A case report on renal metastasis as an unusual presentation of choriocarcinoma

Meimei Huang ¹, Yu Ma ²

⁰West China Xiamen hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, China.

Bmc Women's Health +

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October 21, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This case highlights a rare instance of choriocarcinoma with renal and pulmonary metastases presenting as ectopic pregnancy symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing this aggressive neoplasm.

Area Of Science

Gynecologic Oncology
Medical Oncology
Diagnostic Imaging

Background

Choriocarcinoma is an aggressive gestational trophoblastic neoplasm with a high propensity for hematogenous metastasis.
Common metastatic sites include lungs, vagina, liver, and brain; renal metastases are exceptionally rare.
Clinical presentation varies widely, often complicating diagnosis due to diverse symptomatology.

Observation

A 27-year-old female presented with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, initially suspected as ectopic pregnancy.
Elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, pulmonary nodules, and initially suspected renal masses were noted.
Diagnostic challenges included negative findings on laparoscopy and curettage, and fluctuating hCG levels despite initial methotrexate therapy.

Findings

Multisite CT revealed suspicious renal and pulmonary lesions, leading to a diagnosis of choriocarcinoma.
The patient successfully responded to chemotherapy, achieving a recurrence-free status for one year.
This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenge posed by choriocarcinoma mimicking other gynecological conditions.

Implications

Highlights the importance of considering choriocarcinoma in reproductive-aged women with unexplained renal masses and elevated hCG.
Underscores the necessity of accurate and timely diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.
Emphasizes the role of multidisciplinary consultation in managing rare oncological presentations.

Keywords:

Choriocarcinoma Ectopic pregnancy Kidney metastases