Pheochromocytoma and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in a Patient with Hypertension

Case report and discussion of pregnancy in a woman with Labrune syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1

Labrune syndrome is a rare neurological autosomal recessive condition characterised by leukoencephalopathy, cerebral calcification and parenchymal cysts. Pregnancy has not been previously reported in an individual with this condition. This case report details the pregnancy of a primiparous woman with Labrune syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1 who experienced a seizure in the second trimester of pregnancy, but went on to deliver her baby at term with good outcome for mother and baby. The case highlights the importance of pre-pregnancy advice in women with genetic conditions, and a multidisciplinary approach to the care of women with rare and complicated medical conditions during pregnancy.

Clonidine suppression testing for pheochromocytoma in neurofibromatosis type 1

Compared with the general population, rates of pheochromocytoma are higher in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. However, pheochromocytoma testing is often plagued by false positive results. Here we present a patient with NF1, elevated urinary metanephrine levels, and an indeterminate adrenal nodule. Clonidine suppression testing aided diagnosis and led to definitive surgical treatment that confirmed a pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytoma screening and clonidine suppression testing can both aid in the evaluation for catecholamine-secreting tumours.

Perioperative Management of Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that produce and store catecholamines. Without adequate preparation, the release of excessive amounts of catecholamines, especially during anesthetic induction or during surgical removal, can produce life-threatening cardiovascular complications. This review focuses on the perioperative management of pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas, initially summarizing the clinical aspects of the disease and then highlighting the current evidence available for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic management.