Accuracy of angiography in the localization of pheochromocytoma

An analysis of 20 patients who underwent angiographic localization of pheochromocytoma is presented. The tumors were localized accurately by arteriography in all 20 patients, by excretory urography in 4 of 13 and by computerized body tomography in 3 of 5. Venous sampling and venography were invaluable aids in the localization of pheochromocytomas in patients with postoperatively elevated catecholamine levels, or in the evaluation of recurrence or metastases. The tumors were extra-adrenal in 7 patients, bilateral in 4 and malignant in 5. The majority of these tumors occurred in women.