Nine Pheochromocytomas in the Same Patient

Abstract

A 37-year-old man presented with hypertension and elevated urine catecholamine. Ultrasound scanning revealed a solid tumour of the right adrenal gland and two solid tumours in the retroperitoneum. The findings were confirmed with computed tomography and abdominal angiography. At surgery only the tumour of the right adrenal gland was removed. The histopathologic diagnosis was pheochromocytoma. Postoperatively the symptoms and biochemistry were unchanged and the patient was referred for further treatment. At ultrasonography and abdominal aortography 6 remaining tumours were demonstrated. Surgery was performed and 8 pheochromocytomas were extirpated (3 were closely spaced small tumours in a conglomerate corresponding to one of the visualized tumour sites). On histopathologic examination no signs of invasive growth were found. The patient recovered completely. The blood pressure was still normal 2 1/2 years later. Angiography and non-invasive examination of the entire abdomen and pelvis should be routine when pheochromocytomas are searched for.