New perspectives in pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas are tumors that arise from chromaffin cells. Although the majority occur in the adrenal gland, these tumors can be found anywhere from the neck to the base of the pelvis. This condition, which is the cause of hypertension in only a small percentage of patients, can be cured in approximately 90 per cent of cases but can be lethal if left untreated. Pheochromocytomas may be familial in 10 per cent of patients, and in such cases, they may be associated with a variety of other conditions. The authors review the biochemical and radiologic diagnosis of adrenal and extra-adrenal tumors and discuss the treatment, including the special problems of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy.