Resection of Retroperitoneal Extra-Adrenal Pheochromocytoma: A Case Report

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine-producing tumors that arise from chromaffin cells outside the adrenal glands. We report on the case of a 62-year-old male who initially presented with upper respiratory tract symptoms and was found to have a suprapubic pelvic mass and an asymptomatic right inguinal hernia. The diagnostic evaluation involved an abdominal ultrasound, a CT scan, followed by an MRI, which revealed a well-marginated large mass whose characteristics indicated a retroperitoneal sarcoma. Upon successful surgical resection, the mass was found to be encapsulated and no peripheral structure invasion was present; the right inguinal hernia was repaired, and a double J-stent was placed. Histopathological examination revealed extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma. This case report sheds light on diagnostic and therapeutic challenges when dealing with extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas and the importance of considering them as a differential diagnosis when presented with a case of retroperitoneal mass.