PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA DURING PREGNANCY-2 CASE REPORTS

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is a rare condition associated with high fetal and maternal mortality if not diagnosed promptly.
• Hypertension in pregnancy necessitates consideration of rare but serious underlying causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two cases of successful pregnancy outcomes in women diagnosed with pheochromocytoma.
• To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma in pregnant patients.

Main Methods:

• Two pregnant patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma (one adrenal, one extraadrenal) were managed medically and surgically.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and urine catecholamine levels were used for diagnosis.
• Pharmacological management included doxazosin and labetalol hydrochloride.
• Delivery was achieved via Cesarean section at 35 weeks gestation in both cases.
• Surgical resection of pheochromocytoma was performed post-delivery.

Main Results:

• Both patients achieved successful pregnancy outcomes with good fetal and maternal health.
• Blood pressure was effectively controlled with medication prior to delivery.
• One patient experienced a recurrence of extraadrenal pheochromocytoma seven years post-delivery, successfully treated with resection.

Conclusions:

• Pheochromocytoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypertension during pregnancy.
• Timely diagnosis and appropriate management, including medication and surgical intervention, are critical for reducing maternal and fetal mortality associated with pheochromocytoma.