PMID: 11899980Mar 20, 2002Paper

Modern imaging methods and preoperative management of pheochromocytoma: review of the literature and case report

Archivos españoles de urología
A B PocaroC Tallarigo

Abstract

To discuss the modern imaging techniques and preoperative management of pheochromocytoma and to report on one additional case. A 66-year-old male with an incidentally discovered left adrenal mass is described. The adrenal medulla strongly accumulate 131 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG). The patient underwent left adrenalectomy after preoperative therapy with alpha and beta-blockers. The recent literature on pheochromocytoma modern imaging techniques and preoperative management is reviewed. MIBG scintigraphy diagnosed a benign functioning adrenal pheochromocytoma, allowing preoperative medical management. Postoperative workup was unremarkable. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed by immunohistopathology. At 18 months follow-up, the patient is alive and disease-free. Incidentally discovered adrenal masses have to be investigated to detect malignancy and subtle hormonal overproduction. MIBG scintigraphy has a high specificity (100%) in detecting pheochromocytoma, metastasis, surgical residual tumor, local relapse and other adrenal crest tumors. Positive results of octreotide scintigraphy in detecting malignant pheochromocytoma have been reported. Currently, pheochromocytoma removal is a safe operation with mortality rates r...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythms, which can be either too fast or too slow. They can result from abnormalities of the initiation of an impulse or impulse conduction or a combination of both. Here is the latest research on arrhythmias.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly due to stroke and thromboembolism. Here is the latest research.

Antiarrhythmic Agents: Mechanisms of Action

Understanding the mechanism of action of antiarrhythmic agents is essential in developing new medications as treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is currently limited by the reduced availability of safe and effective drugs. Discover the latest research on Antiarrhythmic Agents: Mechanism of Action here.

Antihypertensive Agents: Mechanisms of Action

Antihypertensive drugs are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) which aims to prevent the complications of high blood pressure, such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Discover the latest research on antihypertensive drugs and their mechanism of action here.