Atypical presentation of pheochromocytoma as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia IIa in pregnancy.
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.
Ahn
Jennifer T
JT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. jahn@babies.bsd.uchicago.edu
Hibbard
Judith U
JU
Chapa
Jeff B
JB
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