Partial mole with a diploid fetus: case study and literature review

To describe an extremely rare case of a partial hydatidiform mole with a normal fetus. The etiology and clinical management of this entity are discussed.

Case report.

We describe a rare case of partial mole and a living fetus of diploid karyotype and biparental origin confirmed by flow cytometry and PCR techniques. No malformations were observed, beta-hCG levels were high (>100,000 mIU/ml) and persistent trophoblastic disease did eventually occur.

A suspected partial mole on ultrasound with increased beta-hCG and a sonographically normal living fetus of a diploid karyotype poses a dilemma for clinical management. Termination of pregnancy is not indicated if the fetus is normal; in fact, continuation to birth is possible in nearly 60% of cases with no increase in maternal risks when the patient is closely monitored after birth until beta-hCG is negative. In the case presented, however, a spontaneous abortion occurred at 21 weeks' gestation, possibly as a result of the amniocentesis.