The Tumor Behind the Seizures: An Unexpected Diagnosis in Late Pregnancy

Authors

  • Othman Puteh Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan/ Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan
  • Nurul Izyan Abdul Ghaffar Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan/Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan
  • Mohd Hafizuddin Husin Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan/Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan
  • Zaleha Kamaludin Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan/Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan
  • Mohamad Zikir Ismail Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan/ Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.6054

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors that rarely occur during pregnancy. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman at 36 weeks of gestation with gestational diabetes who presented with multiple seizures and was initially diagnosed with eclampsia. She also had dyspnea and a persistent cough. Chest radiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a large right apical lung mass causing tracheal deviation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-circumscribed heterogeneously enhancing lesion compressing the trachea, right main bronchus, and esophagus. Biopsy confirmed a schwannoma from the right T3 nerve root. She underwent resection via right thoracotomy, and histopathology verified the diagnosis. Despite successful surgery, she developed respiratory complications and died of pulmonary embolism. This rare case highlights the diagnostic challenge of schwannoma in pregnancy and the need to consider atypical causes of neurological and respiratory symptoms in such cases.

Computed tomography of the thorax (A) Coronal image demonstrates a large, heterogeneously enhancing right apical mass causing mediastinal shift and compression of adjacent structures. (B) Axial image (bone window) widening of right T3 neuroforamina (white arrow).

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Published

2026-07-13

Issue

2026: Articles in Press

Section

Thoracic Radiology

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