Quantitative determination of delayed maturation of chorionic villi in the placenta in pregnant women with COVID-19

Abstract

The structure of the chorion changes according to gestational age, including stem, intermediate, and terminal villi. In the placenta, SARS-CoV-2 affects cells expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), including endothelium and syncytiotrophoblasts. Damage to these cells triggers pyroptosis, inflammation, and arteriolosclerosis. During its maturation, the placenta records and preserves these changes, manifested as impaired chorionic villus formation.