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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
09:01
Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation
Published on: October 15, 2021
Obstetric emergencies precipitated by malignant brain tumors
K S Tewari1, F Cappuccini, T Asrat
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Surgical Pathology, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 20, 2000
Summary
Malignant brain tumors during pregnancy are rare but dangerous. Prompt delivery and neurosurgical intervention are crucial for maternal and infant survival.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pregnancy-associated malignant brain tumors are infrequent.
- Previous reports suggested an indolent clinical course for these tumors during gestation.
Observation:
- This case series reviewed 10 women diagnosed with malignant brain tumors between 1978 and 1998.
- Eight patients were diagnosed antenatally, presenting with severe symptoms between 27 and 32 weeks' gestation.
- Maternal deterioration necessitated emergent delivery in six cases; two underwent elective delivery in the early third trimester.
Findings:
- Four maternal deaths and one neonatal death occurred.
- The majority of infants maintained viability despite the maternal diagnoses.
- Antenatal diagnosis was associated with a neurologic crisis in all eight patients.
Implications:
- Malignant brain tumors in pregnancy require urgent management strategies.
- Delivery in the early third trimester, after confirming fetal pulmonary maturity, is recommended for stable patients.
- Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia followed by immediate neurosurgical decompression should be considered for neurologically unstable patients to prevent herniation.
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