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Stromal amyloid in pheochromocytomas
M M Steinhoff1, S A Wells, K DeSchryver-Kecskemeti
1Department of Pathology, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO.
Human Pathology
|January 11, 1992
Summary
Amyloid deposits are common in adrenal pheochromocytomas, found in 70% of cases. Recognizing this finding is crucial for pathologists to avoid diagnostic challenges with these neuroendocrine tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Amyloid deposition is observed in the stroma of various neuroendocrine tumors.
- Amyloid is typically associated with the production of polypeptide hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and extent of amyloid deposits in adrenal pheochromocytomas.
- To highlight the significance of amyloid detection for surgical pathologists.
Main Methods:
- Grading amyloid deposits in 23 adrenal pheochromocytomas from 18 patients using hematoxylin-eosin staining.
- Confirmation of amyloid using Congo red stain and polarization microscopy.
Main Results:
- Stromal amyloid was present in 14 out of 20 evaluable cases (70%).
- Abundant amyloid deposits were noted in two-thirds of the positive cases.
- Amyloid presence was not previously considered common in pheochromocytomas.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 70% of adrenal pheochromocytomas exhibit stromal amyloid deposits.
- Awareness of amyloid in pheochromocytomas is essential for accurate surgical pathology diagnosis.
- This finding may present diagnostic difficulties if not recognized.