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Adrenal tumors and pregnancy
J L Harrington1, D R Farley, J A van Heerden
1Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
World Journal of Surgery
|January 8, 1999
Summary
Adrenal tumors during pregnancy are rare but dangerous. Early diagnosis and surgical management of adrenal neoplasms are crucial for maternal and fetal health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Adrenal neoplasms during pregnancy are exceptionally rare, occurring in approximately 0.013% of pregnancies.
- Untreated adrenal tumors pose significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.
Observation:
- A retrospective analysis identified four cases of adrenal neoplasms in pregnant women between 1975 and 1996.
- Case presentations varied, including unsuspected pheochromocytoma, incidental findings, functional adrenal tumors, and adrenal masses detected via ultrasonography.
Findings:
- Two pregnancies were complicated by severe hypertension and resulted in fetal and maternal death or termination due to advanced cancer.
- Two other pregnancies had successful outcomes with healthy infant deliveries after monitoring and subsequent surgical resection of benign adrenal adenomas.
Implications:
- Physicians must consider adrenal disorders in pregnant patients presenting with hypertension, headaches, or other related symptoms.
- Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention for adrenal neoplasms in pregnancy can lead to favorable outcomes.
- Failure to diagnose adrenal neoplasms during pregnancy carries severe consequences for maternal and fetal well-being.