A case of pheochromocytoma in pregnancy: A syndromic association

Pheochromocytoma in association with pregnancy is a very rare, without specific symptoms. Concurrent pheochromocytoma in pregnant women can lead to severe complications and death due to associated catecholamine excess.

A 37-year-old pregnant woman, without medical or surgical history, gravida 1 para 0, was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma through biochemical and imaging tests at 20 weeks of gestation. Perioperative management included a multidisciplinary approach, symptom stabilization with medical treatment. An open right adrenalectomy was than performed at 23 weeks of gestation.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare but important cause of hypertension in pregnancy. It should be included and investigated as a differential diagnosis in cases of labile hypertension in pregnant women with or without associated symptoms.

A correct diagnosis in all pregnant women with severe hypertension and a multidisciplinary management are mandatory to obtain optimal results and avoid deleterious effects at delivery.