Phaeochromocytoma in Pregnancy Case Report

Abstract

Summary A patient was found to have a phaeochromocytoma in the 36th week of pregnancy. She was successfully managed by medical treatment, vaginal delivery and resection of the adrenal tumour seven weeks after delivery.

Phaeochromocytoma and Pregnancy — An Updated Appraisal

“…chest pains, and an abdominal mass could occasionally be palpated (Simanis et al, 1972;Awitti-Sunga and Ursell, 1975). Some patients experienced sudden shock and death in the antepartum period, which is apparently the result of either haemorrhage into the tumour (Bennet and Mather, 1959) or severe myocardial damage (Buzanowski et al, 1972;Svigos and Strasburg, 1977).…”

“…Although the hypertension associated with phaeochromocytoma is not usually accompanied by oedema o r proteinuria, the presence of protein does not exclude the possibility of phaeochromocytoma. Even among the last 26 cases correctly diagnosed during pregnancy, significant protein was present in at least 6 (23%) (Lawee, 1970;Simanis et al, 1972;Smith, 1973;Awitti-Sunga and Ursell, 1975;Durham, 1977;Chatterjee, 1978). Elevated levels of catecholamines have been reported in eclampsia and preeclampsia, but not to a degree that is diagnostic of phaeochromocytorna.…”