Choriocarcinoma Presenting as Subdural Hematoma: A Case Report
Author Information
Author(s): Rocque Brandon G, Başkaya Mustafa K
Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
Hypothesis
Can choriocarcinoma present as an acute subdural hematoma?
Conclusion
Choriocarcinoma can frequently metastasize to the brain, presenting with symptoms like subdural hematoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Choriocarcinoma is a rare disease that complicates about 1 in 50,000 pregnancies.
- Intracranial metastases complicate between 3 and 28% of gestational choriocarcinoma cases.
- Elevated beta-HCG levels in serum and CSF can indicate choriocarcinoma.
Takeaway
A woman had a serious brain bleed that turned out to be caused by a rare pregnancy-related cancer. Doctors found out she had cancer after checking her blood.
Methodology
The case involved a 34-year-old woman with a subdural hematoma who underwent decompressive craniectomy and subsequent examinations.
Limitations
The case lacked histological confirmation of choriocarcinoma despite elevated beta-HCG levels.
Participant Demographics
The patient was a 34-year-old woman with a history of abnormal pregnancy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website