A 22-year-old woman presents with first-trimester bleeding, uterine size larger than dates and markedly elevated serum beta-hCG. Ultrasound shows a uterus filled with heterogeneous echogenic material containing multiple small cystic spaces, with no fetus identified. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Missed abortion
- B Complete hydatidiform mole ✓
- C Partial hydatidiform mole
- D Invasive mole
Correct answer: B. Complete hydatidiform mole
Explanation
The snowstorm appearance with numerous small vesicles representing hydropic chorionic villi, absent fetus, uterus larger than dates and very high beta-hCG is classic for complete hydatidiform mole. Partial mole retains fetal tissue and has focal rather than diffuse vesicular change. Missed abortion lacks the vesicular pattern, and invasive mole is a post-molar diagnosis made after histological evidence of myometrial invasion.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.