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Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Pregnancy: a New Era

  • Hypertension (DS Geller and DL Cohen, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Lucinda M. Gruber, William F. Young Jr & Irina Bancos

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  1. Lucinda M. Gruber
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  2. William F. Young Jr
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  3. Irina Bancos
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Correspondence to Irina Bancos.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Bancos reports consulting fees with Corcept, ClinCor, HRA Pharma, Sparrow Pharmaceutics, and Strongbridge. Dr. Bancos is supported by the Catalyst Award for Advancing in Academics from Mayo Clinic, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) USA under award K23DK121888. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIH. The other authors have no disclosures to report.

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Gruber, L.M., Young, W.F. & Bancos, I. Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Pregnancy: a New Era. Curr Cardiol Rep 23, 60 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01485-4

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