Pheochromocytoma (0) Flashcards
1
Q
What is phaeochromocytoma?
A
Tumour of chromaffin cells that secretes unregulated and XS-ive amounts of adrenaline
2
Q
How is adrenalin secreted?
A
Bursts giving periods of worse symptoms followed by more settled periods
3
Q
What is adrenalin?
A
Catecholamine
Produced by chromaffin cells in adrenal glands
NT which stimulates symp nervous system
4
Q
Causes of phaechromocytoma?
A
25% familial and assoc with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2)
10% Rule:
- 10% Bilateral
- 10% Cancerous
- 10% outside adrenal gland
5
Q
Diagnostic tests for phaeochromocytoma?
A
- 24hour catecholamines
- Plasma free metanephrines
6
Q
Which diagnostic test is best?
A
Plasma free metanephrines as catecholamines naturally fluctuate so not completely reliable
7
Q
What is metanpehrines?
A
Breakdown product of adrenaline
8
Q
Presnetation of pheochromocytoma?
A
- Sweating
- Tumour
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Tremor
- Palpitations/tachycardia/paroxysmal Afib
9
Q
Management of pheochromocytoma?
A
- Alpha blockers
- Beta blockers (after established on alpha blockers)
- Adrenalectomy to remove tumour
