A HELLP syndrome complicates a gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in a perimenopausal woman: a case report

BMC Cancer. 2016 Aug 2:16:573. doi: 10.1186/s12885-016-2641-2.

Abstract

Background: HELLP syndrome is a combination of symptoms described as hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets, that complicates 0.01-0.6 % of pregnancies. HELLP syndrome has been scarcely reported associated with partial moles, another rare complication of pregnancy. This manuscript describes the only reported case of HELLP syndrome associated with a complete invasive hydatiform mole.

Case presentation: We report a perimenopausal patient in prolonged remission from an uncommon high-risk invasive complete mole. The diagnosis was set in a context of early onset preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The development of life-threatening complications required primary hysterectomy. Postoperative hCG quickly returned to normal with EMA/CO multi-agent chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Our patient is in prolonged remission from a complete mole complicated with EOP and HELLP syndrome. This exceptional case of complicated gestational trophoblastic neoplasia reflects a very rare condition in which several risk factors for placental ischemia are associated. Emergency hysterectomy should be considered as salvage initial treatment in such life-threatening situations.

Keywords: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia; HELLP syndrome; Perimenopause; Preeclampsia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / surgery
  • HELLP Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • HELLP Syndrome / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Middle Aged
  • Perimenopause
  • Pregnancy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome