Progression of cerebellar chronic encapsulated expanding hematoma during late pregnancy after gamma knife radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformation

BACKGROUND: The etiology and appropriate management strategy of chronic encapsulated expanding hematoma during pregnancy after gamma knife radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) remain unclear. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 34-year-old female developed chronic encapsulated expanding hematoma during late pregnancy, after angiographic disappearance of cerebellar AVM following two courses of gamma knife radiosurgery. The present case implicates pregnancy as a potential promoter of growth and enlargement of chronic encapsulated expanding hematoma, which may become life-threatening and require surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Immediate surgical management after delivery may be associated with a favorable outcome, so close follow-up management and patient education are very important in women planning pregnancy.