Pheochromocytoma

Phaeochromocytoma is a catecholoamine-secreting tumour of the Chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, leading to high adrenaline. It presents with:

• Episodic hypertension

  • Is episodic as the adrenaline is secreted in bursts, therefore patients have periods of worsened symptoms, followed by more settled periods

• Headache, sweating, tachycardia

• Tremor

• Anxiety

This tumour is associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2).

Investigations

• Plasma metanephrines followed by urinary metanehprines

• Imaging

Management

• a-blocker e.g. phenoxybenzamine

• b-blocker given after adequate blockade is achieved to prevent hypertensive crises

• Surgery is the

  definitive management option