ABSTRACT

Background:

Ruptured ectopic gestation is a life threatening medical emergency especially in developing countries. However, the occurrence of hydatidiform mole in ruptured tubal pregnancy is uncommon.

Materials & Method:

A consecutive analysis of patients with hydatidiform mole in ruptured tubal gestation over a 9-year period in a tertiary hospital.

Result:

Of a total of 101 females with ectopic gestations, only five had ruptured tubal hydatidiform mole. The ages ranged from 20-37years and they all presented with acute abdominal symptoms which necessitated emergency surgical intervention. Intra-operative findings revealed ruptured/ leaking tubal gestation. The excised tissue specimens showed hydatidiform mole characterized by circumferential trophoblastic proliferation, hydropic degeneration and stromal karyohexis. Patients’ serial HCG levels were monitored before discharge.

Conclusion:

Ruptured tubal hydatidiform mole is uncommon and strict histologic criteria are important in diagnosis. Serial HCG levels must be monitored in individual patients to forestall development of malignant trophoblastic disease.