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Amniotic tissue in complete hydatidiform moles can be androgenetic
D T Weaver1, R A Fisher, E S Newlands
1Department of Histopathology, Division of Investigative Sciences, Imperial College School of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK.
The Journal of Pathology
|April 18, 2000
Summary
Genetic analysis revealed that amniotic tissue associated with complete hydatidiform moles (CM) is often part of the molar pregnancy. This finding challenges the assumption that associated amnion always indicates a partial mole (PM).
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
- Gynecologic Pathology
Background:
- Complete hydatidiform mole (CM) is a pregnancy complication characterized by abnormal placental development.
- Distinguishing CM with associated amnion from partial mole (PM) is crucial for clinical management.
- The origin of amniotic tissue found with CM has been a subject of diagnostic debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically determine if amniotic tissue associated with CM originates from the mole itself or a co-twin.
- To clarify the diagnostic implications of amnion presence in molar pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues (CM, amnion, decidua).
- Maternal DNA sourced from decidual tissue or blood.
- Fluorescent microsatellite genotyping to compare genetic origins of CM and amniotic tissue.
Main Results:
- In 5 out of 6 cases, amniotic tissue was genetically identical to the CM.
- In 1 out of 6 cases, amniotic tissue was genetically distinct, suggesting a twin pregnancy.
- Androgenetic CM can support amniotic tissue development.
Conclusions:
- Amniotic tissue associated with CM can arise from the same androgenetic conceptus.
- The presence of amnion alongside molar tissue does not exclusively indicate a partial mole (PM).
- Early embryonic development may occur within some complete hydatidiform moles.