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[Pheochromocytoma in children. Two case reports].
H Zerhouni1, N Kaddouri, M Abdelhak
1Clinique chirurgicale infantile A, hôpital d'enfants, CHU Ibn Sina, Rabat, Maroc. hzerhouni@hotmail.com
Annales D'Urologie
|April 24, 2002
Summary
Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of severe hypertension in children. Early diagnosis and surgical removal of these adrenal tumors can normalize blood pressure in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Severe sustained hypertension is rare in children, with endocrine causes accounting for only 2% of cases.
- Pheochromocytoma, a catecholamine-secreting tumor, is an exceedingly rare cause of severe hypertension in the pediatric population.
Observation:
- Two 12-year-old boys presented with sustained hypertension, headache, sweating, and visual blurring.
- Diagnostic evaluation revealed elevated 24-hour urinary catecholamines and unilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma confirmed by ultrasonography and computed tomography.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the adrenal pheochromocytoma was performed using a transverse transperitoneal approach.
- Post-operative normalization of blood pressure was observed in both patients, indicating successful tumor removal.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion for pheochromocytoma in children presenting with severe hypertension.
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention in managing pediatric pheochromocytoma.
- Emphasizes the need for awareness of the clinical spectrum of pheochromocytoma to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.