Case Report
Epinephrine-secreting Pheochromocytoma in a Normotensive Woman with Adrenal Incidentaloma
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that produce, metabolize, and usually secrete catecholamines. Although hypertension is a common presenting feature of pheochromocytoma, the tumors occur (or are present) in only 0.1% of patients with hypertension. The variability of symptoms and rarity of occurrence render these tumors difficult to diagnose; many are discovered incidentally during radiological examination or at autopsy. A patient is presented with a pheochromocytoma that was discovered incidentally when she presented with abdominal pain and a normal blood pressure.
Key Points
* Every adrenal incidentaloma should be screened for pheochromocytoma since it can account for up to 20% of cases.
* The hypertension that accompanies pheochromocytoma has generally been ascribed to the excessive circulating catecholamines released from the tumor.
* Epinephrine producing pheochromocytoma is more often asymptomatic.
This content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.