Extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma in a resource poor setting: A case report

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare catecholamine-secreting tumors.
• These tumors can cause secondary hypertension and life-threatening hypertensive crises.
• Extra-adrenal tumors (paragangliomas) often occur in the abdomen.

Observation:

• A case of an adult male with an intra-abdominal extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma (paraganglioma) adjacent to the bladder is presented.
• The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with excessive catecholamine secretion.
• Imaging revealed a significant mass surrounding the bladder.

Findings:

• The patient was treated with alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers for medical management.
• Despite medical therapy, the patient declined surgical tumor removal.
• The patient ultimately succumbed to an acute hypertensive crisis, underscoring the life-threatening potential of these tumors.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention for extra-adrenal phaeochromocytomas (paragangliomas).
• It highlights the limitations of medical management alone in preventing catastrophic outcomes like hypertensive crisis.
• The findings emphasize the need for patient education and adherence to treatment plans for optimal outcomes in managing these rare tumors.