Incidentally discovered pheochromocytoma in long-term hemodialysis patients

Two cases of pheochromocytoma incidentally discovered in long-term hemodialysis patients are reported. Case 1 was a 47-year-old-man who had been receiving hemodialysis for 18 years. Case 2 was a 33-year-old woman who had been receiving hemodialysis for 12 years. Both cases were normotensive, and no specific symptoms suggesting pheochromocytoma were seen. Plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels were not elevated in both cases; however, the level of epinephrine (E) was double the normal range in Case 2. After surgery, plasma E level returned to the normal range in Case 2; however, the level of NE remained almost the same as the preoperative value in both cases. Plasma catecolamine levels in long-term hemodialysis patients with pheochromocytoma are reviewed in the present report, and the efficacy of imaging methods in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma are discussed.