Erondu Okechukwu Felix, Okoro Chinedum Richards, Aniemeka Joy Ifeanyi, Ugwu Anthony Chukwuka, Obi Iwuagwui
The presence of a brain tumor complicating pregnancy is a relatively rare phenomenon. Though several cases have been recorded, there is scanty data describing such an occurrence in Nigeria and particularly cerebellar glioma. Pregnancy often masks the presence of an intracranial neoplasm, and may increase the risk of mis-diagnosis. This is because symptoms such as headache, vomiting, visual disturbance which are signs of raised intracranial pressure, are often encountered in pregnancy with or without pre-eclampsia. A high index of suspicion on the part of the obstetrician is key to timely diagnosis. Although an enhanced brain CT is able to make the diagnosis readily and facilitate further management, MRI is superior in defining the exact relationships of intracranial S.O.L, but may not be readily available in developing countries as in the present circumstance. Diagnostic imaging such as CT scan performed timely, is extremely useful in demonstrating the size, location and relationship of a possible lesion. Furthermore, because it is more widely available than MRI, it is often an invaluable tool in the initial assessment of normo-tensive pregnant patients presenting with features of raised ICP. Once diagnosis is made, the management can be successfully tailored to suit individual patients’ need. Despite the challenges posed by non-surgical management of glioma during pregnancy, normal delivery and healthy live birth is still possible.
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