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Updated: May 30, 2026

Guide Wire Assisted Catheterization and Colored Dye Injection for Vascular Mapping of Monochorionic Twin Placentas
Published on: September 5, 2011
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia presenting as a twin gestation with complete molar pregnancy
Roman Starikov1, Randi Goldman, Don S Dizon
1From the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the Program in Women's Oncology, and the Department of Pathology, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; the Departments of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; and Albany Medical College, Albany, New York.
Background:
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia is a rare abnormality characterized by placentomegaly, grapelike cystic vesicles, and villous hyperplasia. The clinical and ultrasonographic presentation may mimic molar pregnancy, provoking incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary therapeutic interventions.
Case:
A 36-year-old nulliparous woman presented for prenatal ultrasonography that indicated the presence of one gestational sac containing both fetus and cystic mass, concerning for partial molar pregnancy. Amniocentesis returned a 46,XX karyotype, suggesting a twin gestation with complete mole. The patient was monitored closely and, because of fetal growth restriction, was induced successfully at term and delivered a healthy newborn. Histopathologic findings of the placenta were consistent with placental mesenchymal dysplasia.
Conclusion:
Although placental mesenchymal dysplasia is often confused with molar pregnancy, it is important to consider both in a differential to avoid inappropriate treatments.
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