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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound to Diagnose Molar Pregnancy in the Emergency Department: A Case Report and Topic Review

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Molar pregnancy is a topic in emergency medicine frequently tested and regularly discussed but is perhaps overshadowed by other conditions such as ectopic pregnancy. It is a rare diagnosis encountered in the emergency department (ED) and is part of a broad spectrum of pathological conditions that fall into the category of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Diagnosis of this potentially malignant condition requires the emergency physician to bear this condition in mind when treating any woman while considering obstetric-related conditions in the first trimester, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, and excessive nausea and vomiting. We present the case of a 20-year-old primigravida 12-week pregnant female who presented to the ED sent in by the midwifery clinic for evaluation with concerns for absent fetal heart tones and abnormal uterine appearance. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed upon arrival demonstrated an irregular complex echogenic uterine mass with anechoic areas and cystic structures suspicious for a molar pregnancy. Obstetrics-gynecology (OB-GYN) admitted the patient promptly for definitive surgical care, and tissue analysis confirmed a complete molar gestation. This case highlights the effectiveness of POCUS for prompt diagnosis and treatment of molar pregnancy in the ED.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.68223

Authors: Erin Avers, David M Langley, Katelyn Karalic, Ryan Snitowsky

Institutions: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Florida State University

Language: English

Topic: Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Studies

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4402047125