Phaeochromocytoma Flashcards
1
Q
Phaeochromocytoma
A
Tumour of chromaffin cells in adrenal medulla
Adrenaline secreted in bursts giving periods of worse and more settled symptoms
2
Q
10% rule
A
10% bilateral
10% cancerous
10% outside the adrenal glands
3
Q
Features
A
HTN
Headaches
Palpitations
Sweating
Anxiety
4
Q
Diagnosis
A
2h hour urine catecholamines (serum unreliable as naturally fluctuates)
Plasma free metanephrines (breakdown product of adrenaline, has a longer half life)
5
Q
Initial management
A
Alpha blockers (phenoxybenzamine) given before a beta-blocker
6
Q
Definitive management
A
Adrenalectomy once patients are stabilised with medical management
