A Complicated Maternal Death in the context of Genetic Disorder: A Case Report

Investigation of the maternal cause of death and pregnancy-related death is one of the most important responsibilities of a forensic pathologist. From the public health point of view, it may help to prevent losses during and following pregnancy and save the lives of women, especially in developing countries. We report a case of maternal death with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 who presented asymptomatic and normotensive with normal laboratory test results. Case report: The first attack after delivery was associated with pulmonary edema, which led to death. Investigation during the medico-legal autopsy discovered a left suprarenal tumor with the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, which was confirmed by further histopathology testing.

We believe that although the association of neurofibromatosis type 1 and normotensive pheochromocytoma during pregnancy has been reported rarely, the possibility must be considered for evaluation before elective operations to adopt proper preoperative protocols.