Visual deterioration during pregnancy due to skull base tumors compressing the optic apparatus

Management and treatment of brain tumors during pregnancy: an Italian survey

PURPOSE

The management of brain tumors during pregnancy is challenging. The clinical rarity and prognostic heterogeneity of such condition makes it difficult to develop standardized guidelines of treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the treatment options used in pregnant women with brain tumors that are currently used in Italy, considering the management of these patients reported in current literature in this field.

METHODS

A survey addressing the treatments options and management of brain tumors during pregnancy was designed on behalf of an ad-hoc task-force Neuro-Oncology committee of the Società Italiana di Neurochirurgia (SINch) to analyze the management of pregnant patients with brain tumors. We conducted a search of the literature published between January 2011 and September 2021, using MEDLINE (PubMed) in accordance to PRISMA guidelines. Data were discussed to obtain recommendations after evaluation of the selected articles and discussion among the experts.

RESULTS

A total of 18 Neurosurgical centers participated in the survey. A total of 31 pregnant women were included in this retrospective study. Meningiomas and gliomas were the two most common types of brain tumors diagnosed during pregnancy. An emergency surgical procedure was required in 12.9% of cases.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary and tailored approach is fundamental. In women showing clinical stability, neurosurgical options should preferably be delayed if possible, and considered during the second trimester or after delivery. In patients with acute neurological symptoms or tumor progression, medical abortion in the first trimester or a C-section in the second and third trimester need to be considered.

Management of Skull Base Tumors in the Obstetric Population: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Neoplasms rarely present during pregnancy; however, increases in plasma volume, hormone release-induced growth, and tumor hypervascularity can cause rapidly progressive symptoms of varying severity, ranging from those not requiring intervention to those necessitating emergent operations. Here we describe an algorithm for the management of symptomatic neoplasms in the obstetric population and provide recommendations for surgical indications and timing.

METHODS

Patients who presented to the skull base clinic at a large tertiary care hospital between 2010 and 2016 were reviewed to identify those who presented with a skull base tumor during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Our study cohort comprised 9 women with a skull base tumor during pregnancy. Four patients presented with symptoms that necessitated emergent skull base surgery, and 5 underwent surgery after delivery or were followed with continued surveillance. All operated patients had a World Health Organization grade I or II meningioma or schwannoma. There were no maternal complications. Based on our experience with this cohort, we have created a management algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of a symptomatic tumor during pregnancy requires balancing the potential for curing the mother and the risk of harming the fetus. Trimester of pregnancy is the most critical factor in evaluating the need for urgent management. The second trimester is the optimal time for surgery, associated with the lowest risk for spontaneous abortion or preterm birth. The first and third trimesters are associated with increased risk of miscarriage and preterm labor, respectively. Induction of labor for preterm delivery, followed by surgery, may be appropriate in the early third trimester. Regardless of the perceived risk, however, all pregnant women with an emergent presentation should be offered surgery, regardless of trimester.