Cerebral metastatic choriocarcinoma: a postpartum cause of "stroke"

Obstet Gynecol. 1975 May;45(5):583-8.

Abstract

This case presentation is that of a 23-year-old woman who developed a "stroke" shortly after delivering a normal full-term infant. Evacuation of an intracerebral hematoma was required and an underlying nidus of choriocarcinoma was discovered. The patient responded dramatically to chemotherapy and irradiation. Because this metastatic tumor is potentially curable, we emphasize the importance of considering this diagnosis in young women who present with "stroke" symptoms, and we outline the appropriate laboratory and radiographic investigations.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / etiology*
  • Choriocarcinoma / complications*
  • Choriocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Choriocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / blood
  • Female
  • Hematoma / pathology
  • Hematoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Pregnancy
  • Puerperal Disorders / complications*
  • Puerperal Disorders / diagnosis
  • Puerperal Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Radionuclide Imaging

Substances

  • Chorionic Gonadotropin
  • Luteinizing Hormone