Recurrent Hodgkin's Lymphoma Detected Using Abnormal NIPT in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) examines cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal serum, which includes both maternal DNA and apoptotic placental DNA. The presence of multiple aneuploidies or widespread abnormal patterns of gains and losses across chromosomes in a structurally normal fetus has been linked to maternal cancer. Case Presentation: The patient was a 22-year-old G1P0 with a history of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma in remission. Her NIPT collected at 14 weeks and 3 days was reported as a "no call". A second NIPT at a different laboratory showed multiple chromosomal aneuploidies (trisomy 18, 21, and monosomy X) with normal fetal anatomy on ultrasound. The patient was asymptomatic and was referred to hematology-oncology specifically to address the concern that these NIPT results could be related to cancer recurrence. Imaging was deferred as she was already on an established surveillance protocol for her Hodgkin's lymphoma. At 26 weeks of gestation, the patient presented with a cough and dyspnea. Chest x-ray raised concern for disease recurrence, and biopsy confirmed recurrent Hodgkin's lymphoma. She received two cycles of ICE chemotherapy. Cesarean delivery at 34 weeks and 2 days was performed for non-reassuring fetal heart tones. She continued chemotherapy, followed by BEAM conditioning and autologous stem cell transplantation. Genetic testing of the neonate revealed a normal karyotype; the placenta karyotype yielded no interpretable results. Discussion and Conclusions: Certain patterns of abnormal NIPT results may be associated with maternal malignancy and warrant further investigation. The absence of standardized protocols for reporting such NIPT results can complicate timely interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment. However, diagnostic testing should be offered with a positive NIPT result, a no-call or test failure, and abnormal ultrasound results, even with a "low-risk" NIPT result.