Histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of blood vessels in complete and partial hydatidiform mole.

Objective: To assess 46 cases diagnosed as complete and partial hydatidiform mole in regard to their histopathologic aspects according to current World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and to determine whether their immunohistochemical features are related to the presence of blood vessels.

Study Design: An observational, descriptive study was done on the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings of 46 molar pregnancy cases seen at the Gynecological Pathology Department, Anatomopathological Institute, Central University of Venezuela, during 1990-2003. Data were obtained primarily from the tumor registry. These cases were histopathologically and immunohistochemically evaluated with CD34 antibody to detect endothelial cells.

Results: Baseline histopathologic diagnoses were partial moles in 25 cases (54%) and complete moles in 21 (46%). Based on the current criteria we demonstrated 25 cases of partial moles, 20 of complete moles and 1 anembryonic pregnancy case. Diagnostic differences in 4 cases from complete to partial mole, 3 cases from partial to complete mole and 1 case from partial mole to anembryonic pregnancy were determined. Blood vessels were identified in 93.8% of complete moles, in which cisterns were predominantly extensive.

Conclusion: Using CD34 immunostain, blood vessels were found in complete and partial hydatidiform moles, without significant differences between them.