A Rare Aggressive Fetal Intracranial Tumor

Abstract

Congenital brain tumors, especially tumors diagnosed before birth, are very rare. This article describes a case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) diagnosed by ultrasonography at 24 weeks of gestation. Follow-up ultrasound study and MRI at 27 weeks of gestation revealed aggressive growth and complications of tumor. The diagnosis was confirmed at autopsy. Prenatal diagnosis of PNET or other congenital brain tumors is important because the presence of tumors may alter the time and mode of delivery and planning of postnatal care.