The small yellow-tan nodules seen here over the fetal surface of a term placenta represent amnion nodosum. This appearance may occur in cases of reduced amniotic fluid volume--oligohydramnios. If the oligohydramnios persists for weeks, then amniotic fluid debris is in higher concentration and, thus, desquamated fetal cells and vernix are deposited and covered with amniotic cells to produce the nodules. Oligohydramnios typically results from a fetal urinary tract abnormality that reduces fetal urine output. Such conditions may include renal agenesis, polycystic kidneys, and urethral atresia. By comparison, just a single yellow-tan nodule several millimeters in diameter on the fetal surface is typically a yolk-sac remnant and has no significance.
There were 71 correct entries out of 147 total entries for case 47.
| Our winner is: Heidi M. Asbury, MD of Oak Park, Illinois, USA
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