Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2012 May;55(5):348-352. 10.5468/KJOG.2012.55.5.348.

Metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma as initial presentation of intracerebral hemorrhage: A case report

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. ttochil@hanmail.net
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea.
  • 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.

Abstract

Choriocarcinoma is the most malignant tumor of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, which grows rapidly and metastasizes to the lung, liver, and, less frequently, brain. This tumor is known for its association with molar pregnancy, rapid hematogenous spread to multiple organs, high human chorionic gonadotropin levels, and good response to chemotherapy. Metastases to the brain are responsible for most of the deaths from choriocarcinoma. Its prognosis is generally good when treated. We report a rare case of metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma as an initial presentation of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Keyword

Brain; Gestational choriocarcinoma; Metastasis

MeSH Terms

Brain
Cerebral Hemorrhage
Choriocarcinoma
Chorionic Gonadotropin
Female
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Hydatidiform Mole
Liver
Lung
Neoplasm Metastasis
Pregnancy
Prognosis
Chorionic Gonadotropin

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Findings of radiology. (A) Chest computed tomography suggested of lung metastasis (unknown origin) in right upper lobe and left lung. (B) Finding of brain computed tomography indicates hemorrhagic metastasis at both occipital lobes. (C) Positron emission tomography showed multiple hypermetabolic lesions in both lung and left ileum.

  • Fig. 2 Immunohistochemical staining for the intracerebral metastatic choriocarcinoma shows positive β-human chorionic gonadotropin level (H&E, ×100).


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