Pheochromocytoma Flashcards
What is a pheochromocytoma?
Catecholamine secreting tumour of adrenal medulla
What causes a pheochromocytoma?
Genetic possibly
Usually just sporadic
What is the pattern of symptoms of a pheochromocytoma?
Paroxysmal attacks
What symptoms are present in these paroxysmal attacks?
Headache
Sweating
Palpitation
Tremor
Anxiety
What is the 10% pattern in pheochromocytoma?
10% malignant
10% extra-adrenal
10% Bilateral
10% familial
What can be a dangerous presentation of pheochromocytomas?
Hypoglycaemia
What tests should be done for a suspected pheo?
3x24hr catecholamines
Abdominal CT/MRI following this
Assess malignancy
Treatment?
Surgical resection
What is important to check after a resection?
BP must be strictly monitored
Catecholamine collections to see if surgery was successful
