Convexity meningioma presenting as postpartum eclampsia.
A 37-year-old woman, Para 5(+0) presented with a 1 year history of recurrent convulsions and progressive weakness of the right side of the body. She had been treated for postpartum eclampsia in her last delivery but symptoms recurred 3 months later. Evaluation including computerized tomography scan of the brain suggested a parieto-temporal meningioma, which was completely excised at craniotomy. Histology confirmed this to be a meningioma. The patient was well at 8 months of follow up. The growth of meningiomas may increase during pregnancy due to presence of receptors for progestational hormones in the tumour and the meningioma may become symptomatic in pregnancy, presenting as eclampsia. Close follow up of patients with eclampsia is necessary to identify neurological features that may lead to a diagnosis of meningioma. Early diagnosis is essential if a good outcome is to be ensured.
Shehu
Bello B
BB
Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bellow University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. ssrs.njsr@skannet.com
Ismail
Nasiru J
NJ
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008579:Meningioma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed