Anaplastic astrocytoma during pregnancy: the importance of an effective multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

A 34-year-old pregnant woman at 28 gestational weeks was diagnosed with a brain tumor after experiencing a generalised seizure. After completion of antenatal fetal lung maturation, she underwent an osteoplastic craniotomy parietal on the left side and a microsurgical partial tumor resection under general anaesthesia. With a histology of a diffuse astrocytoma and the postoperative stable amount of residual tumor on follow-up imaging, the pregnancy proceeded until 37 gestational weeks. A healthy baby boy was delivered by elective caesarean section. An awake craniotomy for removal of the residual tumor was planned two weeks later, followed by adjuvant treatment (combined radio-/chemotherapy). A multidisciplinary approach, combined with appropriate timing and a transparent and empathic communication, was able to create the most effective tailored management and optimise maternal and neonatal outcomes.