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[Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma during childhood and adolescence]
André Lollert1, Matthias Miederer2, Alexandra Russo3
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Sektion Kinderradiologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland. andre.lollert@unimedizin-mainz.de.
Background:
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma belong to the group of rare catecholamine-producing tumours during childhood and adolescence. They occur most frequently in patients with tumour predisposition syndromes. Imaging is essential to assess tumour stage and to plan therapy initiation.
Objective:
The aim of this review is a summary of the most important characteristics of the aforementioned tumour entities with a special focus on imaging. In particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as nuclear medicine techniques are presented.
Materials And Methods:
Diagnostic methods in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are presented based on the literature and own case reports.
Results:
The radiologic modality of choice for the staging of catecholamine-producing tumours during childhood and adolescence is MRI, due to the lack of ionizing radiation and high soft tissue contrast. In addition, 123-I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy and positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) are performed. Whole-body MRI is particularly important as a screening tool in patients with a tumour predisposition syndrome.
Conclusions:
Radiologic imaging and nuclear medicine techniques are important for the assessment of disease stage and therapy planning in patients with catecholamine-producing tumours. Detection of metastatic disease is essential, as there are no known histopathologic markers, which can predict the metastatic potential of the tumours.
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