Choriocarcinoma metastatic to both kidneys presenting with spontaneous renal hemorrhage: Case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Apr 24:119:109649. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109649. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Introduction: Choricocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumor. It metastasize commonly to the lungs. Metastasis to the kidney is uncommon, and bilateral metastasis is described rarely. Initial presentation with spontaneous bleeding of the renal metastatic tumor is scarce in the literatures. Here we present a case report of a choriocarcinoma patient with bilateral renal metastasis, presenting with spontaneous renal hemorrhage.

Case presentation: A 22 years old female presented to our emergency department with sudden onset of left flank pain. She has history of spontaneous abortion 02 years back with biopsy from the manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) showing molar pregnancy. Up on evaluation, patient was anemic. CT scan showed left renal bleeding tumor. Exploratory laparotomy and radical nephrectomy was done with the impression of bleeding renal cell carcinoma. The biopsy revealed choriocarcinoma. On her follow up, CT scan showed right renal and brain metastasis. She was given multi agent chemotherapy and her serum beta-hCG became undetectable after 01 year.

Discussion: Choriocarcinoma can be gestational or nongestational. The commonest route of metastasis is hematogenous. Presenting symptoms of renal metastasis can be hematuria, pain or more commonly incidental finding during work up. Choriocarcinoma is highly chemo sensitive.

Conclusion: Bilateral renal metastatic choriocarcinoma is uncommon. Spontaneous renal hemorrhage as an initial presentation is even rare, and it can mimic a bleeding renal cell carcinoma. High index of suspicion is needed in a young women with recent history of spontaneous abortion.

Keywords: Case report; Choriocarcinoma; GTN; Renal metastasis; Spontaneous renal hemorrhage; hCG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports