Aggressively recurring cervical intramedullary anaplastic astrocytoma in a pregnant patient
James P Caruso1, Chen Shi1, Benjamin Rail1
1Departments of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, United States.
Background:
Many patients with spinal juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma can experience prolonged remission after resection. However, some reports suggest that pregnancy may be associated with progression.
Case Description:
The authors provide an image report highlighting a case of rapid and aggressive transformation of an intramedullary astrocytoma of the cervical spine in a pregnant patient. Over the course of 1 year, the lesion progressed from a juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma to an anaplastic astrocytoma. Genetic testing revealed mutations associated with aggressive behavior.
Conclusion:
The case and associated imaging demonstrate the importance of close neurologic monitoring and counseling regarding risk of progression in pregnant patients with spinal gliomas.
