[Importance of arteriography in complicated trophoblastic disease]

Sixty two patients with gestational trophoblastic disease were investigated and treated between January 1977-December 1983. The value of pelvic arteriography was examined. The cases included: 45 moles with a simple outcome. 14 cases of invasive trophoblastic neoplasia after evacuation of the mole. 3 choriocarcinomas after full term pregnancy. Pelvic arteriography was performed in 14 patients. 9 of the 14 patients presented with persistent HCG secretion 6 to 8 weeks after evacuation of the mole. Before chemotherapy was begun, we looked for unfavourable prognostic features such as extra-pelvic metastases, multiple pulmonary metastases, high HCG secretion, delay between the initial event and starting chemotherapy of more than six months. The Ishizuka score was calculated. Six arteriography type I readings suggested choriocarcinoma with an Ishizuka score above five. Double chemotherapy (oncovin-methotrexate) was started successfully (with a one year follow up). Only two patients had unfavourable factors. Two arteriography type III suggested persistent moles, with an Ishizuka score below five. Chemotherapy (only methotrexate) was successful). It was not possible to classify the last arteriography, so the patient was treated successfully with double chemotherapy. Three patients failed to recover with chemotherapy. Arteriography was indicated to determine the site of HCG secretion. Three hysterectomies were performed. Tissue choriocarcinoma was found. Two diagnoses of choriocarcinoma were confirmed by arteriography: In one case an unexplained pleurisy appeared six months after full term. HCG was then positive. In the other case, extrauterine pregnancy was first suspected, but the woman had not had intercourse for six months. Arteriography demonstrated tubal choriocarcinoma. So pelvic arteriography is useful for managing complicated gestational trophoblastic disease.