Abstract

SANCHEZ-TURCIOS, Reinaldo Alberto. Pheochromocytomas: diagnosis and treatment. Rev. Mex. Cardiol [online]. 2015, vol.26, n.3, pp.118-124. ISSN 0188-2198.

Pheochromocytomas are neoplasms that have their origin in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. 80 to 90% of these are located in one of the adrenal glandules. This pathology is characterized by multiple symptoms that constitute a complex, heterogeneous clinical frame with a high rate of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The main secretion is catecholamine metabolites: metanephrine and normetanephrine. Diagnosis is carried out by determining free metanephrines in plasma (not conjugated) and fractioned metanephrines in 24-hour urine collection. Its location through different image procedures is fundamental. Preoperative treatment is initiated with a adrenergic antagonist and by adding, after a week, b adrenergic antagonists. Trans-operative treatment requires a multidisciplinary team of medical experts. This treatment is of vital importance and depends on the size and existence of metastasis. In some cases, adrenal retroperitoneal laparoscopy is preferred. However, an anterior approach is used when the tumor is > 6 cm, but other physicians have considered a 6 cm to 15 cm size. Transoperative follow up is a vital procedure for the patient. Paragangliomas are extra-adrenal ganglia pheochromocytomas.

Keywords : Pheochromocytoma; catecholamine metabolites; surgical treatment.