[Massive perivillous fibrin deposition, chronic histiocytic intervillositis and villitis of unknown etiology: Lesions of the placenta at the fetomaternal interface with risk of recurrence]

Abstract

Background: Maternal floor infarction/massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MFI/MFD), chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHIV) and villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) are lesions of the placenta which are characterized morphologically. The cause is thought to be pathological immunotolerance/rejection reaction at the fetomaternal interface. The risk of recurrence is elevated and the lesions can lead to severe pediatric diseases.

Aim: This article provides an overview of the pathological and anatomical characteristics of each of these lesions, including diagnostic criteria, suspected etiology, clinical relevance and suggested therapy options.

Material and methods: A selective search of the literature was carried out and experiences from own diagnostic clientele are presented.

Results and discussion: While MFI/MFD and CHIV occur more rarely, VUE is relatively common occurring in up to 15 % of placentas at term. Both MFI/MFD and CHIV can occur in the first and second trimester, while VUE typically manifests in the third trimester. All lesions can lead to intrauterine growth retardation or abortion and have a tendency towards disease recurrence. Furthermore, VUE and MFI/MFD can be associated with an adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in the children. For all these entities potential therapy strategies have been reported, which are mainly based on anticoagulation and immunosuppression in subsequent pregnancies.