Placental lakes, in OBGYN ultrasound, are anechoic or hypoechoic spaces within the placenta, often appearing as blood-filled lacunae. These benign findings are common and typically do not indicate pathology, distinguishing them from more concerning placental abnormalities. Ultrasound is key for their identification, characterization, and differentiation from other vascular lesions or hematomas.
These spaces are a normal variant, representing intervillous spaces that can sometimes be quite prominent. Their recognition in medical imaging is vital for accurate diagnosis and patient reassurance, preventing unnecessary anxiety or interventions in obstetric practice.
