pheochromocytoma

Question 1

etiology of pheochromocytoma

Answer 1

10% familial
may be associated with MEN type II, neurofibromatosis and
von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

Question 2

is pheochromocytoma B/L ?

Answer 2

most of them ARE NOT B/L

Question 3

most common site of pheochromocytoma ?

Answer 3

organ of Zuckerkandl, adjacent to the bifurcation of the aorta

Question 4

features pf pheochromocytoma ?

Answer 4

hypertension (around 90% of cases, may be sustained)
headaches
palpitations
sweating

Question 5

diagnosis of pheochromocytoma ?

Answer 5

24 hr urinary collection of metanephrines (sensitivity 97%*)

Question 6

management of pheochromocytoma ?

Answer 6

Surgery is the definitive management. The patient must first however be stabilized with medical management:
alpha-blocker (e.g. phenoxybenzamine), given before a
beta-blocker (e.g. propranolol)