Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a rare, potentially lethal cause of hypertension that is surgically reversible. Diagnosis may be difficult, because catecholamine release is often intermittent and the location of the lesion is variable. Management consists of blocking alpha-adrenergic stimulation preoperatively. This controls hypertension both before and during surgery. It also allows expansion of the intravascular volume, preventing postsurgical hypotension. Associated arrhythmias must also be controlled. After surgery, routine evaluation for tumor recurrence is essential.