Placental mesenchymal dysplasia

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a recently described entity. Because of the presence of an embryo and a multicystic placenta, it has been initially misinterpreted as a partial mole on ultrasound as welt as on gross examination. However, careful microscopic examination, cytogenetic analyses, molecular studies and follow-up of children allowed to better understand this placental abnormality, allowing an antenatal diagnosis. Our purpose was to describe ultrasonographic, macroscopic and microscopic features in PMD on the basis of a literature review and our own experience. We also detailed clinical presentation, complications of pregnancy and fetopathotogic associations. We discussed ethiopathogenic hypotheses as well as differential diagnoses. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.