Successful delivery in the setting of SDHB metastatic paraganglioma.

Abstract

Summary: Pregnancy in the setting of metastatic paraganglioma is challenging, particularly in the context of tyrosine kinase use. We describe a 26-year-old female with a background of metastatic paraganglioma harboring a pathogenic SDHB variant, requiring sunitinib, which was withheld to facilitate the safe conception and delivery of a healthy baby. She required no alpha- or beta-blockade during her pregnancy and exhibited no signs of tumor progression or symptoms throughout this period. Historically, higher rates of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality have been experienced in the setting of pregnancy. Although limited data exist on the management of metastatic paraganglioma in pregnant patients, this case suggests that careful treatment modifications, such as temporary tyrosine kinase therapy cessation and vigilant monitoring, can result in successful pregnancies without compromising maternal or fetal well-being.

Learning points: Paraganglioma in pregnancy has been associated with poor fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Many of the treatment modalities for metastatic paraganglioma, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, can affect fertility or cannot be utilized in pregnancy, necessitating the temporary suspension of these treatments. This case exemplifies that careful clinical and biochemical monitoring during pregnancy is required to avoid maternal and fetal harm while balancing the risk of disease progression off treatment.