Hook effect in gestational trophoblastic disease: An emergency department case presentation

Abstract

Abstract Gestational trophoblastic disease is a process that affects ≈1 of 1000 pregnancies. If left untreated, this can progress to potentially life‐threatening complications with malignancy such as choriocarcinoma. The emergency physician must be aware of the presentation and complications of this disease process, including the difficulties in diagnosis. In this case presentation, the authors discuss the presentation and diagnostic process of a patient in the emergency department as well as the phenomenon known as the hook effect, which may complicate the decision‐making process.

Keywords

• beta HCG
• gestational trophoblastic disease
• hook effect
• molar pregnancy
• point of care ultrasound
• pregancy complication