Cerebral edema in severe pregnancy-induced hypertension

lomas might have developed. The patient has since conceived, further supporting origin of these organisms outside the reproductive tract. A high index of clinical suspicion for tuberculosis was crucial since routine histologic study of the therapeutic abortion material was not suggestive of an infectious process. The placenta in the second case showed an unusual gross abnormality, the placenta membranacea. This suggests early infection since tuberculous involvement of the decidual tissues may have interfered with first-trimester atrophy of the capsular villi. In conclusion, it is worthwhile to consider tuberculosis when examining placentas, as involvement may lead to the diagnosis or indicate disseminated disease. Acid-fast stains may be rewarding, even in the absence of suggestive histology, and could prove useful in all abortions on tuberculous women.