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A rare case of congenital choroid plexus carcinoma
Miriam Wilhelm1, Wolfgang Hirsch, Andreas Merkenschlager
1Department of Women and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Insights
This case study details a child diagnosed with choroid plexus carcinoma prenatally. Despite aggressive treatment, the tumor progressed, leading to palliative care and the child's death at one year, highlighting ethical considerations in pediatric oncology.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Prenatal diagnosis of brain tumors presents complex ethical and therapeutic challenges.
- Choroid plexus carcinoma is a rare and aggressive pediatric malignancy.
Observation:
- A 1-year-old child received a prenatal diagnosis of a brain tumor at 29 weeks gestation.
- Parents chose an aggressive treatment after extensive counseling regarding prognosis and termination options.
Findings:
- Histopathological diagnosis confirmed choroid plexus carcinoma post-partial resection.
- Tumor progression occurred within two weeks, prompting a shift to palliative care.
Implications:
- Active consideration of ethical aspects is crucial in managing pediatric choroid plexus carcinoma.
- Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment may not always alter the prognosis for this aggressive tumor.
- Palliative care plays a vital role in the management of advanced pediatric brain tumors.
Abstract:
We report a 1-year-old child with the prenatal (week 29 + 5) diagnosis of a brain tumor. The parents were informed about all aspects of prognosis and options concerning termination of pregnancy. The parents opted for an aggressive therapeutic approach after extensive and informative case conferences and counseling. The histopathological diagnosis after partial tumor resection was choroid plexus carcinoma, two weeks thereafter tumor size was progressive. The parents opted for palliative treatment at this stage. The patient died at the age of one year. Ethical aspects have to be actively considered and addressed when caring for children with choroid plexus carcinoma.
