Med. Pro Praxi 2009; 6(5): 249-253

Pheochromocytoma - clinical aspects

MUDr. Branislav Štrauch, Ph.D, doc. MUDr. Tomáš Zelinka, CSc

3. interní klinika VFN, Centrum pro diagnostiku a léčbu hypertenze, Praha

Pheochromocytomas and functional paragangliomas are catecholamine-producing tumors presenting with various clinical symptoms,

but mostly with headache, sweating, palpitations, and hypertension. Biochemical testing for pheochromocytoma should be performed

not only in symptomatic subjects or in subjects with adrenal incidentaloma but also in subjects with a genetic predisposition for pheochromocytoma

(multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 and mutations of succinate

dehydrogenase genes). Once a pheochromocytoma is proven, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and functional

imaging with [123I] -metaiodobenzylguanidine may be used for tumor localization. Adequate medical pre-treatment is essential for successful

operation, which is performed in most cases by minimal invasive surgery. After tumor removal, further follow-up is necessary

due to possible recurrence.

Keywords: pheochromocytoma, functional paraganglioma, endocrine hypertension.

Published: December 1, 2009  Show citation