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BMC Surgery
Published in: BMC Surgery 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Case report

A case of bilateral pheochromocytoma during pregnancy

Authors: Kishu Kitayama, Shinichiro Kashiwagi, Ryosuke Amano, Satoru Noda, Go Ohira, Sadaaki Yamazoe, Kenjiro Kimura, Kae Hamamoto, Akihiro Hamuro, Masahiko Ohsawa, Naoyoshi Onoda, Kosei Hirakawa

Published in: BMC Surgery | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Pheochromocytoma is a disease where catecholamines are secreted. If pheochromocytoma occurs during pregnancy, it can be difficult to diagnose because it is similar to pregnancy-induced hypertension. Furthermore, bilateral pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is even rarer than unilateral pheochromocytoma.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old primigravida, who was 12 weeks’ pregnant, was aware of right abdominal discomfort. Masses in both adrenal glands were observed by abdominal ultrasonography. She was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma. Bilateral adrenalectomy was undertaken at 15 weeks’ gestation and she continued pregnancy. At 39 weeks’ gestation, a healthy male neonate was delivered. She was discharged on the 4th postpartum day.

Conclusions

We present a case of bilateral pheochromocytoma during pregnancy that was diagnosed in the first trimester. Differentiating pheochromocytoma from pregnancy-induced hypertension is important. Early diagnosis and appropriate blood pressure management with medical treatment followed by surgical removal of the tumor results in good maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
A case of bilateral pheochromocytoma during pregnancy
Authors
Kishu Kitayama
Shinichiro Kashiwagi
Ryosuke Amano
Satoru Noda
Go Ohira
Sadaaki Yamazoe
Kenjiro Kimura
Kae Hamamoto
Akihiro Hamuro
Masahiko Ohsawa
Naoyoshi Onoda
Kosei Hirakawa
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Surgery / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2482
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-015-0041-1

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