Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor during pregnancy: Case report

The case of an 18-year-old primipara in the second trimester of pregnancy affected by a primitive supratentorial mass is described. Main symptoms of increased intracranial pressure were severe headache, diplopia, and left hemiparesis. In the 20(th) week of pregnancy a fronto-temporal craniotomy was performed with complete excision of the tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). Three months after being discharged, the patient still presented headache and apathy, and a magnetic resonance imaging scan again showed the presence of a temporal lesion; therefore, after caesarean delivery the second surgical resection of the tumor was performed. Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy was required.