PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA IN A PREGNANT PATIENT

Pheochromocytoma accounts for only 0.1% of hypertension found in adult s between 40 and 70 years of age. Although it is extremely rare in pre gnancy, if it occurs and is unrecognized in pregnant women, pheochromo cytoma can have catastrophic effects. For instance, maternal fatal hyp ertension can be precipitated by anesthesia, vaginal delivery, uterine contractions, or even vigorous fetal movements. Fetal growth retardat ion is often seen secondary to decreases in uteroplacental perfusion. Fetal hypoxia or death can also occur with maternal episodes of headac he, palpitations, and diaphoresis related to tumor secretions. Because many of the signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma are similar to mor e frequently encountered hypertensive syndromes related to pregnancy, the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma can be easily overlooked. The case r eport presented here illustrates the difficulties associated with the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in a pregnant patient, highlights proble ms encountered by patients with the tumor, and reviews diagnostic and treatment approaches.