Diploid/triploid mosaic placenta with fetus - Towards a better understanding of 'partial moles'

We describe a case of partial molar change in a placenta that was associate d with a normal female fetus who died in utero. The analysis of molar and n ormal placental tissue, as well as the karyotypic study of amnionic fluid i ndicate a complex origin of this conceptus. We review the possible mechanis ms lending to this pregnancy and the general topic of partial hydatidiform mole. The formation of moles is complex and it is not easily divisible into so-called partial and complete hydatidiform moles. Rather, individual gene tic study is needed to make an accurate diagnosis because macroscopic or mi croscopic examination alone Fails to assess the complexity of these entitie s. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.