Maternal floor infarction: management of an underrecognized pathology

Abstract

Maternal floor infarction is a relatively rare condition characterized clinically by severe early onset fetal growth restriction with features of uteroplacental insufficiency. It has a very high recurrence rate and carries a significant risk or fetal demise. Pathological characteristics include massive and diffuse fibrin deposition along the decidua basalis and the perivillous space of the basal plate. We present a case of recurrent maternal floor infarction and propose diagnostic clues as well as potential therapeutic options.

Keywords: diagnosis; elevated α-fetoprotein; fetal growth restriction; fibrin deposition; globular placenta; maternal floor infarction; therapy.