Hydatidiform Mole Coexisting with a Live Fetus: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Pregnancy with complete mole and coexisting live fetus is rare with an incidence of 1 in 22,000–100,000 pregnancies. Such pregnancy is also known as “sad fetus syndrome.” We report a case of a 27‑year‑old Nigerian female (Hausa) G₅ P₄+₀ A₂, who presented to our labor ward on the March 19, 2016, at 34‑week gestational age with complaints of bleeding per vaginum and associated labor pains. Transabdominal two‑dimensional ultrasound on admission revealed a live fetus in breech presentation, with anteriorly located placenta and a huge mass of mixed echogenicity with “snow‑storm” pattern within the uterine cavity posteriorly located and not occluding internal os. She had assisted breech delivery of a live male infant with Apgar scores of 6 and 9 in the first and 15th min, respectively, and weight of 2.5 kg. The placenta was delivered by controlled cord traction, and she expelled “grape‑like” tissues as well. In Kano, patients do attend different hospitals and present to the tertiary center when complications arise. We believe that this case will increase vigilance of medical personnel, who evaluate patients during first presentation to the hospital.