Glioblastoma multiforme in pregnancy

Brain tumors in pregnancy are uncommon occurrences. A 48-year-old female at 36 2/7 weeks of gestation presented with right-sided weakness and parasthesias, a facial droop, and an unsteady gait. Brain imaging studies revealed a left-sided parietal lesion impinging upon the lateral ventricle. She underwent a cesarean delivery and then a craniotomy with resection of a glioblastoma multiforme two days later. Despite treatment with radiation and chemotherapy, she died nine months later. Glioblastoma multiforme is a rare diagnosis during pregnancy which may present as a neurologic emergency.