Journal Published Online: 01 October 1985
Volume 30, Issue 4

Sudden Death Caused by Embolization of Trophoblast from Hydatidiform Mole

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A 16-year-old pregnant female presented to a hospital emergency room with vaginal bleeding and uterine cramping. She underwent a hysterotomy and curettage and, during the procedure, her pulse dropped from 130 to 30 beats/minute, her pO2 fell to 10 mm of mercury, and she could not be resuscitated. At autopsy, she was found to have massive pulmonary embolization of syncytiotrophoblast from a hydatidiform mole of the uterus. This is the sixth reported case of trophoblastic embolization from a hydratidiform mole ending in death. This fatal termination may occur after a period of respiratory symptoms and may occur regardless of the mode of treatment.

Author Information

Cohle, SD
Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, S. E. Grand Rapids, MI
Petty, CS
Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, TX
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS11076J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11076J