University of Wisconsin–Madison Medical College of Wisconsin

Case Report of an Ectopic Molar Pregnancy in the Presence of an Intrauterine Device

Deborah A. Simon, MD; Angela L. Smith, MA; John R. Holzhauer, MD

WMJ. 2017;116(4):215-217.

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Background: Ectopic molar pregnancy is a rare phenomenon and has not been reported in the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD). Clinical diagnosis of molar pregnancy is challenging and requires careful follow-up.

Case: A 25-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 0) with a copper IUD in place presented with a positive pregnancy test. Diagnosis of the complete hydatidiform mole was pathologically confirmed after surgery following clinical and sonographic investigations that identified a left-sided ectopic pregnancy.

Conclusion: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) presenting as an ectopic pregnancy is a very rare occurrence. This patient recovered without event through a combined management and follow-up for ectopic pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease. Appropriate identification and management of this clinical problem is essential in order to prevent initial complications as well as subsequent malignant sequelae.


Author Affiliations: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wis (Simon); Department of Medical Research, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wis (Smith, Holzhauer).
Corresponding Author: Angela L. Smith, Mail Stop EB2-001, Gundersen Health System, 1836 South Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601; phone 608.775.1563, email alsmith@gundersenhealth.org.
Funding/Support: None declared.
Financial Disclosures: None declared.
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