Phaeochromocytoma

Question 1

what is a ‘phaeochromocytoma’?

Answer 1

1. catecholamine secreting tumours

2. derived from chromaffin cells in adrenal medulla

Question 2

Name 3 genetic etiology of ‘phaeochromocytoma’

Answer 2

1. MEN2
2. Neurofibromatosis type 1
3. Von Hippel-Lindau

Question 3

Name 4 clinical features?

Answer 3

1. episodic hypertension
2. excessive sympathetic stimulation
   - throbbing headache
   - diaphoresis
   - heart palpitations
3. Abdominal pain

Question 4

How is Phaeochromocytoma diagnosed?

Answer 4

1. initial test - metanephrine in plasma
2. confirmatory test -
   metanephrines and catecholamines in 24 hours urine

Question 5

Mx of phaeochromocytoma

Answer 5

1. preoperative blood pressure monitoring

2. Adrenalectomy

Question 6

How is pre operative BP managed?

Answer 6

1. Alpha blockade - /phenoxybenzamine/

2. Beta blocker - /propanolol/