Ectopic molar pregnancy: a rare entity

Ectopic molar pregnancy is a rare occurrence and consequently not often considered as a diagnostic possibility. In this article, an attempt was made to stress on the need for histopathological examination and follow up of every case of ectopic pregnancy. This was substantiated with the help of a case report.

A 30-year-old gravida 4, para 3, pregnant woman with a 7-week history of amenorrhea attended hospital with abdominal pain. Per vaginal examination revealed a tender left adnexal mass measuring 4x4 cm and on ultrasonography there was a live fetus corresponding to a 7-week and 6 days gestation with free fluid in the pelvic cavity. Laparotomy, revealed a ruptured left tubal ectopic pregnancy and histopathological examination was suggestive of a molar pregnancy.

Although rare, molar changes can occur at any site of an ectopic pregnancy. Clinical diagnosis of a molar pregnancy is difficult but histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis.