Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2025
11:54
Microsatellite DNA Genotyping and Flow Cytometry Ploidy Analyses of Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Hydatidiform Molar Tissues
Published on: October 20, 2019
9.2K
Tiny Hydatidiform Mole Presenting As Pregnancy of Unknown Location
Mikiko Kobayashi1, Yuriko Yokoi2, Kyoko Tanaka2
1Department of Pathology, Marunouchi Hospital, Matsumoto, JPN.
Cureus
|July 31, 2023
Summary
Pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) can be diagnosed using dilation and curettage (D&C). A tiny hydatidiform mole was identified as a cause of PUL in a recent case study.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Gynecologic Pathology
Background:
- Pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) presents a diagnostic challenge where pregnancy is confirmed, but its location (intrauterine or extrauterine) is uncertain via transvaginal sonography (TVS).
- Diagnostic procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C) or laparoscopy are employed to determine pregnancy location.
Observation:
- A case of PUL was managed with D&C, and subsequent histological examination revealed a small complete hydatidiform mole within the uterine contents.
- Retrospective analysis of serum β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels and TVS findings supported a tiny hydatidiform mole as the cause of PUL in this instance.
Findings:
- Pathologists should consider hydatidiform mole in PUL cases when abnormal villi are detected during D&C, regardless of lesion size.
- Immunostaining and/or chromosome testing/molecular genotyping are recommended for suspected hydatidiform moles found during D&C for PUL.
Implications:
- D&C may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying tiny hydatidiform moles in patients with PUL.
- Further research is needed to determine if tiny hydatidiform moles increase the risk of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease.
