Large Vestibular Schwannomas Presenting during Pregnancy: Management Strategies

Objective Large vestibular schwannomas rarely present in pregnant women. Diagnosis and management of these tumors during pregnancy present a therapeutic challenge. Methods A 20-year-old primigravida woman at 26 weeks' gestation was transferred to our facility with gait imbalance, left facial weakness, left ear hearing loss, and recent nausea and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large left cerebellopontine angle mass with extension into the left internal auditory canal and compression of the fourth ventricle resulting in mild hydrocephalus. The patient was admitted with a plan for early delivery at 32 weeks followed by tumor resection. One week later, the patient's headache and neurologic symptoms worsened due to increased hydrocephalus; a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. The next day, an emergent cesarean delivery was performed due to worsening respiratory status. Four days later, a tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube were placed due to dysphagia. Eight days after the delivery, the mass was resected with a left retrosigmoid approach without complications. Immunohistochemistry confirmed vestibular cellular schwannoma on cranial nerve VIII showing unusually high mitotic activity. Results The patient was discharged to inpatient rehabilitation on postoperative day 12 without new neurologic deficit. At 1 month, the patient was swallowing without aspiration. Her facial sensation had returned, her facial weakness remained stable, and her gait was significantly improved. Conclusion If the patient is neurologically stable, the best option is to delay resection until after delivery. If resection is necessary during pregnancy, the optimal time is during the second trimester.