Amniography in the early diagnosis of hydatidiform mole

In 16 patients with suspected hydatidiform mole the diagnosis was readily confirmed by amniography. A characteristic honeycomb pattern was seen in all cases. Opacification of the pelvic and ovarian veins was observed in 11 patients, four of whom also showed an excretory urogram. No complications occurred. We conclude that amniography is a simple, safe and reliable method of establishing the diagnosis in clinically suspected cases of hydatidiform mole. Amniography should be considered: (1) as a primary procedure where facilities for ultrasonic investigations and for chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) determinations are not available, or (2) when ultrasonic examination and the HCG levels are equivocal.