Trisomy 18 after assiduous prenatal diagnosis mimicking molar pregnancy: A case

Trisomy 18 or Edwards Syndrome, represents a rare entity throughout current bibliography consisting in most of cases a variety of anatomic abnormalities or endometrial fetal deficit. Prenatal diagnosis with NT (Nuchal Translucency) measurement followed by invasive methods such as CVS (Chorionic villus sampling) or Amniocentesis can easily diagnose such cases, recommending proper therapeutic mapping. Few cases with imaging findings inside normal ranges, can easily conceal chromosomal abnormalities, hardly detected, leading to eventful pregnancy. Molar pregnancy consists a multi systematic clinical entity, depicting as a abnormal form of pregnancy in which a non-viable fertilized egg implants in the uterus and will fail to come to term. Focusing on current bibliography, Trisomy 18 or Edwards Syndrome in terms of histopathologic evaluation can mimic clinical elements of molar pregnancy. Aim of our study reflects the presentation of such rare case, properly diagnosed and treated. *Correspondence to: Chrisostomos Sofoudis, MD, PhD, MPH, Ippokratous 209, 11472, Athens, Greece, E-mail: chrisostomos.sofoudis@gmail.com


Introduction
Edwards Syndrome, also known as trisomy 18, represents a genetic disorder strongly associated with presence of a third copy of all or part of chromosome 18 [1]. Most cases occur due to obstacles during formation of reproductive cells or during early development. Incidence of Edwards Syndrome still increases with mother's age. There are few cases in current bibliography inherited from a person's parents [2]. We must also mention cases of mosaic trisomy, not revealing chromosomal trisomy [3].
Gold standard of assiduous prenatal diagnosis consists measuring of NT (Nuchal Translucency) and due to pathologic imaging findings, performance of CVS (Chorionic villus sampling) and karyotype evaluation.

Case
We present a case of a 30-year-old female patient (G0, P0) with history of use of antidepressant agents, gastric sleeve and smoking during pregnancy attended at our Department for regular prenatal monitoring.
In 13 w of gestation, and all laboratory examinations of 1st trimester in normal ranges, patient attended at specialized fetal medicine center in order to perform NT (Nuchal Translucency) measurement.
All laboratory markers measured in normal ranges. Fortunately, performance of CVS (Chorionic villus sampling) and further karyotype evaluation, revealed presence of Trisomy in chromosome 18 or Edward Syndrome.
After assiduous informing, couple decided therapeutic uterine evacuation. Final histopathologic evaluation revealed presence of dilated sinuidal areas with hydroponic degeneration and trophoblastic hyperplasia. All these characteristics compose configuration of molar pregnancy (Figures 1 and 2). Patient discharged the hospital next pod in good clinical condition.

Discussion
Trisomy 18, also called Edwards Syndrome, consists a chromosomal condition associated with plenty phenotypic abnormalities [4]. Cases, which succeed in completing pregnancy, often have slow growth before birth (intrauterine growth retardation) and a low birth weight. Many affected embryos may develop heart defects or other anatomic abnormalities. Other develop abnormally shaped head; a small jaw and mouth; and clenched fists with overlapping fingers [5]. Majority of cases, due to several life-threatening medical problems, die before birth or within their first month.
Incidence of 5-10% live until one year of age, performing severe intellectual disability [6]. Few cases in current literature, in terms of histopathologic evaluation, reveal elements of molar pregnancy in fetal remnants of Trisomy 18 or Edwards Syndrome. Hydroponic degeneration, presence of trophoblastic tissue and grape shaped chorionic villus areas, consist signs of molar pregnancy [7]. Coexistence of these histopathologic entities did not affect or transform the therapeutic mapping. Assiduous clinical and laboratory evaluation of the patient in order to exclude areas of metastatic trophoblastic disease [8]. Monitoring of clinical ranges of b HCG (beta-chorionic gonadotropin), thorax X-ray, abdominal ultrasound evaluation, compose evidence of therapeutic strategy [9].

Conclusion
Trisomy 18 or Edwards Syndrome, represents a rare entity, with most of cases resulting in endometrial death. Gold standard consists immediate termination of pregnancy and therapeutic uterine evacuation. Scientific guidance and experience in fetal medicine represent necessary conditions in order to establish proper diagnosis and treatment.