[Clinical observation of pheochromocytoma]

Eleven cases of pheochromocytoma observed at our department between 1976 and 1985 are presented. There were 5 males and 6 females and they were between 18 and 59 years old. The site of the tumor was in the right adrenal in 4 cases, left adrenal in 3 cases, bilateral adrenals in 2 cases and extra adrenal in 3 cases, 1 of which had multiple lesions and involvement of the right adrenal. Clinical symptoms observed were hypertension in 10 cases, headache in 7 cases, palpitation in 3 cases and nausea in 2 cases. Atypical adrenal pheochromocytoma was seen in 1 case. Definitive diagnosis was established by determination of urinary catecholamine levels in the 24-hour sample. Urinary levels of catecholamine revealed higher adrenaline levels for paroxysmal type and higher nor-adrenaline levels for extra-adrenal cases. For localization of tumors, computed tomography was most useful with a diagnostic rate of 100%, followed by ultrasonography and adrenal scan. As preoperative treatment, blood transfusion and administration of adrenergic blocking agents were performed in 9 cases. In all but 2 cases, hypertension was improved and no recurrence was seen after the operation.