Infantile and Maternal Choriocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Choriocarcinoma is a rare and highly malignant trophoblastic neoplasm. It can be preceded by any form of gestation including a complete or a partial mole, miscarriage, and normal pregnancy. Simultaneous intraplacental choriocarcinoma involving both mother and infant is extremely rare. The diagnostic triad of choriocarcinoma includes hepatomegaly, anemia, and elevated ßHCG. Herein, we reporte the case of a 6-week-old Afghan girl infant with intraplacental choriocarcinoma presented by severe anemia and widespread multiple metastatic lesions in the liver, lungs, and brain with an elevated level of ßHCG. Given the rarity, rapid progression, and the high mortality rate of the disease with delay in diagnosis and intervention, choriocarcinoma should be one of the differential diagnoses in case of severe infantile and maternal anemia without any antecedent reason. Considering the highly vascular and friable nature of the tumor, biopsy can be dangerous for diagnosis. As choriocarcinoma secrets ßHCG, measurement of serum ßHCG is the most common method used for the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma.