Intestinal perforation due to colorectal cancer during pregnancy: case report and literature review

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024 May 16;24(1):374. doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06533-9.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) in pregnancy is sporadic. We reported a case of a woman at 23 + 4 weeks of gestation who presented with abdominal pain. The patient underwent an ultrasound and MRI, during which a colonic mass was noted. Considering a probable incomplete intestinal obstruction, a colonoscopy, biopsy, and colonic stenting were performed by a multidisciplinary team. However, sudden hyperthermia and CT demonstrated intestinal perforation, and an emergency caesarean section and colostomy were conducted. The histological analysis confirmed moderately high-grade adenocarcinoma.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Intestinal obstruction; Intestinal perforation; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adenocarcinoma* / complications
  • Adenocarcinoma* / surgery
  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section* / adverse effects
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Colostomy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Perforation* / etiology
  • Intestinal Perforation* / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic* / surgery