes, while not specific, are characteristic of the placenta in maternal diabetes mellitus.