A molar masquerading as an ectopic pregnancy in the early first trimester: a salutary lesson

Abstract

Abha Govind,1 Nisha Lakhi21Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, NY, USAAbstract: The authors report a case in which a molar pregnancy was mistaken for an ectopic pregnancy in the early first trimester. This confusion delayed diagnosis and caused distress; follow-up led to the final diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole. Correct preoperative diagnosis of molar pregnancy by ultrasound in early pregnancy may be tricky. It is important to obtain histological evidence to make the final diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease. While relatively rare, consideration of molar pregnancy in the differential diagnosis of early pregnancy loss may avoid unnecessary distress.Keywords: first trimester ultrasound, molar pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic disease, complete hydatidiform mole, diagnosis