Metastatic gestational trophoblastic tumour presenting as spontaneous subcapsular renal haematoma

Abstract

We describe a rare case of metastatic choriocarcinoma, which presented with acute left loin pain due to a subcapsular haematoma secondary to a bleeding renal metastasis. The renal metastasis was embolised to prevent further bleeding. To our knowledge, presentation of gestational trophoblastic tumour (GTT) with such symptoms has not been described in the recent literature. Our case illustrates that, although rare, non-gynaecological symptoms can be the first presentation of metastatic choriocarcinoma in the appropriate clinical settings. It also demonstrates that the acute bleed from a renal metastasis can be effectively managed by embolisation.