Placental Site Choriocarcinoma, Vanishing Twin And Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy causing both metabolic
syndrome and cancer risks.

Case: This patient presented with PCOS including dysfunctional uterine bleeding, obesity, and
hypothyroidism. Genetic evaluation revealed no specific findings other than probable PCOS in her
mother, and review of her past history showed presence of non-metastatic choriocarcinoma in her
placenta.

Conclusion: This patient was the surviving twin whose vanishing twin was a probable hydatidiform
mole resulting in choriocarcinoma of placental site facilitating testosterone crossing the placenta to
cause androgenization.

Teaching Points
Vanishing twin can be considered a risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome in surviving twin. Since
polycystic ovary syndrome is not diagnosed until after puberty, history of vanishing twin can give an
extra emphasis on early prevention of the many serious sequelae of this condition.