Myocardial infarction as a complication of pheochromocytoma in a pregnant woman

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1996 Dec 27;70(2):197-200. doi: 10.1016/s0301-2115(95)02542-1.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is an unusual cause of hypertension during pregnancy. We present a 40-year-old woman who had a myocardial infarction during pregnancy in whom pheochromocytoma was subsequently diagnosed. This disorder carries a high risk of maternal and perinatal mortality, if undiagnosed prior to delivery. Therefore, the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma should be considered in pregnant patients who exhibit a marked fluctuation in hypertension. Urinary concentrations of catecholamines and their metabolites should be measured in such cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cesarean Section
  • Electrocardiography
  • Epinephrine / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / complications*
  • Myocardial Infarction / drug therapy
  • Norepinephrine / blood
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic*
  • Pregnancy Outcome

Substances

  • Norepinephrine
  • Epinephrine