Pulmonary metastases revealing choriocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Uterin choriocarcinoma is a trophoblastic tumour characterised by high metastasis potential. Pleuropulmonary metastasis can reveal rarely the neoplasm. AIM: Repport a new case. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 31-years-old woman, with no pathological antecedent, admitted in our department for thoracic pain and haemoptysis occurring two months after delivery of a did in child-birth. Chest X ray and thoracic CT scan showed several bilateral opacities. A diagnosis of metastatic choriocarcinoma was confirmed by plasmatic level of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta HCG) superior to 4000 UI/ml. Gynaecological exam revealed latero-uterine mass. Abdomino-pelvien ultra sound and CT scan showed tissular latero uterine and hepatic masses. Brain CT scan had been normal. Patient died after 3 cures of chemotherapy because of acute respiratory failure caused by massive pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of choriocarcinoma must be evocated in front of several pulmonary opacities occurring in genital activity women and necessities the dosage of level of BHCG.