Diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of four cases of pheochromocytoma was analyzed retrospectively. Their ages were 41, 28, 32 and 30 years old, and the four patients were at 32nd week, 12th week, 14th week and 13th week of gestation. All patients had hypertension during pregnancy, accompanied with headache, dizziness, palpitation and sweating. The 24-h urinary catecholamines (24 h UCA) increased significantly. Ultrasound and MRI confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

RESULTS: One case had Cesarean section at 32 weeks of gestation, and a healthy baby girl was delivered smoothly. Laparoscopic resection of the right adrenal pheochromocytoma was performed at the same time, and an adrenal tumor of 7.0 cm was resected successfully. Two cases chose abortion and laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytoma was performed. One case chose abortion and refused further treatment. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

CONCLUSIONS: For hypertension in pregnant women during pregnancy, typical paroxysmal hypertension accompanied by triad of headache, palpitation and sweating, pheochromocytoma should be considered. Early diagnosis can reduce the maternal and fetal mortality significantly. Second trimester of pregnancy is the ideal time for surgical treatment. Laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is safe and effective.