Congenital Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Placental Involvement: Case Report x

Paula Norinho Oliveira, Rita C

Abstract

The authors describe a case of congenital acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), with extensive placental involvement, causing intrauterine fetal growth restriction and unexpected fetal demise at 33 weeks. Although unusual, other congenital tumours, including neuroblastoma and hepatoblastoma, can metastasize to the placenta. Congenital malignancy must be considered in the differential diagnosis of an abnormally large placenta. This case emphasizes the important role of careful histopathologic examination of the placenta which, combined with immunohistochemistry and clinicopathologic correlation, may establish the accurate diagnosis.