Case presentation: Approach to intracranial mass in pregnancy and the importance of differential diagnosis with atypical preeclampsia

During pregnancy, intracranial masses are rare; however, pre-existing asymptomatic masses may become symptomatic due to physiological changes in pregnancy. Patients’ presenting complaints can mimic serious complications for both the mother and fetus, such as preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, potentially prolonging the diagnostic and treatment process. In this case presentation, a 20-week pregnant patient presenting with headaches and nausea, initially diagnosed with atypical preeclampsia, later developed bilateral vision loss. Radiological examination revealed a mass in the posterior fossa, leading to surgical planning. The evaluation of intracranial masses encountered during pregnancy underscores the importance of considering the trimester, symptoms, and detailed laboratory investigations. Clinicians should bear in mind rare differential diagnoses when encountering atypical features alongside common pregnancy complications.