Fetomaternal Hemorrhage Caused by Intraplacental Choriocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature in Japan

ABSTRACT

Fetomaternal hemorrhage induced by intraplacental choriocarcinoma is considered to be extremely rare. We herein describe a neonate with severe anemia caused by intraplacental choriocarcinoma that was histopathologically identified after birth. Furthermore, we reviewed three other such cases in Japan. As a result, the incidence of intraplacental choriocarcinoma may be higher than previously estimated. Therefore, we suggest that the placenta should be examined in any suspected cases of fetomaternal hemorrhage.

KEYWORDS

Anemia - fetal distress - α-fetoprotein

REFERENCES

• 1 Blanchette V, Doyle J, Schmidt B et al.. Anemias. In: Avery GB, Fletcher MA, MacDonald MG Neonatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia; JB Lippincott 1994: 952-973
• 2 Giacoia G P. Severe fetomaternal hemorrhage: a review.  Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1997;  52 372-380
• 3 Kishkurno S, Ishida A, Takahashi Y et al.. A case of neonatal choriocarcinoma.  Am J Perinatol. 1997;  14 79-82
• 4 Takai N, Miyazaki T, Yoshimatsu J et al.. Intraplacental choriocarcinoma with fetomaternal transfusion.  Pathol Int. 2000;  50 258-261
• 5 Oyama M, Matsui K, Osaki E et al.. Fetomaternal hemorrhage associated with intraplacental choriocarcinoma [in Japanese].  J Jpn Pediatr Soc. 1996;  100 89-93
• 6 Kanekiyo T, Kawamoto Y, Nakayama M et al.. A case of fetomaternal hemorrhage compromised with intraplacental choriocarcinoma [in Japanese].  J Jpn Pediatr Soc. 2003;  107 676-680
• 7 Habib Z A. Maternal serum alpha-feto-protein: its value in antenatal diagnosis of genetic disease and in obstetrical-gynaecological care.  Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand Suppl. 1977;  61 1-92
• 8 Pourbabak S, Rund C R, Crookston K P. Three cases of massive fetomaternal hemorrhage presenting without clinical suspicion.  Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2004;  128 463-465
• 9 Ollendorff D A, Goldberg J M, Abu-Jawdeh G M et al.. Markedly elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein associated with a normal fetus and choriocarcinoma of the placenta.  Obstet Gynecol. 1990;  76 494-497
• 10 Duleba A J, Miller D, Taylor G et al.. Expectant management of choriocarcinoma limited to placenta.  Gynecol Oncol. 1992;  44 277-280