A Case of Pheochromocytoma Presented with Cardiogenic Shock and Followed by Spontaneous Remission

Pheochromocytoma is derived from the chromaffin cells and patients with pheochromocytoma present with several signs and symptoms by producing, storing and secreting catecholamine. Spontaneous rupture or necrosis of pheochromocytoma is extremely rare, but it can be lethal because of the dramatic change in the circulation such as an acute abdominal emergency or shock. Spontaneous remission of the clinical symptoms due to necrosis of the pheochromocytoma is rare. We describe such a case that presented with cardiogenic shock due to extensive necrosis of the pheochromocytoma and this was followed by spontaneous remission of the clinical symptoms without removal of the pheochromocytoma.

Antepartum Expectant Management of Placenta Previa, Inpatient Versus Outpatient / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the outcome of inpatient and outpatient management of placenta previa. METHODS: Sixty women with the initial diagnosis of placenta previa at 30 to 37 weeks' gestation who required hospitalization for no or minimal vaginal bleeding were stabilized and then randomized to receive either inpatient or outpatient expectant management. Thirty inpatients were treated at bed rest with minimal ambulation, received corticosteroids until 33 weeks of gestation and underwent ultrasonographic examination at 2 week intervals to assess fetal growth and placental location. Thirty outpatients were discharged after 2 or 3 days of hospitalization, and also received corticosteroids every week until 33 weeks of gestation and underwent ultrasonographic examination at 2 weeks intervals. All subjects who reached 37 weeks' gestation with persistent placenta previa underwent cesarean section electively. RESULTS: There were no differences between inpatients and outpatients for mean age, parity, gestational age at diagnosis, gestational age at first bleeding, and number of prior cesarean sections. There were no significant differences in the maternal and neonatal outcome measures as measured by time pregnancy prolonged, transfusions, cesarean hysterectomy, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and neonatal morbidity. Significant difference observed only in maternal total hospital stay (p<0.01) as inpatient is 29.5+/-21.4 days and outpatient is 10.1+/-7.5 days. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, outpatient management of placenta previa can be reduced maternal total hospital stay. There were no apparent differences in the maternal and neonatal outcome of the two groups.

Prediction of Preterm Birth by Using Qualitative Fetal Fibronectin Test Combined with C-reactive Protein / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The qualitative test of fibronectin of the cervices and vaginae as well as the C-reactive protein test of pregnant mothers with symptoms of preterm labor were performed in an attempt to examine clinical validity of these factors as predictable elements of preterm delivery. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on ninety (90) single pregnancies of gestational age from 24 weeks and 1 day to 34 weeks and 6 days admitted to the hospital with symptoms of preterm labor, which occurred in the period from October 1, 1999 through March 31, 2001. Among these pregnant women, those with a uterine contraction rate of 4 per hour or greater and uterine dilatation of less than 3 cm without PROM were used as the subjects. The qualitative test of fetal fibronectin (ROM check, Adeza Biochemical, USA) of the cervices and vaginae as well as the C-reactive protein test by means of latex agglutination method using maternal blood were performed on these subjects. Of the 90 mothers that participated in this study, 15 dropped out and 75 underwent the qualitative test of fetal fibronectin and C-reactive protein test. The results of each test and the combined tests of both at preterm delivery (1) within 1 week, (2) prior to 34 weeks and (3) prior to 37 weeks were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: 1. 22.4% (15/67) resulted in preterm delivery prior to 34 weeks while 48.0% (36/75) ended up with preterm delivery prior to 37 weeks. 2. In predicting preterm delivery within 7 days and prior to 37 weeks after the test, the fetal fibronectin and C-reactive protein qualitative test were statistically insignificant. The combined tests of both fetal fibronectin and C-reactive protein were statistically insignificant in predicting preterm delivery within 7 days (Odds ratio of 4.2; 95% CI 0.7-23.3 p=0.199) and prior to 37 weeks (Odds ratio of 5.3; 95% CI 0.6-48.3 p=0.116). 3. In predicting preterm delivery prior to 34 weeks, fetal fibronectin and C-reactive protein qualitative test were insignificant statistically. Nevertheless, these two tests in combination showed a statistical significance for preterm delivery prior to 34 weeks: It showed a sensitivity of 26.7% (4/15), a specificity of 95.6% (43/45), a positive predictability of 66.7% (4/6), and negative predictability of 79.6% (43/53) [Odds ratio of 7.8; 95% CI 1.3-48.3, p=0.03]. CONCLUSION: Specificity and positive predictive value improved when the combined fetal fibronectin and C-reactive protein tests in pregnancies with symptoms of preterm labor were performed for preterm delivery before 34 weeks. Consequently, this is a clinically valid predictor of preterm delivery before the 34th week.