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Phaeochromocytoma in early pregnancy: A case report and review of the literature


V.K. Oriji
P.O. Fiebai
A Iyagba

Abstract

Phaeochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal. They are a very rare cause of secondary hypertension. They are very rare in pregnancy and much more so in early pregnancy. In this narrative review, we conducted a MEDLINE search of review articles on phaeochromocytoma from 2000 to 2018 using the key words “phaeochromocytoma, early pregnancy, hypertension, catecholamines, and chromaffin tumors. We identified relevant articles and also looked up key references. We also highlight the challenges and limitations of our management experience in our practice setting. Although phaeochromocytomas are very rare in early pregnancy, a high index of suspicion is needed to make this diagnosis. Otherwise, it may be misdiagnosed as pregnancy induced or related hypertension.

Keywords: Phaeochromocytoma, early pregnancy, hypertension, catecholamines, chromaffin tumors


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eISSN: 2467-8252
print ISSN: 2360-7793