MASSIVE TROPHOBLASTIC EMBOLIZATION AND PEEP THERAPY

Embolization of trophoblastic tissue in the lung is a potentially fatal complication of uterine evacuation of a benign hydatidiform mole. It appears that tissue emboli may result in a progressive hypoxemia and cardiopulmonary instability. To the authors, knowledge all previously reported cases of massive trophoblastic embolization in which ventilatory support has been necessary have been fatal. A case in which a patient with this diagnosis was successfully supported with combined ventilatory support and positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP) therapy is presented.