Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Jan 2025)

Malignant brain tumor in early pregnancy mistaken for hyperemesis gravidarum

  • Naoki Abe,
  • Maki Goto,
  • Sachino Kira,
  • Mariko Matsuno,
  • Sotaro Hayashi,
  • Miho Oda,
  • Lifa Lee,
  • Yoko To,
  • Satoshi Nishiyama,
  • Hiroshi Tsujioka

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 64, no. 1
pp. 128 – 130

Abstract

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Objectives: The main objective of this case report is to discuss the differentiation between hyperemesis gravidarum and a brain tumor in the presence of hyperemesis symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy. Case report: A patient was initially diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum in early pregnancy and was hospitalized. After hospitalization, cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral hernia due to convulsions occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a brain tumor. She underwent a craniotomy and then an artificial abortion. Despite treatment with radiation and chemotherapy, she died 9 months later. Conclusion: Differentiating between hyperemesis gravidarum and a brain tumor based on a physical examination alone is difficult. Imaging should be performed when exacerbation of consciousness with suspected intracranial organic disease occurs.

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