Chorioangioma
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta that can be associated with pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction and preterm birth.
- Type
- Chorioangioma is a type of benign vascular tumor of the placenta. It is not typically associated with any known genetic transmission or inheritance pattern.
- Signs And Symptoms
-
Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta that can present with various signs and symptoms, particularly when the tumor is large. These may include:
- Polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid)
- Fetal growth restriction
- Premature labor
- Increased maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- Fetal anemia
- Non-immune hydrops fetalis (severe fetal swelling)
Additionally, large chorioangiomas can occasionally lead to complications such as placental abruption, preeclampsia, or fetal heart failure. Smaller chorioangiomas are often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during routine prenatal ultrasound. - Prognosis
- Large chorioangiomas with decreased echogenicity, decreased tumor volume and decreased blood flow in colour doppler images are may undergo spontaneous infarction. When chorioangiomas have deceased blood flow, fetal hemodynamics and clinical outcome are found to be improved.
- Onset
- Chorioangioma is typically detected during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester via ultrasound. It is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta.
- Prevalence
- Chorioangioma is a rare, benign vascular tumor of the placenta. The prevalence is estimated to be around 1%, with clinically significant large chorioangiomas occurring in about 1 in 9,000 to 1 in 50,000 pregnancies.
- Epidemiology
- It is the most common tumor of the placenta. Chorioangiomas over the size of 5 cm in diameter are rare, and occur at a rate of 1:3500 to 1:16,000 births. Smaller chorioangiomas are more frequent, with an incidence of 14‑139:10,000 births. However, many small chorioangiomas may not be sonologically visible and hence go unreported. In a clinical study, more than half of all tumors were discovered only by histological techniques.
- Intractability
- Chorioangioma is not generally considered intractable. It is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta, and its prognosis largely depends on its size and associated complications. Small chorioangiomas may remain asymptomatic and not require treatment. However, larger tumors can lead to complications such as fetal anemia, hydrops fetalis, or preterm birth, and may require careful monitoring and medical intervention.
- Disease Severity
- Disease Severity: Chorioangioma is generally benign and often asymptomatic. However, larger tumors can lead to complications such as polyhydramnios, fetal anemia, or hydrops fetalis. Monitoring and intervention strategies depend on the size and associated risks.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:277
- Pathophysiology
- Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta. It arises from chorionic tissue and is composed of an abnormal proliferation of blood vessels within the placenta. This tumor can lead to complications depending on its size and vascularity. Larger chorioangiomas may cause increased blood flow to the placenta, leading to polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), fetal anemia, hydrops fetalis (severe fetal swelling), and preterm labor. They can also result in maternal complications such as preeclampsia.
- Carrier Status
- Chorioangioma does not have a carrier status because it is a type of benign vascular tumor of the placenta, not a hereditary or genetic condition.
- Mechanism
-
Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta. Here are the details on its mechanisms and molecular aspects:
**Mechanism:**
- *Development:* Chorioangiomas are thought to arise from an abnormal proliferation of angioblastic tissue in the placenta.
- *Impact:* While many chorioangiomas are small and asymptomatic, larger ones can disrupt normal placental function, potentially leading to complications like fetal growth restriction, polyhydramnios, and preterm labor.
**Molecular Mechanisms:**
- *Genetic Factors:* Abnormalities in genes regulating angiogenesis may play a role. Specific genetic markers have not been definitively identified, but research is ongoing.
- *Growth Factors:* Increased expression of angiogenic growth factors, such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), has been noted, promoting the growth of blood vessels in the tumor.
- *Cellular Pathways:* Dysregulation of signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, such as the PI3K/AKT pathway, may contribute to the development of chorioangiomas.
Understanding these mechanisms can help in the diagnosis and management of chorioangioma, potentially leading to better outcomes for affected pregnancies. - Treatment
-
The treatment for chorioangioma, a benign vascular tumor of the placenta, largely depends on the size of the tumor and associated complications. Small, asymptomatic chorioangiomas usually require only close monitoring with regular ultrasound examinations. For larger chorioangiomas or those causing complications such as fetal growth restriction, polyhydramnios, or hydrops fetalis, more active interventions may be necessary. Treatment options may include:
1. **Expectant Management:** Close monitoring with serial ultrasounds and possibly Doppler studies to assess fetal well-being and placental blood flow.
2. **Amnioreduction:** Removal of excess amniotic fluid in cases of severe polyhydramnios.
3. **Intrauterine Fetal Therapy:** In severe cases, interventions like fetoscopic laser coagulation of the feeding vessels may be attempted.
4. **Preterm Delivery:** If maternal or fetal conditions deteriorate and are unmanageable, early delivery might be considered.
The choice of treatment is individualized, taking into account the specifics of each case, gestational age, and potential risks and benefits. Collaboration between obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and neonatologists is often required. - Compassionate Use Treatment
-
Chorioangioma is a rare, benign vascular tumor of the placenta. Standard treatments are limited due to its rarity, and specific treatments are often guided by the severity of symptoms and associated complications.
1. **Compassionate use treatment:** Compassionate use refers to the use of investigational drugs outside clinical trials for patients with serious conditions. For chorioangioma, if large or symptomatic, treatments considered might include interventions targeting complications such as fetal anemia or heart failure. In dire cases, invasive procedures like intrauterine fetal transfusions may be considered to manage fetal anemia.
2. **Off-label or experimental treatments:**
- **Indomethacin:** A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) sometimes used off-label to reduce amniotic fluid volume by decreasing fetal urine production, which can help manage polyhydramnios (excess of amniotic fluid) associated with large chorioangiomas.
- **Laser Coagulation:** Experimental in some settings, laser coagulation of the feeding vessels to the chorioangioma performed via fetoscopy can reduce the size and impact of the tumor.
- **Alcohol Ablation:** Another experimental approach where alcohol injection is used to induce sclerosis in the blood vessels supplying the chorioangioma, though risks and long-term outcomes are still being evaluated.
Management typically focuses on careful monitoring with frequent ultrasounds and tailored interventions based on complications that arise during pregnancy. - Lifestyle Recommendations
-
Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta. Specific lifestyle recommendations for managing chorioangioma are not well-defined, as this condition is typically managed through medical monitoring and interventions. However, general recommendations for a healthy pregnancy may help improve overall maternal and fetal well-being:
1. **Regular Prenatal Care**: Frequent visits to an obstetrician to monitor the growth and development of the fetus and the placenta.
2. **Healthy Diet**: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support maternal and fetal health.
3. **Hydration**: Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and support placental function.
4. **Avoid Harmful Substances**: Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, as well as limiting caffeine intake.
5. **Stress Management**: Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise.
6. **Safe Exercise**: Engaging in safe, moderate physical activity as recommended by a healthcare provider.
7. **Adequate Rest**: Ensuring sufficient sleep and rest to support overall health.
Medical management might involve regular ultrasounds to monitor the chorioangioma and assess its potential impact on the pregnancy. In some cases, interventions may be required if complications arise. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and management options. - Medication
-
Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta. Management typically focuses on monitoring and addressing potential complications. No specific medications are used to treat the tumor itself. Instead, treatment may involve:
1. Regular Ultrasound Monitoring: To assess the tumor's growth and check for complications.
2. Fetal Interventions: In cases of significant complications, such as polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), fetal anemia, or heart issues, medical interventions may be necessary.
3. Delivery Planning: Early delivery may be considered if the fetus is at risk.
Consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist is important for individualized care. - Repurposable Drugs
-
Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta. While there are no specifically approved drugs for chorioangioma, some repurposable drugs and treatments that have been considered or used for managing complications include:
1. **Indomethacin**: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may help reduce amniotic fluid volume in cases of polyhydramnios associated with chorioangioma.
2. **Steroids**: For fetal lung maturity in cases of preterm delivery complications induced by chorioangioma.
Please discuss with a healthcare provider for tailored medical advice and any potential additional treatments. - Metabolites
- Chorioangiomas are benign vascular tumors of the placenta. They do not have specific metabolites that are commonly associated with them. The focus is typically on imaging and pathology for diagnosis, and they are often identified through prenatal ultrasound. There is no notable relevance of metabolites in the context of chorioangiomas.
- Nutraceuticals
- Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta. While nutraceuticals (food-derived products that provide health benefits) are widely used for various health conditions, there is currently no established evidence or specific nutraceuticals known to treat or manage chorioangioma. Diagnosis and management of chorioangioma typically involve regular prenatal monitoring and, in some cases, medical or surgical intervention if complications arise. It is essential to follow the advice and treatment plans recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Peptides
- Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta. It is the most common non-trophoblastic tumor of the placenta but still relatively rare. There are no specific peptides directly associated with chorioangiomas in clinical practice or diagnostics. "Nan" is not an identifiable term in this context. If you mean "nanotechnology," it is not currently a standard approach for the diagnosis or treatment of chorioangioma. Standard management primarily focuses on monitoring the pregnancy and addressing any complications that arise.