Succenturiate Placenta, Meaning, Ultrasound, Lobe, vs Bilobed Placenta, Vasa Previa & Complications

Content:

• What is Succenturiate Placenta?
• Meaning
• Ultrasound
• Lobe
• vs Bilobed Placenta
• Vasa Previa
• Complications

What is Succenturiate Placenta?

Succenturiate placenta is a placental abnormality in which one or more small accessory lobes develop separately from the main placental disc. These accessory lobes are connected to the primary placenta by blood vessels that run through the membranes. Although the main placenta functions normally, the presence of an additional lobe can increase certain pregnancy and delivery risks.

This condition is usually diagnosed during routine prenatal ultrasound or identified after delivery when examining the placenta. While many pregnancies with a succenturiate placenta progress without major problems, careful monitoring is essential because the connecting vessels may be vulnerable to injury, especially during labor or membrane rupture.

Meaning

The term “succenturiate” comes from Latin, meaning “to substitute” or “to assist,” referring to the extra lobe that supplements the main placenta. In simple terms, it means there is an additional placental piece separate from the primary disc but still functionally connected through blood vessels.

This accessory lobe forms due to abnormal implantation or development of placental tissue during early pregnancy. It is considered a variation of placental morphology rather than a disease itself. However, because the extra lobe may remain inside the uterus after delivery, it carries important clinical implications.

Ultrasound

On ultrasound, a succenturiate placenta appears as a separate placental mass distinct from the main placental body. Color Doppler imaging is particularly helpful because it can identify blood vessels connecting the accessory lobe to the primary placenta through the membranes.

Early detection via ultrasound allows obstetricians to plan delivery carefully. If connecting vessels cross near the cervical opening, there is a higher risk of bleeding complications. Therefore, detailed imaging in the second trimester is crucial to rule out associated conditions like vasa previa.

Lobe

The accessory lobe in a succenturiate placenta is usually smaller than the main placenta and may be located at some distance from it. Despite being separate, it receives blood supply through membranous vessels that bridge the gap between the lobes.

After delivery, careful examination of the placenta is important to ensure that all lobes have been expelled. If the accessory lobe remains inside the uterus (retained placental tissue), it can cause postpartum hemorrhage or infection.

vs Bilobed Placenta

A succenturiate placenta differs from a bilobed placenta in structure. In a bilobed placenta, the placental tissue is divided into two nearly equal-sized lobes connected by membranes. In contrast, a succenturiate placenta has one main lobe and one or more much smaller accessory lobes.

Both conditions involve abnormal placental morphology, but the clinical concern is slightly higher with succenturiate placenta due to the risk of retained accessory lobes and fragile connecting vessels. Bilobed placentas may also carry risks, but the lobes are generally more evenly developed.

Vasa Previa

Vasa previa is a serious condition that can be associated with succenturiate placenta. It occurs when fetal blood vessels run across or near the cervical opening without protection from the placenta or umbilical cord. These vessels may originate from the accessory lobe.

If the membranes rupture during labor, these exposed vessels can tear, leading to rapid fetal blood loss. Early ultrasound detection of vasa previa allows for planned cesarean delivery before labor begins, significantly reducing risks to the baby.

Complications

Although many cases of succenturiate placenta are managed successfully, potential complications include postpartum hemorrhage, retained placental tissue, infection, and fetal bleeding if associated with vasa previa. Careful monitoring during pregnancy and thorough inspection of the placenta after delivery are essential preventive steps.

Obstetricians typically manage this condition with increased surveillance, especially if Doppler ultrasound shows vulnerable vessels. With proper diagnosis and planning, most pregnancies with a succenturiate placenta result in healthy maternal and fetal outcomes.