Anaesthesia for phaeochromocytoma and sickle cell disease in pregnancy

EPAS1-mutated paragangliomas associated with haemoglobin disorders

We report a large series of 40 patients presenting EPAS1-mutated paraganglioma (PGL) in whom we investigated a cause underlying chronic hypoxia. Four patients suffered from hypoxaemic heart disease. In patients with available haemoglobin electrophoresis results, 59% presented with a haemoglobin disorder, including six with sickle cell disease, five with sickle cell trait and two with heterozygous haemoglobin C disease. Histological and transcriptomic characterization of EPAS1 tumours revealed increased angiogenesis and high similarities with pseudohypoxic PGLs caused by VHL gene mutations. Sickle haemoglobinopathy carriers could thus be at increased risk for developing EPAS1-PGLs, which should be taken into account in their management and surveillance.

Somatic EPAS1 Variants in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

CONTEXT

Somatic EPAS1 variants account for 5% to 8% of all pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas (PPGL) but are detected in over 90% of PPGL in patients with congenital cyanotic heart disease, where hypoxemia may select for EPAS1 gain-of-function variants. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy associated with chronic hypoxia and there are isolated reports of PPGL in patients with SCD, but a genetic link between the conditions has yet to be established.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the phenotype and EPAS1 variant status of patients with PPGL and SCD.

METHODS

Records of 128 patients with PPGL under follow-up at our center from January 2017 to December 2022 were screened for SCD diagnosis. For identified patients, clinical data and biological specimens were obtained, including tumor, adjacent non-tumor tissue and peripheral blood. Sanger sequencing of exons 9 and 12 of EPAS1, followed by amplicon next-generation sequencing of identified variants was performed on all samples.

RESULTS

Four patients with both PPGL and SCD were identified. Median age at PPGL diagnosis was 28 years. Three tumors were abdominal paragangliomas and 1 was a pheochromocytoma. No germline pathogenic variants in PPGL-susceptibility genes were identified in the cohort. Genetic testing of tumor tissue detected unique EPAS1 variants in all 4 patients. Variants were not detected in the germline, and 1 variant was detected in lymph node tissue of a patient with metastatic disease.

CONCLUSION

We propose that somatic EPAS1 variants may be acquired through exposure to chronic hypoxia in SCD and drive PPGL development. Future work is needed to further characterize this association.

MANAGEMENT OF CATECHOLAMINE-SECRETING TUMORS IN PREGNANCY: A REVIEW

OBJECTIVE

Catecholamine-secreting tumors (pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas) presenting during pregnancy are extremely rare, but they can be fatal to both mother and fetus. Recent discoveries in the genetic background of these tumors are expected to address an increasing number of at-risk women to prenatal diagnosis.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed in order to provide clinicians with a practical and updated guide on how to manage this life-threatening condition.

RESULTS

The clinical presentation of catecholamine-secreting tumors can be deceptive and mimic common disorders of pregnancy. Silent catecholamine-secreting tumors can become evident during pregnancy, and hypertension cannot be considered a hallmark for this condition: some women may be normotensive or develop orthostatic hypotension. Biochemical screening includes measurement of plasma free metanephrines or urinary fractioned metanephrines. Measurement of catecholamines, dopamine, and methoxytyramine can provide further information on tumor biology, location, and prognosis. Diagnostic imaging is limited, and medical treatment requires a cautious balance between hemodynamic control and effects on the fetoplacental unit. Several genes have been associated with syndromes including catecholamine-secreting tumors, and positive genetic testing can correlate with tumor behavior. Timing and modalities for tumor removal and delivery, including anesthetic management, depend on gestational age, maternal and fetal wellbeing, control of catecholamine excess, suspicion of multiple or malignant disease, and surgical accessibility to the tumor.

CONCLUSION

A timely diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach are the keys to improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with a catecholamine-secreting tumor; each case should be managed in a tertiary referral center.

Systematic review of phaeochromocytoma in pregnancy

Background

Phaeochromocytoma in pregnancy is a rare and potentially dangerous situation for mother and fetus. This review aimed to assess current mortality rates and how medical and surgical management affect these.

Methods

Articles in English published between 2000 and 2011 were obtained from a MEDLINE search. Eligible publications presented women diagnosed with phaeochromocytoma in the antenatal or immediate postnatal period, and reported management and outcomes.

Results

A total of 135 reports were identified. After applying inclusion criteria, 77 pregnancies involving 78 fetuses were analysed. Fetal and maternal mortality rates were 17 per cent (13 of 78) and 8 per cent (6 of 77) respectively. Better outcomes were achieved when the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma was made in the antenatal period than when it was made during labour or immediately postpartum (survival of both mother and fetus(es) in 48 of 56 versus 12 of 21 respectively; P = 0·012). When the diagnosis was made before 23 weeks' gestation, there was no difference in outcomes when phaeochromocytoma surgery was carried out in the second trimester, compared with when it was postponed to the third trimester or after delivery (fetal death 2 of 18 versus 2 of 8 respectively; P = 0·563).

Conclusion

This review, although limited by the rarity of the condition and level of available evidence, demonstrated that survival rates are improved if the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma can be established antenatally. With diagnosis before 23 weeks' gestation, no definite advantage of proceeding with tumour removal during the second trimester could be demonstrated.

Pheochromocytoma and pregnancy: a rare but dangerous combination

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on pheochromocytoma in pregnancy (PIP) published during the 11-year period 1998 through 2008.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE data sources from 1998 through 2008 using the search terms "pheochromocytoma" and "pregnancy" and reviewed case reports of PIP published in English.

RESULTS

We identified 54 case reports in MEDLINE data sources, of which 51 reports including 60 cases were reviewed. In comparison with the previous decade, a decreased rate of antenatal diagnosis (from 83% to 70%) and increased maternal and fetal mortality (from 4% to 12% and from 10% to 17%, respectively) were observed. Prematurity was present in 53% of the infants of mothers with antenatally diagnosed pheochromocytoma who gave birth to a live infant. Hypertension was the most common manifestation (88%), with 33% of patients having antepartum hypertensive crises. Urinary catecholamines (64%) and metanephrines (40%) were the most commonly used tests, whereas urinary and plasma metanephrines were the most sensitive tests (100%). Ultrasonography had poor sensitivity (54%), especially during the third trimester. Magnetic resonance imaging was 100% sensitive for adrenal tumors but had only 50% sensitivity for extra-adrenal tumors. A syndromic or familial presentation was seen in 18% of patients, and 32% of patients had bilateral or extra-adrenal tumors.

CONCLUSION

In comparison with the previous decade, a decreased rate of antenatal diagnosis and increased maternal and fetal mortality were observed. Prematurity was a major morbidity associated with PIP. Hypertensive crises were more common during pregnancy. Urinary and plasma metanephrines had the highest sensitivity to detect PIP. Genetic screening should be offered to all pregnant women with pheochromocytoma.