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CLINICAL EVALUATION, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
Romana Marušić1, Tajana Turk1,2, Tatjana Bačun1,3
1School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.
Acta Clinica Croatica
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Pheochromocytomas are rare adrenal tumors causing diverse symptoms due to excess catecholamine secretion. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for survival, as delays can lead to severe cardiovascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from adrenal medulla chromaffin cells.
- Excessive catecholamine secretion causes varied symptoms like headaches, palpitations, and sweating.
- Diverse clinical presentation makes diagnosis challenging, leading to delayed identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the diagnostic challenges and management strategies for pheochromocytomas.
- To highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic confirmation involves measuring plasma and 24-hour urinary metanephrine and normetanephrine.
- Tumor localization utilizes computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and functional morphological examinations.
- Treatment is surgical, requiring careful preoperative preparation to mitigate risks.
Main Results:
- Pheochromocytomas present a diagnostic challenge due to varied symptoms.
- Effective diagnostic markers (metanephrines) and localization techniques are available.
- Surgical intervention with preoperative preparation is the standard treatment.
Conclusions:
- Timely diagnosis and management of pheochromocytomas are critical.
- Failure to recognize these tumors can result in high fatality rates due to catecholamine effects.
- Post-treatment monitoring is essential due to the potential for recurrence.
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