Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy. Experience of treatment with phenoxybenzamine in three patients

Three cases of pheochromocytoma diagnosed ante partum are reported. The first woman received phenoxybenzamine for 72 days until operation and the other 2 were given the drug for 2 and 3 days, respectively. Healthy infants were delivered by cesarean section followed by removal of the pheochromocytomas. The 29 cases reported in the literature of pheochromocytoma diagnosed ante partum and treated with alpha-receptor blockade are reviewed with respect to results of treatment. It is concluded that pheochromocytoma diagnosed during the 1st trimester is probably best managed by tumor resection as soon as possible. In order to avoid the risk of abortion during surgery in cases diagnosed in the 2nd trimester, the patient may well be brought to term under adequate treatment with an alpha-receptor blocking agent, when the infant is delivered by cesarean section followed by tumor removal. Third-trimester cases should be managed in the same way.