Which ultrasound finding is most characteristic of hydatidiform mole?

Which ultrasound finding is most characteristic of hydatidiform mole?

• A. Fetal heartbeat detected on ultrasound
• B. No fetal heartbeat or fetal movement detected on ultrasound
• C. Normal fetal development with high HCG
• D. Low HCG levels

Answer: (B)

Hydatidiform mole is a nonviable pregnancy where placental tissue proliferates abnormally. On ultrasound the defining feature is the absence of a viable fetus—no fetal pole and no fetal heartbeat or movement. In a complete mole you often see a “snowstorm” pattern from numerous hydropic villi, with an enlarged uterus and no intrauterine fetus. This lack of cardiac activity reflects that the pregnancy has no living embryo, which is what sets hydatidiform mole apart from normal pregnancy or other gestational conditions.

Hydatidiform mole is a nonviable pregnancy where placental tissue proliferates abnormally. On ultrasound the defining feature is the absence of a viable fetus—no fetal pole and no fetal heartbeat or movement. In a complete mole you often see a “snowstorm” pattern from numerous hydropic villi, with an enlarged uterus and no intrauterine fetus. This lack of cardiac activity reflects that the pregnancy has no living embryo, which is what sets hydatidiform mole apart from normal pregnancy or other gestational conditions.