PRIMARY RETROPERITONEAL TUMORS DISCOVERED DURING PREGNANCY

Abstract

Introduction. Due to the rarity of the pathology, the actual literature on the topic of retroperitoneal tumors is limited to single cases or reports of a small group of cases.

The aim. Conducting a review of the literature pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment and maternal-fetal prognosis of primary retroperitoneal tumor during pregnancy.

Materials and methods. To create this article, the bibliographic sources from the PubMed, Google Scholar online database were studied. The search was performed using the following keywords: „pregnancy”, „retroperitoneal neoplasm” and „retroperitoneal tumor”. Information on characteristic clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and treatment options was researched and processed, and the collected data were analyzed and compared.

Results. The literature search for the time period 2000-2022 allowed us to identify 40 clinical cases on pregnancy-associated retroperitoneal tumors. Data analysis permitted description of the possible symptoms of this pathology, to evaluate the informativity of different diagnostic methods applicable during pregnancy, and the optimal therapeutic options depending on the gestational period. Predominantly, the tumor is discovered accidentally during the second trimester (50.0%), most patients (57.5%) being asymptomatic. Because of negative impact and risks associated with radiation exposure, Computer Tomography was rarely indicated, retroperitoneal mass being discovered on ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Treatment is based on surgical resection (87.5% of patients underwent surgical resection during the pregnancy or after delivery) and the likelihood of complete resection depends on tumor biology and invasion of adjacent organs and vascular structures.

Conclusions. Primary retroperitoneal tumors during the pregnancy is rare and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Tumor resection is the mainstay of treatment. Close follow-up and appropriate management based on histological appearance are crucial.