Pulmonary metastases revealing choriocarcinoma

Tunis Med. 2010 Jan;88(1):49-51.

Abstract

Background: Uterin choriocarcinoma is a trophoblastic tumour characterised by high metastasis potential. Pleuropulmonary metastasis can reveal rarely the neoplasm.

Aim: Repport a new case.

Case report: We report the case of a 31-years-old woman, with no pathological antecedent, admitted in our department for thoracic pain and haemoptysis occurring two months after delivery of a did in child-birth. Chest X ray and thoracic CT scan showed several bilateral opacities. A diagnosis of metastatic choriocarcinoma was confirmed by plasmatic level of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta HCG) superior to 4000 UI/ml. Gynaecological exam revealed latero-uterine mass. Abdomino-pelvien ultra sound and CT scan showed tissular latero uterine and hepatic masses. Brain CT scan had been normal. Patient died after 3 cures of chemotherapy because of acute respiratory failure caused by massive pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion: Diagnosis of choriocarcinoma must be evocated in front of several pulmonary opacities occurring in genital activity women and necessities the dosage of level of BHCG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood*
  • Choriocarcinoma / complications
  • Choriocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Choriocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Choriocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / blood*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Prognosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Uterine Neoplasms / complications
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human