Gestational choriocarcinoma FIGO stage III, score 8 (high-risk) in 38-year-old woman four weeks postpartum

Choriocarcinoma, an aggressive form of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, can be divided into gestational and non-gestational types, each with distinct biological activity and prognosis. We report a case of gestational choriocarcinoma.

A 38-year-old woman (2 Gravida, 2 Para) presented at our clinic four weeks after her second cesarean section with persistent vaginal bleeding and decreasing hemoglobin to 6.8 mg/L. In the ultrasound examination, retained placental tissue was suspected. Since conservative management with misoprostol was not effective, a curettage was performed. The histopathological result revealed a gestational choriocarcinoma invading the myometrium (CK18 positive, HPL positive, beta-hCG positive, p63 negative, PLAP positive, Ki67 (MIB-1)>80 %). Beta-hCG was 50,607 IU/L at the time of diagnosis. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed bilateral pulmonary metastases. There were no metastases to the liver, lymph nodes, skeleton or brain. In accordance with FIGO recommendations [stage III, Score 8 (high risk) choriocarcinoma] a multi-drug chemotherapy after EMACO-regimen was started 9.5 weeks postpartum during 14 days for seven cycles. The patient has been in tumor remission since then.

Choriocarcinoma is a differential diagnosis of vaginal peripartum bleeding and might likely be underdiagnosed. Risk factors like a prior hydatidiform mole or abortion, Asian, Indian American, African American or Hispanic ethnicity, advanced maternal age (>40 years), blood group A, or high/increasing beta-hCG postpartum should be taken into consideration.