The Placenta Revisited: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

The placenta is the central support organ for the developing fetus. Recognition of placental variants and insignificant findings is important so as not to suggest an abnormality when one is not present. However, the degree of abnormality, as well as the clinical implications of the findings, must be understood to help guide management of the pregnancy. This article reviews the normal sonographic appearance of the placenta and some anatomic variants, in addition to illustrating various common pathological conditions of the placenta and correlating with gross pathologic and histologic specimens.