Aggressively recurring cervical intramedullary anaplastic astrocytoma in a pregnant patient
James P. Caruso, Chen Shi, Benjamin Rail, Salah G. Aoun, Carlos A. Bagley
Abstract
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.