Early Term Pregnancy in a Patient with Brain Tumor

Abstract

Objective: The increased vascularity and hormonal changes during pregnancy may contribute to the progression of symptoms and accelerated tumor growth in patients with brain tumors. The management strategy for brain tumors in pregnancy should be carefully planned. This case report aims to investigate the association between patient's current pregnancy and a suspected meningioma brain tumor along with how to its management.

Methods: Case Report.

Case: A 45-year-old pregnant woman at 37 weeks of gestation, presented with complaints of intermittent left-sided headaches accompanied by vision loss and difficulty hearing which occurred gradually over the past 2 years. The pastient has a history of a brain tumor. During pregnancy, there were no worsening neurological deficits such as seizures or loss of consciousness. A Imaging test evaluation  during pregnancy revealed a brain tumor, suggestive for meningioma, measuring from 4.6 cm x 5.6 cm x 3.7 cm to 5.2 cm x 5.6 cm x 4.4 cm after 2 years. The decision was made to terminate the pregnancy via cesarean section. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated and the patient was planned for tumor excision.

Conclusion: In this case, there is no association was found between the patient's current pregnancy and the brain tumor, suspected to be meningioma. In pregnancies with brain tumors that do not exhibit progressive neurological deficits, pregnancy termination can be performed until term, before subsequently undergoing tumor surgery. A multidisciplinary approach involving various fields is necessary to manage pregnancies with brain tumor and comorbid diseases to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.

Keywords: brain tumor, meningioma, pregnancy, termination