open access

Vol 64, No 3 (2013)
Original paper
Submitted: 2013-07-31
Published online: 2013-07-01
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Pheochromocytoma — analysis of 15 consecutive cases from one centre

Janusz Myśliwiec, Katarzyna Siewko, Łukasz Żukowski, Piotr Myśliwiec, Maria Kościuszk, Anna Popławska, Małgorzata Szelachowska, Jacek Dadan, Maria Górska
Endokrynol Pol 2013;64(3):192-196.

open access

Vol 64, No 3 (2013)
Original Paper
Submitted: 2013-07-31
Published online: 2013-07-01

Abstract


Introduction: Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumour, but one of great clinical importance as a risk factor of malignancy, cardiovascular diseases and sudden death.
Material and methods: 15 consecutive patients (eight women and seven men) were hospitalised and submitted for adrenalectomy with pheochromocytoma confirmed by histopathologic examination. Adrenalectomies were performed laparoscopically in 14 cases (93.3%): in nine by the retroperitoneal posterior mode and in five by the transperitoneal lateral approach.
Results: Molecular-genetic examination of VHL, RET, SDHB, SDHC and SDHD genes revealed inherited predisposition for PHEO in three of 15 patients (20%): RET mutations typical for MEN 2a in two patients and VHL mutation in one patient. Disturbances of the carbohydrate metabolism occurred in nine patients (60%). Ten patients (66%) reported paroxysmal symptoms. In all cases, with the exception of a von Hippel-Lindau patient, density of tumours exceeded 20 HU. In all studied patients, urine concentration of normetanephrines exceeded their normal range and greatly prevailed over metanephrines values, which were increased in six of them (40%).
Conclusions: Urine metoxycatecholamines and increased tissue density are sufficient in pheochromocytoma detection. However, taking into account clinical and supplemental biochemical data may be helpful in the diagnostic process. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a fully sufficient and safe method of pheochromocytoma excision. (Endokrynol Pol 2013; 64 (3): 192–196)

Abstract


Introduction: Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumour, but one of great clinical importance as a risk factor of malignancy, cardiovascular diseases and sudden death.
Material and methods: 15 consecutive patients (eight women and seven men) were hospitalised and submitted for adrenalectomy with pheochromocytoma confirmed by histopathologic examination. Adrenalectomies were performed laparoscopically in 14 cases (93.3%): in nine by the retroperitoneal posterior mode and in five by the transperitoneal lateral approach.
Results: Molecular-genetic examination of VHL, RET, SDHB, SDHC and SDHD genes revealed inherited predisposition for PHEO in three of 15 patients (20%): RET mutations typical for MEN 2a in two patients and VHL mutation in one patient. Disturbances of the carbohydrate metabolism occurred in nine patients (60%). Ten patients (66%) reported paroxysmal symptoms. In all cases, with the exception of a von Hippel-Lindau patient, density of tumours exceeded 20 HU. In all studied patients, urine concentration of normetanephrines exceeded their normal range and greatly prevailed over metanephrines values, which were increased in six of them (40%).
Conclusions: Urine metoxycatecholamines and increased tissue density are sufficient in pheochromocytoma detection. However, taking into account clinical and supplemental biochemical data may be helpful in the diagnostic process. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a fully sufficient and safe method of pheochromocytoma excision. (Endokrynol Pol 2013; 64 (3): 192–196)
Get Citation

Keywords

metoxycatecholamines; adrenal tumour; tissue density; hypertension

About this article
Title

Pheochromocytoma — analysis of 15 consecutive cases from one centre

Journal

Endokrynologia Polska

Issue

Vol 64, No 3 (2013)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

192-196

Published online

2013-07-01

Page views

610

Article views/downloads

1814

Bibliographic record

Endokrynol Pol 2013;64(3):192-196.

Keywords

metoxycatecholamines
adrenal tumour
tissue density
hypertension

Authors

Janusz Myśliwiec
Katarzyna Siewko
Łukasz Żukowski
Piotr Myśliwiec
Maria Kościuszk
Anna Popławska
Małgorzata Szelachowska
Jacek Dadan
Maria Górska

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