Pheochromocytoma

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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
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Published on: September 15, 2017

T McCurry1, D E Bybee, G Skaggs

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. 40292, USA.

The Journal of the Kentucky Medical Association
|January 31, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Surgical hypertension causes are rare but critical. Pheochromocytoma, though uncommon, causes dramatic episodes and requires physician consideration for diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • Hypertension amenable to surgical intervention represents a small but significant patient subset.
  • Common causes include coarctation of the aorta, adrenal tumors, and renal blood flow issues.
  • Pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenal tumor causing severe hypertension.

Observation:

  • Presents three case histories of patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma.
  • Highlights key clinical features and diagnostic challenges associated with pheochromocytoma.
  • Emphasizes the infrequent consideration of this diagnosis in clinical practice.

Findings:

  • Pheochromocytoma, despite its rarity (1 in a million), can manifest with severe hypertensive episodes.
  • Diagnostic evaluation is crucial for identifying this treatable cause of hypertension.
  • Early recognition and appropriate management are vital for patient outcomes.

Implications:

  • Increased physician awareness of pheochromocytoma is necessary for timely diagnosis.
  • Surgical intervention can be curative for specific causes of secondary hypertension.
  • Understanding these rare causes improves the comprehensive management of hypertensive patients.

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