[Adrenal medullary phaeochromocytoma and adrenal medullary hyperplasia]

From 1979 to 1989, 8 cases of adrenal medullary phaeochromocytoma (AMP) and 6 cases of adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) were treated surgically. We reviewed the two groups of patients, and the results suggested that though the patients of AMP are similar to those of AMH in clinical symptoms and signs, AMP and AMH are virtually two different diseases of the adrenal medulla. CT and echography are helpful in distinguishing AMP from AMH, but the determination of the two diseases depends on the histological findings. The diagnostic criterion of pathology for AMP and AMH, as well as the treatment of the two diseases are discussed.