Diagnosis and management of a case of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia with lumbosacral metastases

Abstract

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) with spinal metastasis is rare with few documented cases worldwide. Few studies have explored chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of such cases. However, because of its rarity, there is still no standardized treatment regimen. A 34‐year‐old Gravida 1 Para 0 (0010) was diagnosed with GTN with metastasis to the lumbosacral spine, resulting in conus medullaris syndrome with lumbar radiculopathy. She presented with a 14‐month history of amenorrhea, left lower extremity pain, and urinary and bowel retention. On examination, there was a 10.0 × 7.0 cm lumbosacral mass and atrophy of the left lower extremity. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a cul de sac mass, and diluted β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) titer was markedly elevated at more than 1000 000 mIU/mL. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine showed an ill‐defined sacral mass measuring 13.3 × 11.5 × 6.3 cm with spinal canal, bone, muscle, and nerve root involvement. She was treated with 10 cycles of EMACO and palliative radiotherapy with 10 sessions of 30 Gy of external beam radiation therapy directed toward the lumbosacral mass. Repeat MRI showed a decrease in size of the mass to 6.6 × 8.2 × 4.1 cm with concurrent decrease in β‐hCG to 1.30 mIU/ml, and resolution of leg pain and urinary and bowel symptoms. She was declared to be in remission 3 months after the last cycle of EMACO.