A case of a partially hydatidiform mole complicated by pre-eclampsia

Methods Detailed ultrasonography demonstrated a large multicystic placenta without dilated vessels around the cysts and a growth retarded live female fetus that was compatible with 17-18 weeks' gestation (Figure 1). She had severe dispnea and her oxygen saturation level was 80%. Her chest X-ray graph showed bilateral massive pleural effusion. Markedly elevated quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (210. 000 mIU/mL) and a moderately thickened placenta were the sole clinical features suggestive of a partial molar gestation complicating with preeclampsia. The pregnancy was terminated by vaginally. She was followed up intensive care unit for two days. The patient's blood pressure rapidly normalized two days after delivery. Dispnea disappeared one day later. Pathologic and cytogenetic analyses revealed a triploid fetus (69, XXX). Two weeks after delivery; the serum β-hCG level was 966 mlU/mL and normalized gradually within 6 months without any citotoxic therapy and with no evidence of persistent or metastatic disease.