Phaeochromocytoma Flashcards
1
Q
Define phaeochromocytoma
A
Benign tumour arising from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla which produces excess catecholamines • 30% hereditary • 10% malignant • 10% extra-adrenal • 10% bilateral
2
Q
What are the causes/risk factors of phaeochromocytoma?
A
- MEN IIA/B
* Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
3
Q
What are the symptoms of phaeochromocytoma?
A
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Pallor
- Anxiet
4
Q
What are the signs of phaeochromocytoma?
A
- Hypertension
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes
5
Q
What investigations are carried out for phaeochromocytoma?
A
- 24hr urine collection – raised catecholamines, (nor)metanephrines (also ↑ in serum)
- CT/MRI abdomen pelvis – localise tumour
- MIBG scinitigraphy – localise tumour
