Prenatal diagnosis and management of fetal anemia secondary to a large chorioangioma

BACKGROUND: Chorioangiomas are benign vascular tumors of the placenta. Complications occur when their size exceeds 5 cm. CASE: We report the use of peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery, fetal hemoglobin levels in maternal circulation, and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels in the diagnosis and management of fetal anemia in a patient with a large placental chorioangioma. CONCLUSION: Fetal hemoglobin levels in maternal circulation and abrupt elevations of middle cerebral artery peak velocity may be useful in detecting fetal anemia.