Increase in the level of β-HCG after uterine artery embolization in the context of partial molar pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

This report documents the case of a patient with a previously diagnosed partial molar pregnancy evacuated by dilation and suction curettage with appropriately declining post-operative levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG), who, one month later, underwent uterine artery embolization in the setting of acute bleeding and imaging concerning for arteriovenous malformation. After embolization, beta-hCG levels increased, prompting concern for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and referral to gynecologic oncology. With further workup, the elevation was found to be transient and benign – a phenomenon not previously described.

Keywords

• beta-hCG
• Dilation and curettage
• Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
• Molar pregnancy
• Uterine artery embolization