[Infantile and maternal choriocarcinoma]

Infantile or congenital choriocarcinoma is a very uncommon complication of gestational choriocarcinoma. We report such a case with fatal outcome in a 3-week-old newborn, admitted for a hemorrhagic syndrome. Lungs, liver and brain masses were discovered and suggested an angiomatous process. The diagnosis was made later on gingival biopsy with necropsic confirmation. The mother's B-HCG level was elevated. She had asymptomatic pulmonary nodules and a uterine mass. This case report highlights characteristic but non specific clinical findings leading to the diagnosis. Chemotherapy must be undertaken as soon as possible to be effective. It is also necessary to assay maternal serum B-HCG when infantile choriocarcinoma is disclosed.