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The Association of Fetal Cyanotic Versus Non-Cyanotic Cardiac Malformations and Placental Vascular Malperfusion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Placental abnormalities are frequently observed in congenital heart disease (CHD) pregnancies, yet detailed histopathological evaluations are limited. This study investigated placental vascular lesions in CHD cases, with comparisons between cyanotic and non-cyanotic subtypes. METHODS: Term singleton pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed moderate-to-severe CHD were compared to gestational age-matched controls. Placentas were assessed using standardized histopathological criteria, and CHD cases were stratified based on cyanosis. RESULTS: = .003). Other lesions, including maternal vascular malperfusion and inflammation-related findings, showed no statistically significant differences. In subgroup analysis, no clear differences emerged between cyanotic and non-cyanotic groups. CONCLUSION: CHD is strongly associated with placental FVM, indicating a possible fetal circulatory disturbance. While histological patterns were similar across CHD subtypes, the presence of FVM may provide important insights for neonatal risk assessment and management.

Source: Pediatric and Developmental Pathology

DOI: 10.1177/10935266261419536

Authors: Esra Karakus, Merve Emin, Merve Ozturk Agaoglu, Esra Karatas, Dilek Sahin

Institutions: Ministry of Health, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Congenital Heart Disease Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W7130508298

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Cites: 17

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