Phaeochromocytoma Flashcards

1
Q

What is Phaeochromocytoma?

A

Tumour of Chromaffin cells (cells that prod adrenaline in Adrenal Medulla) –> excessive secretion of Adrenaline

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2
Q

What type of hormone is Adrenaline?

A

Cathecholamine (which function as Neurotransmitters)

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3
Q

What is the function of Adrenaline as a Neurotransmitter? (2 things)

A
  1. Stimulates Sympathetic NS
  2. Responsible for “fight or flight” response
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4
Q

What is the 10% Rule of Tumour Patterns that Phaeochromocytomas follow? (4 things)

A
  1. 10% = Malignant
  2. 10% = Extra-adrenal
  3. 10% = Bilateral
  4. 10% = Familial
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5
Q

What is the Classic Triad of Phaeochromocytoma? (3 things obv)

A
  1. Episodic headache
  2. Sweating
  3. Tachycardia
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6
Q

What are the other CF of Phaeochromocytoma? (6 things)

A
  1. Episodic headache
  2. Sweating
  3. Tachycardia (+ palpitations)
  4. Paroxysmal AF
  5. Anxiety
  6. HTN
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7
Q

Why do the symptoms of Phaeochromocytoma fluctuate with peaks and troughs?

A

Bc adrenaline in Phaeochromocytoma is secreted in bursts –> giving periods of worse or better symptoms

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8
Q

What tests should you do for sus Phaeochromocytoma? (4 things)

A
  1. 24 hr urine metanephrines
  2. FBC (high WCC)
  3. Abd CT / MRI (for localization)
  4. Meta-iodobenzylguanidine scan (chromaffin-seeking isotope) (for localization)
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9
Q

Why is URINE metanephrines tested for instead of SERUM?

A

Bc serum levels will fluctuate beh = unreliable

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10
Q

Why is testing for METANEPHRINES better than testing for ADRENALINE? (3 things)

A
  1. Bc ADRENALINE has short half life in blood (few mins)
  2. Metanephrines (breakdown prod of adrenaline) = longer half life
  3. So Metanephrine levels fluctuate less = more reliable
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11
Q

What are the management options for Phaeochromocytoma? (3 things)

A
  1. Adrenalectomy surgery to remove tumour (definitive treatment)
  2. Alpha blockers (e.g phenoxybenzamine)
  3. Beta blockers once estabished on Alpha blockers

binyameen

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12
Q

What should be done to reduce risk of anaesthetic and surgery for Adrenalectomy for Phaeochromocytoma?

A

MEDICALLY manage symptoms before surgery

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