Complete hydatidiform mole with coexisting twin fetus: usefulness of MRI in management planning

Successful Management of the First Case of a Metastasized Complete Mole in Form of Twin Pregnancy in Jordan

BACKGROUND A complete mole with a living fetus in a form of twin pregnancy that is a rare obstetric event. The development of metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease is the most important and serious complication. It is debatable whether to terminate the pregnancy or to continue. Another point is the validity of the conservative treatment of this type of neoplasm, especially in developing countries. CASE REPORT In this study, we report the first case of a twin pregnancy with complete mole and a living fetus in Jordan, which is a developing country. A 33-year-old woman presented with vaginal bleeding which was revealed to be due to a complete mole in the form of a twin pregnancy. A hystrostomy was performed with subsequent drop of ß-hCG level. However, the ß-hCG started to rise and the CT scan revealed multiple metastatic sites. Accordingly, she received 3 cycles of methotrexate, with a subsequent reduction in ß-hCG level. CONCLUSIONS This is the first case report of a complete mole in twin pregnancy in Jordan. To overcome the development of metastasis, close follow-up and immediate treatment are crucial when the conservative approach is being considered. This report highlights the importance of considering the diagnosis of complete mole for women with twin and vaginal bleeding.

Imaging in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a spectrum of disorders characterized by abnormal trophoblastic proliferation. GTD includes benign conditions such as hydatidiform moles and malignant diseases that are referred as gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Ultrasound plays a central role in the diagnosis of patients with hydatidiform mole. Other imaging modalities are useful in molar pregnancy, mainly for evaluating pulmonary complications and atypical presentation of hydatidiform mole. GTN typically arises after 20% of molar pregnancies but can uncommonly occur after nonmolar gestations. After uterine evacuation, serial human chorionic gonadotropin levels are evaluated in patients for early detection of GTN. Once GTN is suspected, Doppler ultrasound is the primary tool to confirm the diagnosis; however, magnetic resonance imaging can also help in selected cases. Metastatic disease workup can involve various modalities, including ultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. In this article, we review the main imaging modalities used to evaluate patients with GTD.

Ultrasound and MRI Findings of Twin Pregnancies with Complete Hydatidiform Mole and Coexisting Normal Fetus: Two Case Reports

BACKGROUND

Both twin pregnancies with complete hydatidiform mole and coexisting normal fetus (CHMCF) and partial hydatidiform mole can be found in association with a live fetus and a placenta displaying a molar degeneration. Two cases of CHMCF using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a diagnosis are reported.

CASE

In the first, CHMCF was suspected at 12 weeks of gestation. At 18 weeks of gestation, the existence of molar placenta and a sac separating from fetus and normal placenta was clearly depicted on MRI. At 19 weeks of gestations, she had termination of pregnancy because of a development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and started chemotherapy. In the second case, CHMCF was suspected at 14 weeks of gestation. MRI demonstrated the existence of molar placenta and a sac separating from fetus and normal placenta. She chose induced abortion and there was no evidence of GTN during the 1 year-follow up period. Pathological examination in both cases was consistent with a complete hydration mole and a coexisting normal female fetus.

CONCLUSION

MRI was useful for an accurate diagnosis for CHMCF.

A twin pregnancy with a hydatidiform mole and a coexisting live fetus: prenatal diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up

Twin molar pregnancy with a hydatidiform mole and a coexisting live fetus is a rare form of gestational trophoblastic disease associated with an increased risk of obstetric complications and poor perinatal outcome. Prenatal diagnosis is essential for couple counseling and follow-up in Tertiary Reference Centers. Magnetic resonance imaging is important for the diagnostic differentiation of placental mesenchymal dysplasia and exclusion of myometrial invasion. Here we present a case of twin molar pregnancy with a hydatidiform mole and a coexisting live fetus diagnosed at gestational week 14 using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. We also describe the obstetric management and postmolar follow-up.