[Asymptomatic pheochromocytoma: a report of three cases]

We present three cases of asymptomatic pheochromocytoma treated at Sumitomo Hospital. They had no hypertensive episode. The tumors of Case 1 and Case 3 were incidentally detected by abdominal ultrasonography at the Health Screening Center of Sumitomo Hospital. The tumor of Case 2 was incidentally detected by abdominal ultrasonography in the health examination of his company. Case 1. A 49-year-old male was hospitalized in Apr. 1992 because of further examination of a right adrenal mass. He underwent right adrenalectomy and its histological examination revealed pheochromocytoma. Case 2. A 45-year-old male was referred to our department for further examination of a left adrenal mass in Aug. 1993. On admission, endocrinological examination was almost normal. He underwent surgical removal of the tumor and its histological examination revealed pheochromocytoma. During the operation, blood pressure and pulse rate were almost unchanged. Case 3. A 51-year-old female was hospitalized in Oct. 1993 because of further examination of a left retroperitoneal mass. She underwent surgical removal of the tumor and its histological examination showed paraganglioma.