[Intrapericardial pheochromocytoma]

Intrapericardial pheochromocytomas are extremely rare tumors. Diagnosing and localizing them are very difficult tasks when using conventional methods used for adrenal pheochromocytoma. We present the case of a patient with a pheochromocytoma who had a CT scan of the thorax and abdomen performed, as well as 131I methaiodinebencilguanidin (131 I-MIBG) gammagraphy, with completely normal results. The tumor was localized in the mediastinal area using 123 I-MIBG and NMR. The tumor was found intrapericardial during the operation; it was fixed to the pulmonary artery and in close contact with the left atrial, as well as with the circumflex and aorta arteries. It was possible to carry out the resection without causing any damage to these structures.