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Published on: June 24, 2020
Neonatal intracranial choriocarcinoma
S A Chandra1, E F Gilbert, C Viseskul
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|October 1, 1990
Summary
A rare case of metastatic choriocarcinoma in an infant brain, originating from the placenta, led to fatal intracerebral hemorrhage. This placental tumor metastasis is an exceptionally uncommon event in pediatric oncology.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Metastatic choriocarcinoma is a rare malignancy.
- Placental tumors can rarely metastasize to the fetus.
- Intracerebral hemorrhage is a severe complication.
Observation:
- A 1-month-old infant presented with hyperbilirubinemia, seizures, and intracranial hemorrhage.
- Computed tomography revealed a large vascular brain mass.
- The infant's mother had elevated human chorionic gonadotropin levels.
Findings:
- Autopsy confirmed extensive intracerebral hemorrhage due to metastatic choriocarcinoma.
- The tumor was presumed to have originated from the maternal placenta.
- This represents the second reported case of placental choriocarcinoma metastasis to the infant brain.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare placental pathologies in neonatal complications.
- Underscores the potential for fetal metastasis from gestational choriocarcinoma.
- Suggests the need for further investigation into the mechanisms and diagnosis of this rare condition.
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