Cerebellar meduloblastoma during pregnancy. A case report

Abstract

Maternal malignancies complicate approximately one of every 1 000 pregnancies. These neoplasms arise more frequently from the breasts, cervix and hematopoietic system. Brain tumors in pregnancy are extremely rare. Cerebellar medulloblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumors in childhood. They are considered as embryonic tumors and represent 4% of all intracranial neoplasms; they are extremely rare during pregnancy. We present the case of a 21-year-old patient with a 16-week pregnancy who suffered of intense headache in the occipital region, accompanied by photophobia, slight alteration of coordination, unstable gaits and vomiting. Neurological evaluation was normal but for positive Romberg sign and ataxic gait. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed a complex, ill-defined tumor occupying the cerebellar space. The patient underwent surgical reduction of the tumor. Histopathological analysis revealed grade IV cerebellar medulloblastoma. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered. Cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks of gestation with live newborn. Following delivery, treatment was completed with external radiation therapy to the craniospinal axis.