Pheochromocytoma and pregnancy: a difficult and dangerous ordeal

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is potentially disastrous to the mother and fetus. Its ambiguous presentation is often mistaken for pre-eclampsia, although it may imitate other problems during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and timely, appropriate management reduces possible maternal and fetal complications. We identified a case of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy; the condition was initially diagnosed as pre-eclampsia complicated with gestational diabetes. Surgical intervention via left adrenalectomy was successfully performed in the second trimester. After surgery, all of the patient's medical problems nearly subsided and she did not require further treatment. However, her fetus displayed restricted intrauterine growth, and the patient eventually had premature delivery via a caesarean section. A multidisciplinary team to identify and treat pheochromocytoma is mandatory to ensure optimal conditions for tumour removal and to anticipate any possible catastrophic events.

Keywords: gestational diabetes; gynaecologic oncology; hypertension; pheochromocytoma; pregnancy; proteinuria.

Figure 1:

Sagittal section of T2-weighted magnetic resonance image showing the left adrenal pheochromocytoma and a fetus.

Figure 2:

A section of the dissected left pheochromocytoma (70 × 40 × 20 mm).