Molar Pregnancy

Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Diagnose Molar Pregnancy: A Case Report

“…Ultrasound findings of complete molar pregnancies include an abnormal gestational sac containing a central heterogeneous mass with anechoic spaces that lacks fetal parts. 1 , 8 The classic snowstorm appearance of the placenta in complete moles is typically not visualized in the first trimester 1 , as it was in this patient. Theca lutein cysts can also be visualized in complete molar pregnancies of later gestational age.…”

“…Criteria for diagnosis includes elevated quantitative levels of serum βhCG beyond what would be expected for gestational age. 1 Typically, complete molar pregnancies are diagnosed with βhCG above 100,000 and incomplete or partial molar pregnancies having levels below 100,000. 1 Ultrasound and eventual pathological evaluation of the pregnancy provide information to make a definitive diagnosis.…”

“… 1 Ultrasound and eventual pathological evaluation of the pregnancy provide information to make a definitive diagnosis. 1 …”

“…In the United States, incidence estimates suggest that molar pregnancies occur at a rate of approximately 1 per 1000 pregnancies. 1 Women of advanced maternal age have been shown to be at increased risk compared to women considered to be of average maternal age. 2 , 3 However, it has been shown that Hispanic women tend to be diagnosed with molar pregnancies at earlier ages than other ethnicities.…”

“…Diagnosis of molar pregnancy begins with measuring quantitative levels of serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG), which are elevated, approximately 100,000 mIU/mL, in molar pregnancy. 1 Complete molar pregnancy can be visualized on ultrasound as a heterogeneous mass with a snowstorm appearance, with the absence of fetal development. 5 Historically, it has been difficult to diagnose molar pregnancy on ultrasound; recently, there have been improvements in sensitivity, making point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) a key instrument in diagnosis.…”