Death from pulmonary embolism associated with hydatidiform mole

This case is being reported first to call attention to the somewhat neglected aspects of trophoblastic invasion and deportation. With the increased invasiveness of the trophoblasts in a benign mole the chance of emboli formation would seem to be increased appreciably, particularly when associated with repeated manipulation and examination or attempted induction.It is felt that a more acute awareness of the likelihood of pulmonary emboli brings up the question of the advisability of early operative interference as against the long accepted, more conservative therapy of abortion of the mole followed by curettage.