Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Clinically unsuspected bilateral malignant pheochromocytoma
Manish Powari1, Logasundaram Rajesh, Kusum Joshi
1Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh-160 012.
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|September 22, 2007
Summary
Bilateral malignant pheochromocytoma is extremely rare, often presenting with labile hypertension. This case was clinically silent, highlighting unusual presentations of this rare adrenal tumor.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from chromaffin cells.
- Malignant pheochromocytomas are exceptionally uncommon, with bilateral occurrence being exceedingly rare.
- Labile hypertension is the typical clinical manifestation of pheochromocytomas.
Observation:
- This report details an extremely rare case of bilateral malignant pheochromocytoma.
- The tumor was clinically silent, presenting only with hypochondrium pain and mass.
- Histopathology revealed malignant features and hyaline globules, an unusual finding in malignant variants.
Findings:
- The bilateral malignant pheochromocytoma exhibited an atypical, clinically silent presentation.
- Histopathological analysis identified malignancy and hyaline globules.
- Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of neurosecretory granules within the tumor cells.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare presentations of pheochromocytoma, even in the absence of hypertension.
- The presence of hyaline globules in malignant pheochromocytoma warrants further investigation.
- Understanding the diverse clinical and histopathological spectrum of pheochromocytoma is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...