Bradley Chittenden1, Eliyaz Ahamed, Abha Maheshwari. 1. From the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen; Department of Medical Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital, London; and Assisted Reproduction Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Choriocarcinoma typically occurs within 12 months of pregnancy but rarely may present many years after an antecedent pregnancy. This report describes choriocarcinoma in a postmenopausal woman. CASE: A 62-year-old woman presented with dyspnea, a history of postmenopausal vaginal spotting, and metastatic disease on chest X-ray. A transvaginal ultrasonogram revealed a thickened endometrium. Endometrial biopsy and an elevated beta-hCG confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic choriocarcinoma. Multiagent chemotherapy was initiated, and the patient developed fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis. CONCLUSION: This case reminds practitioners that choriocarcinoma can occur in postmenopausal women, and although cure rates are high, deaths occasionally occur because of toxicity associated with treatment.
BACKGROUND:Choriocarcinoma typically occurs within 12 months of pregnancy but rarely may present many years after an antecedent pregnancy. This report describes choriocarcinoma in a postmenopausal woman. CASE: A 62-year-old woman presented with dyspnea, a history of postmenopausal vaginal spotting, and metastatic disease on chest X-ray. A transvaginal ultrasonogram revealed a thickened endometrium. Endometrial biopsy and an elevated beta-hCG confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic choriocarcinoma. Multiagent chemotherapy was initiated, and the patient developed fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis. CONCLUSION: This case reminds practitioners that choriocarcinoma can occur in postmenopausal women, and although cure rates are high, deaths occasionally occur because of toxicity associated with treatment.
Authors: Georges El Hasbani; Alaa Balaghi; Kamal Tarabine; Richard Assaker; Michel Samaha; Hadi Ghanem; Noha Bejjani; Bassel Abouzeid Journal: Case Rep Womens Health Date: 2018-09-10