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Abstract:
The diagnosis "pheochromocytoma" is established by the evaluation of catecholamins and their metabolites in urine. Therapy consists in extirpation of the hormone producing tumor. Aim of he X-ray examination is the localization of the tumor before operation. 80% of the pheochromocytomata are located in the suprarenal glands. As there is the possibility of extraadrenal localization (20%) and of multicentric manifestation (11%) the X-ray examination must not be restricted to the suprarenal glands. More than 95% of all pheochromocytomata are well vascularized, therefore abdominal aortography is the best method to search for and localize these tumors. This invasive method necessitates close teamwork of the radiologist and a physician with great experience in this field. This is necessary for the preparation of the patient for aortography and also for the treatment of possible complications during aortography, which are specific for pheochromocytoma and which can be fatal.