Interní Med. 2007; 9(1): 36-38

PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

MUDr. Tomáš Zelinka

III. interní klinika VFN a 1. LF UK, Praha, Centrum pro výzkum, diagnostiku a terapii arteriální hypertenze

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours with very variable clinical presentations for which are typical paroxysmal complaints – headache, sweating, palpitations and hypertension. Its proper diagnosis is crucial because potential missing of the diagnosis could have fatal consequences for the patient. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is made by the finding of elevated levels of catecholamines or their metabolites which is then followed by imaging and functional studies. For successful tumour removal, medical pre-treatment by an alfa-receptor blocker is necessary. After the tumour removal, patients with pheochromocytoma should be followed because of the possible tumour recurrence. Pheochromocytomas often present as a part of genetic syndromes and sometimes as their first manifestation. Genetic counselling should be offered to each patient with apparently sporadic pheochromocytoma. Malignant pheochromocytomas represent a great therapeutic dilemma for which optimal therapy has not been available until now.

Keywords: Key words: pheochromocytoma, hypertension.

Published: January 1, 2007  Show citation