Laparoscopic management of paraganglioma in a pregnant woman: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Paraganglioma is an extremely rare catecholamine-producing tumor during pregnancy. Paraganglioma carries high risks of fetal and maternal mortality during pregnancy. We report a pregnant woman with paraganglioma in the second trimester. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24-year-old pregnant woman presented with severe hypertension in the 17th week of gestation. Hormonal examination and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of extra adrenal pheochromocytoma (paraganglioma). She underwent laparoscopic tumor excision successfully. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose paraganglioma in a pregnant patient with hypertension. Laparoscopic tumor removal for paraganglioma seems to be a feasible and safe procedure during pregnancy.