Stage IV choriocarcinoma in a 47-year-old-woman 12 years after her last known pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Choriocarcinoma is a rare, invasive, gestational trophoblastic disease that secretes high levels of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (BhCG) and is thought to affect 1 in 40,000 pregnancies. We present a rare case of metastatic choriocarcinoma. Case presentation: A 47-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath, anemia and an elevated serum BhCG level. Her most recent known pregnancy was 12 years previously. Following investigation, she was found to have FIGO stage IV choriocarcinoma with brain metastasis, despite having not experienced any abnormal vaginal bleeding. She was treated with chemotherapy; her treatment was complicated by neutropenic sepsis and a visceral perforation. The patient went into remission and received long-term follow-up. Discussion: It is unclear in this case whether the disease occurred following a pregnancy 12 years previously and was never detected or whether it was due to a recent unknown pregnancy or a non-gestational cause. Increased awareness of this condition will allow timely diagnosis, prompt management and improved prognosis. Following diagnosis, determination of BhCG levels is essential for monitoring and guiding treatment and a multidisciplinary approach should be taken towards care. Keywords: Choriocarcinoma, Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, Beta human chorionic gonadotropin, Chemotherapy