Pheochromocytoma In Pregnancy

Pheochromocytoma is a neuro-endocrine tumor which secretes catecholamine. It is rare in pregnancy. Misdiagnosis as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia may cause delays in diagnosis. We aimed to discuss a case of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy presenting with hypertension. A 27-year-old female patient with 15-weeks of pregnancy was found to have a 45x55 millimeter mass on the left adrenal gland while she was complaining left side pain. Physical examination revealed hypertension. 24-hour urine catecholamine levels were elevated. Abdominal MRI was consistent with pheochromocytoma. After appropriate preparation, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed for the left adrenal gland in second trimester. Catecholamine levels decreased after the operation. The pathology was consistent with pheochromocytoma. The patient delivered a baby by cesarean section at 37th gestational week. Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is a rare but important cause of morbidity and mortality for mother and fetus. Therefore, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis especially in pregnant women presenting with hypertension in first trimester.