[Hydatidiform mole in Vietnam. The contribution of ultrasonography]

One-hundred-and-four cases of histopathologically confirmed hydatiform moles were subjected to ultrasound examination at the Hung Vuong Hospital, Ho-Chi-Minh-ville (Vietnam) over a period of 16 months (1988-1989). The diagnosis was confirmed only in some cases on clinical grounds (18%) or by laboratory tests (52%). In contrast, typical ultrasound signs were found in 82% of cases; in the other 18% of cases, other aspects had suggested disorders calling for aspiration (partial mole, clear ovum, pregnancy terminated). Some ultrasound images, highly suggestive of mole, were found in occasional cases of mucoid ovarian cyst, endometrial cancer or cystic necrobiosis of fibroma (HCG tests negative). Despite its limitations in Vietnam ultrasound constitutes the primary method of detecting hydatiform mole, the acquisition of practical experience is facilitated by the high number of cases and the concentration of cases reported.