SAT-212 Management of VHL-Associated Pheochromocytoma in Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: The appropriate treatment of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is crucial because, while its incidence is rare (0.007%), it is associated with increased maternal and fetal mortality1. Clinical Case: A 32 year old Caucasian primigravida female presented with intrauterine pregnancy at 25 weeks for evaluation and management of a 9 mm left adrenal mass. The patient was previously diagnosed at age 10 with Von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) syndrome and genetic testing was positive for a VHL gene mutation (Type 2C VHL). At age 14, she underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy to excise a right sided pheochromocytoma. At age 20, imaging revealed an enhancing left adrenal mass with imaging characteristics consistent with pheochromocytoma and with catecholaminergic labs that were normal or only mildy increased to 1.5 times upper normal range. Pre-partum the patient had been experiencing periodic episodes of headaches and palpitations. She reported experiencing baseline levels of palpitations and sweating with new onset of pre-syncope and hypotension during her pregnancy. Labs revealed normal serum levels of fractionated free metanephrines. Alpha adrenergic blockade, beta adrenergic blockade, and surgery were considered but deemed unnecessary as the patient was asymptomatic, imaging indicated the left adrenal mass was stable in size, and the patient wished to avoid lifelong adrenal replacement therapy. The patient’s blood pressure and heart rate were monitored closely throughout pregnancy and the use of alpha blockade or beta blockade was not needed. The patient had an uncomplicated induced delivery at 39 weeks. MRI with contrast of abdomen performed 10 months postpartum confirmed the presence of an enhancing 8 mm lesion on the inferior pole of the left adrenal gland with imaging characteristics again consistent with pheochromocytoma. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that a conservative approach of monitoring blood pressure and heart rate can be sufficient and appropriate for management of some patients with pheochromocytoma and VHL during pregnancy.Citation:1. ENDOCRINOLOGY IN PREGNANCY: Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy: case series and review of literature in: European Journal of Endocrinology Volume 177 Issue 2 (2017).