ABSTRACT
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neuroendocrine tumors that secrete catecholamines. PPGLs are uncommon in pregnancy, but if present and not diagnosed or treated, these tumors can cause morbidity and mortality to the mother and fetus. It is important to recognize that PPGLs can present similarly to pregnancy-related hypertension, so history is important as well as temporal relationship of when hypertension began during the pregnancy. If suspicion is high, the biochemical workup for PPGLs is the same as in nonpregnant patients. Treatment of PPGLs in pregnancy is similar to that for nonpregnant patients in regard to α-receptor antagonist therapy, but surgery is based on gestational age and location of tumor.
