Cerebellar hemangioblastoma during pregnancy: Management options and review of literature

Background: Symptomatic cerebellar hemangioblastomas are extremely rare in pregnant women and the ideal management is not well established. In the present article, we aimed to report a case of large cerebellar hemangioblastoma complicated by pregnancy and managed successfully by surgical resection. In addition, we also discuss management options and review of the current literature pertaining to this pathology.

Case description: A 22-year-old female presented with a history of headache and vomiting for 4 weeks. She was carrying 28 weeks of pregnancy. She had left cerebellar signs, gait ataxia, and bilateral six nerve paresis. Fundus examination revealed bilateral papilledema. She was diagnosed to have large cerebellar hemangioblastoma with mass effect and obstructive hydrocephalus. She underwent suboccipital craniotomy and excision of lesion in lateral position. She recovered well postoperatively and delivered a healthy baby in the full term. Imaging at10- month follow-up demonstrates no residual lesion or another hemangioblastoma.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and direct surgery for excision of hemangioblastoma is a good option during pregnancy while avoiding CSF diversion procedures. The symptomatic hemangioblastoma during pregnancy can be safely operated during early pregnancy.

Keywords: Brain tumor; Cerebellar; Hemangioblastoma; Pregnancy.