Pheochromocytoma in a pregnant woman with a history of intracerebral aneurysms

Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy is rare; if unrecognized, potentially fatal hypertensive crises may occur. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman with a history of two intracerebral aneurysms who presented at 26 weeks' gestation with tachycardia, hypertension, and pulmonary edema. Laboratory data revealed elevated 24-hour urinary catecholamine and metanephrine levels, and abdominal sonography showed a 10-cm right adrenal mass. After stabilization with phenoxybenzamine and metoprolol, cesarean section was successfully performed at 36 weeks' gestation. Postpartum abdominal computed tomography scanning confirmed a 10-cm right adrenal mass. A benign pheochromocytoma was removed without incident. This case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma in pregnancy and is also an example of the rare association of pheochromocytoma with intracerebral aneurysms.