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False-negative qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test result (‘hook effect’) with classical ultrasound findings of complete molar pregnancy: an uncommon case | Journal Article / Case Report/Series | MSF Science Portal
Journal Article
|Case Report/Series

False-negative qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test result (‘hook effect’) with classical ultrasound findings of complete molar pregnancy: an uncommon case

Phillipo D, Lucas S, Kalunga MP, Inyasi E, Lebba JP, Sudai FM, Bizimana JK
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Abstract
False-negative qualitative Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) result is a phenomenon in which large amounts of β-hCG are produced by molar pregnancy, oversaturating the test’s assay system and leading to false-negative results known as the ‘prozone phenomenon’ or the ‘hook effect’. This can lead to misdiagnosis and delay in management despite high suspicious clinical and ultrasound findings. We report a case of an 18-year-old female who presented to our health facility with amenorrhea of 16 weeks, lower abdominal pain, soft and large fundal height for gestational age, and cramping with slight per-vaginal bleeding, and a negative urinary pregnancy test (UPT). Based on clinical presentation, ultrasound findings and a positive UPT after urine dilution, molar pregnancy was diagnosed. Aspiration was performed under ultrasound guidance, and follow-up was done as per MSF guidelines. HCPs need to be familiar with some rare cases for which the possibility of finding false-negative UPT is likely.

Countries

Tanzania

Subject Area

women's healthdiagnosticsultrasound

Languages

English
DOI
10.1093/omcr/omad147
Published Date
27 Jan 2024
PubMed ID
38292164
Journal
Oxford Medical Case Reports
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 2024, Issue 1, Pages omad147
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