Symptomatic Pheochromocytoma: A Risk Model

Background/Objectives: Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) is increasingly detected incidentally or through genetic screening; however, predictors of symptomatic presentation and its perioperative impact remain unclear. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of symptomatic PHEO, identify associated factors, compare perioperative outcomes, and develop a predictive nomogram. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed and/or operated on for PHEO at a tertiary referral center between 1984 and 2021. Associations with symptomatic presentation were assessed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A nomogram was constructed based on independent predictors and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results: Among 173 patients (mean age 44.4 ± 15.8 years; 53.2% women), 67.1% were symptomatic. In multivariable analysis, male sex (odds ratio [OR] 0.33; p = 0.023) and the presence of a germline mutation (OR 0.15; p = 0.004) were associated with a lower likelihood of symptoms, whereas a noradrenergic secretion profile was associated with a higher likelihood (OR 12.73; p = 0.02). Symptomatic patients had higher rates of intraoperative (OR 2.60; p = 0.032) and postoperative complications (OR 3.09; p = 0.04). The nomogram incorporating sex, genetic status, and noradrenergic profile demonstrated moderate discrimination (AUC 0.799; 95% confidence interval 0.722-0.877; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Symptomatic PHEO is associated with sex, genetic status, and noradrenergic secretion profile and is linked to increased perioperative morbidity. A simple nomogram based on readily available variables may help estimate individual risk and support perioperative management.