AMNIONITIS AND CHORIOAMNIONITIS

 

 

Sonographic characteristic of membrane

Relationship to Fetus / Placenta

Pathology / Etiology

- <12 wks: thick amnion with adjacent  

                  fetal demise.

- 12-24 wks: usually normal
- >24 wks: oligohydramnios from PROM;

                  fetal tachycardia

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Spontaneous abortion.
* Prematurity from premature rupture of  

   membranes     

* Fetal pneumonia.  

* Deciduitis with placental involvement  

   occasionally.                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

* Infectious etiology.
* Polymorphs in amnion +/- chorion.
* Rarely extends through fetal surface of

   amnion.
* Umbilical cord may be involved.
* Positive amniotic fluid culture.
* Routes of infection:
  - hematogenous
  - transcervical
  - transfallopian
  - post amniocentesis or villous biopsy.
  

 

 

 


 

 

 

Video clip of chorioamnionitis