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Review
. 2021 May 7;23(6):60.
doi: 10.1007/s11886-021-01485-4.

Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Pregnancy: a New Era

Lucinda M Gruber  1 , William F Young Jr  1 , Irina Bancos  2
Affiliations
Review

Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Pregnancy: a New Era

Lucinda M Gruber et al. Curr Cardiol Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) in pregnancy is a rare entity and management of these patients is fraught with uncertainty. Our objective is to review current literature and discuss diagnosis and management of these patients.

Recent findings: Outcomes of PPGL in pregnancy have improved in recent years. The greatest risk for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes is the diagnosis of PPGL after delivery. Alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade is well tolerated and is associated with less adverse outcomes. Antepartum surgery is not associated with improved maternal or fetal outcomes. Biochemical testing and cross-sectional imaging should be performed prior to conception for patients with a known germline variant associated with PPGL.

Conclusions: Medical therapy should be initiated when PPGL is diagnosed in pregnancy. Antepartum surgery should be reserved for special circumstances. Case detection testing in high-risk patients can identify PPGL before pregnancy.

Keywords: Alpha-adrenergic blockade; Beta-adrenergic blockade; Paraganglioma; Pheochromocytoma; Pregnancy.

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References

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    2. A large, multi-center retrospective study showing morbidity and mortality associated with PPGL in pregnancy has greatly improved in our current era. Diagnosis prior to delivery is important to minimize adverse outcomes for the pregnant woman and fetus.

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