[Pheochromocytoma--rare and often undiagnosed condition]

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare but important cause of secondary hypertension that can prove fatal when undiagnosed. Several autopsy studies have reported that a large number of undiagnosed tumours occur during life. This review discusses the diagnostic guidelines for phaeochromocytoma. Factors such as hypertension, sustained or paroxysmal, in association with the most common symptoms of headache, sweating and palpitations, can be used to provide a suspicion of phaeochromocytoma. Although measures of plasma methoxylated catecholamines may provide a promising diagnostic method, the cornerstone for diagnosing phaeochromocytoma remains 24 h or overnight sampling of urinary free catecholamines and methoxylated catecholamines.