Benign molar pregnancies: pulmonary complications

Cardiopulmonary dysfunction has been observed after the removal of benign hydatidiform mole. Of 60 cases reviewed with benign trophoblastic disease, five developed respiratory complications. Two patients developed pulmonary edema that progressed to adult respiratory distress syndrome. Autopsy of two patients showed no evidence of pulmonary trophoblastic emboli. Possible etiologies for the pulmonary findings, including trophoblastic emboli, hypervolemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and hyperthyroidism, are discussed.