Spontaneous uterine perforation of choriocarcinoma with negative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin after chemotherapy

Med Princ Pract. 2011;20(6):570-3. doi: 10.1159/000330028. Epub 2011 Oct 4.

Abstract

Objective: To report an extremely rare case of spontaneous uterine perforation of choriocarcinoma with negative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) post-chemotherapy.

Clinical presentation and intervention: We present a 35-year-old choriocarcinoma patient whose serial serum β-hCG levels following a fifth course of chemotherapy had been within the normal range, but who developed spontaneous uterine perforation with intra-abdominal hemorrhage after eight courses of combined chemotherapy. The patient then underwent an emergency hysterectomy and survived.

Conclusion: Patients with persistent focus of disease in the uterus might experience uterine perforation even after adequate chemotherapy, and therefore, the follow-up for patients after chemotherapy is very important.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Choriocarcinoma / blood
  • Choriocarcinoma / complications*
  • Choriocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Choriocarcinoma / surgery
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Laparotomy
  • Pregnancy
  • Time Factors
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Uterine Neoplasms / blood
  • Uterine Neoplasms / complications*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uterine Neoplasms / surgery
  • Uterine Perforation / etiology*
  • Uterine Perforation / surgery

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin