Bladder paraganglioma in pregnancy with a successful perinatal outcome: a case report

Paragangliomas (PGLs) during pregnancy is an uncommon neuroendocrine tumour that is associated with increased maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, it is even rarer for these to be located within the urinary bladder, with a prevalence of <0.1% of all bladder tumours. This case report details a 29-year-old female who presented with pre-syncope, headache, and palpitations during voiding. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed a mass in her bladder, and biochemical workup demonstrated elevated plasma normetanephrine levels and a positive clonidine suppression test. Surgical resection and histopathology of the mass were consistent with PGL. Post-operatively, the patient was normotensive, her normetadrenaline levels normalized and she was discharged 3 days after the operation. She progressed through the remaining pregnancy without any significant complications and delivered a healthy baby at full term. This case depicts the rare nature of PGLs in pregnancy and the importance of antenatal imaging combined with a multidisciplinary approach for a successful pregnancy outcome.