Placentas are common specimens, which often have significant implications for clinical care. However, many residents and practicing pathologists have little exposure and experience with placental examination. This is a practically oriented course focusing on the differential diagnosis of placental lesions in common clinical situations with improved recognition of gross and microscopic pathology. The course is designed for general pathologists and residents, but pathologists with expertise in this area may also benefit.

The course will use a case-study approach organized into sections based on clinical presentations or outcome. The topics to be covered include 1) maternal disorders such as preeclampsia, thrombophilias, diabetes mellitus, etc. 2) prematurity, 3) the term infant with low Apgar scores, 4) intrauterine growth restriction, 5) intrauterine fetal demise and 6) miscellaneous lesions. A case study will be presented in each main category with the addition of some "mini" case studies to illustrate appropriate pathology.

Pre-registrants will be able to view case histories and electronic images of the study cases prior to the meeting on the USCAP website. A syllabus reviewing differential diagnosis and pathologic features of each entity with appropriate references will be distributed at the meeting. All course registrants will also receive web access to the PowerPoint presented at the USCAP Annual Meeting along with the text portion of the syllabus.

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to: 1) Diagnose gross placental findings and select appropriate areas for histologic sectioning; 2) Recognize the normal sequence of placental maturation and its alterations in maternal and fetal disorders; 3) Explain the clinical implications of infections and inflammatory processes in the placenta; and 4) Prepare complete placental reports helpful to clinicians in differential diagnosis.

(LAST SCHEDULED PRESENTATION)