A 21-year-old pregnant woman with hypertension and proteinuria
2009

Phaeochromocytoma in a Pregnant Woman

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Luk Andrea Ma, Ronald C. W. Ma, Lam Ching Wan, Tam Wing Hung, Lo Anthony W. I, Ng Enders K. W, Kong Alice P. S, So Wing Yee, Chow Chun Chung

Primary Institution: Chinese University of Hong Kong

Conclusion

The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and management of phaeochromocytoma during pregnancy to prevent severe complications.

Supporting Evidence

  • Phaeochromocytoma presenting during pregnancy is rare but can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed early.
  • The patient had markedly elevated catecholamine levels, confirming the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma.
  • Successful management involved medical therapy and surgical intervention after delivery.

Takeaway

A young pregnant woman had high blood pressure and protein in her urine, which turned out to be caused by a rare tumor that can affect pregnancy. Doctors treated her successfully, and she had a healthy baby.

Methodology

The diagnosis was confirmed through urine tests for catecholamines and imaging studies.

Participant Demographics

A 21-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 2 para 1.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.1000037

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