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.