Case 214: Adrenal pheochromocytoma with perirenal brown fat stimulation

History A 61-year-old woman with well-controlled diabetes presented with a 10-year history of hypertension, stifling sensation, and flushing. Her body mass index was 19.1 kg/m(2) (normal range, 18.5-25.0 kg/m(2)). She was being followed up for mild hypercalcemia (calcium level, 10.8 mg/dL [2.7 mmol/L]) (normal range, 8.5-10.5 mg/dL [2.12-2.62 mmol/L]) by the endocrinologist (S.J.M.), who decided to perform a technetium 99m sestamibi ((99m)Tc MIBI) parathyroid scan. The test showed an abnormal tracer deposit in the region of the clavicle and sternum; thus, unenhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) was performed. No mass was seen in the region of abnormality. In light of these findings, the patient underwent contrast material-enhanced (120 mL of iopromide, Ultravist 300; Schering, Berlin, Germany) thoracic abdominopelvic CT. There was no history of underlying malignancy, and the complete blood counts were normal. The axial and appendicular skeleton showed no sign of lesions.