title: Atypical presentation of pheochromocytoma as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia IIa in pregnancy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy is extremely dangerous, especially when unrecognized, and can present alone or as part of a multineoplastic syndrome. Hypertension, its hallmark, is not present in all cases, particularly in women with multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIa.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a gravida with undiagnosed multiple endocrine neoplasia IIa who presented initially with peripartum cardiomyopathy but was diagnosed with an underlying pheochromocytoma. Once recognized and treated with appropriate alpha-adrenergic blockade, her condition reversed quickly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physicians should be aware that pheochromocytoma can present as cardiovascular collapse rather than just hypertension.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. jahn@babies.bsd.uchicago.edu
authors: Jennifer T
authors: JT
authors: Ahn
authors: Judith U
authors: JU
authors: Hibbard
authors: Jeff B
authors: JB
authors: Chapa
mesh_terms: D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018813:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy