Pheochromocytoma-induced myocardial infarction in pregnancy: A case report and literature review

We present the case of a 30-year-old woman, 33 weeks pregnant, whose pregnancy was complicated with the rare condition of pheochromocytoma- induced myocardial infarction. Alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade was instituted immediately for control of hypertension and arrhythmias. Two weeks after myocardial infarction, fetal maturity was documented, and the patient underwent cesarean section delivery of a 6-lb, 6-oz baby girl. The delivery was followed immediately by excision of a 7- x 6- x 4.5-cm tumor, which was confirmed to be a pheochromocytoma by histologic examination. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Our case study and a review of the literature show that the key to successful fetal and maternal outcome is early diagnosis, which can be confirmed by 24-hour urine testing of catecholamine and metanephrine levels. If the tumor is diagnosed before 20 weeks' gestation, we recommend immediate surgical removal of the tumor and continuation of the pregnancy to term. The management of the patient who presents between 20 and 24 weeks' gestation will depend on the uterine size in terms of tumor access. After 24 weeks, the pregnancy should be carried to term, at which time delivery by cesarean section will be followed by tumor excision. Postoperative care should include appropriate cardiovascular investigation and ongoing serial measurements of urinary catecholamines.