Asynchronous pheochromocytoma in childhood

A case of asynchronous pheochromocytoma in a 13-year-old boy is reported. Two years elapsed between excision of the right adrenal gland and the appearance of another tumour in the contralateral gland. Selective central venous sampling for plasma catecholamine measurement and adrenal phlebography were of diagnostic value. Excision of the tumour with partial adrenalectomy was the preferred surgical treatment in the remaining contralateral adrenal; no clinical or biochemical abnormalities were observed 2 years after removal of the second pheochromocytoma. This case stresses the importance of a closer follow-up in children for early detection of a second pheochromocytoma.