Genetic and histological analysis intraplacental choriocarcinoma: a case report

We report on single case of intraplacental choriocarcinoma (IC) coexisting with feto-maternal hemorrhage from our hospital, a rare malignant tumor that occurs in the chorionic villous trophoblast. To investigate genetic and epigenetic changes to the carcinogenesis of IC, we employed cancer gene panel analysis and whole methylation analysis from a recent case of IC. By Short Tandem Repeats analysis, we confirmed that the tumor of present IC was derived from concurrent normal chorionic villous trophoblast cells. No mutation was found in 145 cancer-related genes. Meanwhile, amplification in MDM2 gene was observed. Furthermore, we observed deferentially methylated CpG sites between tumor and surrounding normal placenta in present IC case. These observations suggest that IC might be arisen as a result of aberrations of methylation rather than of DNA mutations. Further studies are needed to clarify association between aberrant methylation and choriocarcinogenesis.

Maternal and fetal outcomes of intraplacental choriocarcinoma complicated by fetomaternal hemorrhage: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Intraplacental choriocarcinoma is a gestational trophoblastic neoplasia located within the placenta. Due to the usual silent presentation, more than half of the cases are diagnosed incidentally. It has been demonstrated that this pathology is linked to feto-maternal hemorrhage (FMH), stillbirth, and intrauterine growth restriction. The aim of our review was to establish if there are recurrent signs that might lead to an early diagnosis and better management in cases complicated by FMH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature from 2000 up to March 2023. The adopted research strategy included the following terms: (gestational choriocarcinoma obstetrics outcome) AND (intraplacental choriocarcinoma) AND (gestational choriocarcinoma). The MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched.

RESULTS

The research strategy identified 19 cases of FMH coexisting with intraplacental choriocarcinoma (IC), as described in 17 studies. The perinatal mortality rate was 36.8%. In eight cases, histological diagnosis of IC was made post-delivery. Metastatic lesions were found in 75% (6/8) of described cases. One case of maternal death has been described. Chemotherapy was necessary in seven cases. Sporadical prenatal ultrasound signs were described.

DISCUSSION

The diagnosis of IC is usually delayed, mostly due to aspecific symptoms and signs. Histological analysis of the placenta, when not routinely performed, should be performed when warning symptoms are encountered. The maternal prognosis was good, with a mortality rate of 5.5%. A fertility-sparing approach is always possible even in the presence of metastasis. Chemotherapy seems to be useful in cases of maternal and neonatal metastasis.

Fatal cervix rupture due to intraplacental choriocarcinoma triggered by sexual intercourse

A 27-year-old woman, gravida 1 para 0, died 30 min after intercourse at the 16th week of gestation. The prenatal medical history indicated the placental implantation position at the cervix. The autopsy revealed massive hemoperitoneum and a tumor in the placenta and myometrium on the anterior right side of the cervix. A transmural perforation was found from the tumor to the serosal surface of the cervix. The autopsy, histopathology, and medical history indicated that her death was ascribed to the rupture of the cervix due to intraplacental choriocarcinoma (IC) after intercourse. The case indicated that placental implantation and tumor invasion might lead to the rupture of the uterus triggered by external forces in daily life. This case study might increase the awareness and recognition of IC.