Glioma in the third trimester of pregnancy: Two cases and a review of the literature

Abstract

We present two cases of glioma (WHO grade III) in pregnant females presenting in the third trimester. Gliomas during pregnancy are rare. At present, the association between gliomas and pregnancy is poorly understood and little has been reported with regard to the management of patients with gliomas in pregnancy. Management of these cases presents a medical dilemma. Gliomas during pregnancy pose a risk to maternal and fetal life. The benefit-to-risk ratio should be carefully evaluated and discussed prior to surgery. In the present cases, caesarean section (CS) followed by craniotomy was performed under the same general anesthesia at 34 weeks' gestation. The mothers received radiotherapy and chemotherapy following surgery. They have been followed up to the present date and remain in good health. These two cases indicate that early CS followed by craniotomy is an effective choice in pregnant patients with gliomas at ≥34 weeks' gestation. In the present study, we describe these two cases and review the literature with regard to gliomas during pregnancy. © 2013 Spandidos Publications Ltd.