The gynecologist's role in preventing overdiagnosis of ectopic molar pregnancy: a case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ectopic hydatidiform mole is a rare, yet overdiagnosed, entity. A diagnosis of ectopic molar pregnancy requires close follow-up, has implications on future fertility, and may require chemotherapy. Patients diagnosed with a hydropic abortus do not require hormone surveillance or abstinence from pregnancy for the extended time period generally recommended for patients diagnosed with a complete or partial hydatidiform mole. The correct classification of products of conception is clinically important because each of the three diagnoses has a different potential for malignant transformation.

CASE:

A 29-year-old woman, G5P2104, with ectopic pregnancy and without clinical or laboratory data suspicious for molar pregnancy required ancillary histopathologic testing for accurate diagnosis.

CONCLUSION:

This case illustrates the vital role of the gynecologist in assimilating information to prevent over-diagnosis of ectopic molar pregnancy. General gynecologists must therefore understand the histopathologic options available for differentiating hydropic products of conception, partial hydatidiform mole and complete hydatidiform mole.

• Authors: Mona C McCullough, Stuart Hart, Enid Gilbert-Barnes, William N Spellacy
• Journal: The Journal of reproductive medicine (J Reprod Med) 2013 Jul-Aug Vol. 58 Issue 7-8 Pg. 351-3 ISSN: 0024-7758 [Print] United States
• PMID: 23947088 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human

Topics

• Adult
• Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human (blood)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Gynecology
• Humans
• Hydatidiform Mole (diagnosis, epidemiology, pathology)
• In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
• Physician's Role
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy, Tubal (diagnosis, pathology)