Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Pregnancy: a New Era.

Lucinda M Gruber, William F Young, Irina Bancos

Journal: Current cardiology reports 2021;23(6):60

PMID: 33961120

Free Full Text on PubMed Central View on PubMed

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) in pregnancy is a rare entity and management of these patients is fraught with uncertainty. Our objective is to review current literature and discuss diagnosis and management of these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Outcomes of PPGL in pregnancy have improved in recent years. The greatest risk for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes is the diagnosis of PPGL after delivery. Alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade is well tolerated and is associated with less adverse outcomes. Antepartum surgery is not associated with improved maternal or fetal outcomes. Biochemical testing and cross-sectional imaging should be performed prior to conception for patients with a known germline variant associated with PPGL.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical therapy should be initiated when PPGL is diagnosed in pregnancy. Antepartum surgery should be reserved for special circumstances. Case detection testing in high-risk patients can identify PPGL before pregnancy.

Address: Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s11886-021-01485-4