Hydatidiform mole is estimated to have an incidence of 1:ZOOO pregnancies in the United States. Prior to the advent of ultrasound, diagnosis depended on the clinical findings of a disproportionately enlarged uterus for dates, vaginal bleeding, the onset of hypertension in the first trimester of pregnancy, and increased elevation of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) 1evels.l Amniography, an invasive procedure, was often deferred until the pregnancy had progressed well into the second trimester. Passage of molar tissue often occurred before the diagnosis was made. Utilizing noninvasive ultrasound, the diagnosis of hydatidiform mole can be made much earlier. However, the use of ultrasonic criteria alone may lead to an improper diagnosis of hydatidiform mole. Presented are two cases in which malignant ovarian tumors were reported as hydatidiform moles based on ultrasonic findings.
CASE REPORTS
Case 1
A 16-yr-old gravida 0 female was referred by a local gynecologist with the complaint of increasing abdominal girth. All previous menstrual periods were normal, the last occurring approximately two weeks prior to admission to a local hospital. An ultrasonic examination at the hospital was interpreted as consistent with hydatidiform mole. The typical "snowstorm" effect seen on ul-