Sections of the placenta reveal diffuse, marked villous edema (hydropic change). The chorionic villi show bulbous enlargement with a loose, pale-staining, and edematous stroma. Hofbauer cells (placental macrophages) are hyperplastic and prominent within the villous stroma. The fetal vasculature is preserved. Examining the fetal capillaries reveals intravascular nucleated red blood cells (erythroblastosis), consistent with fetal anemia and a compensatory hematopoietic response. The trophoblastic lining is generally attenuated, lacking the circumferential proliferation or cistern formation seen in molar pregnancies.
Hydrops fetalis.
Specimen received in formalin fixation consists of part of Placenta measured 7.5x6.5x3 cm, having spongy cut section.
Placenta, delivery: