Sensitivity of Diagnostic and Localization Tests for Pheochromocytoma in Clinical Practice

Abstract

PHEOCHROMOCYTOMAS arise from pheochromocytes, the primary cells of the adrenal medulla, which are also found in the paraganglia near the aorta and in the sympathetic nervous system ganglia. Most frequently, symptoms are present when large amounts of catecholamines enter the circulation, which can be triggered by changes in position, increased abdominal pressure, trauma, labor, anesthesia, surgery, stress, or the ingestion of certain drugs or foods.¹ Although pheochromocytomas are believed to account for fewer than 0.3% of all cases of hypertension, aggressive diagnostic and surgical intervention is recommended whenever a pheochromocytoma is suspected because the uncontrolled catecholamine release from the tumors can lead to malignant hypertension, cerebrovascular accidents, or myocardial infarction.^2,3